FPC's Response to Concerns of COVID 19 (Coronavirus)

May 13, 2020

The “RE-Opening” of First Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg

Each new week over the last couple months has invited a variety of emotions in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.  I think it is fair to say fear, sadness, anxiety, worry, anger, and frustration make the list, but perhaps some peace, relief and even gratitude do as well.  I do not know of one person who hasn’t been affected in some way.

As many of you are aware, updates on the phases to reopen have been issued by the Governor’s office and the latest includes an offering for churches to open at half capacity of the building beginning Friday, May 15.  At first glance, this might suggest that we would be able to open the doors of the sanctuary and host worship on Sunday, May 17.  However, this is not going to be the case.  We know you are ready and trust me when I say the church staff is ready as well.  However, to ensure we are taking the right steps, there are few things that must be considered above our readiness.  Your Worship and Music committee has met and discussed the following, with more to come from Session at the Stated Meeting Tuesday, May 19.

1.  Safety is our priority.  As the Governor has stated, “the disease is still among us.”  The care and concern of others is of the utmost importance and we do not want to invite anyone into a situation in which exposure could occur.

2.  Our sanctuary here at First Presbyterian holds 375.  Opening the doors at half capacity would allow for less than our average attendance on any given Sunday.  At this time, there are no other worship times scheduled to accommodate for more than half capacity.  This does not mean there will not be in future weeks.  The church is not in the business of turning anyone away and we do not feel it is right to tempt it due to space and the timing of arrival.

3.  We are ready ideally, but we are not able to be ready logistically.  There are many variables to consider before we can open the doors again and we are just not prepared at this time.  Things such as safety precautions, availability of disinfectant and hand sanitizer, screening process, virtual worship, singing, hymnals, bulletins, ushers and greeters, worship leadership, and seating arrangements top the list.  Answers to each of these will be determined soon but they are not yet defined.

It is hard but we are asking for your patience as we seek the most responsible way forward during this time.  Following the Stated Session Meeting this coming Tuesday, May 19, we will seek to provide an update on plans to “RE-Open” First Presbyterian Church.

Run the Race, Fight the Fight, Keep the Faith

Rev. Peter A. Thompson

Family and Friends of First Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg,
First Presbyterian Church plans to honor Executive Order #55 mandating a “stay-at-home” order until June 10. Although how we worship, fellowship and provide support may look differently during this time, they will still be given the same attention and passion we always have.

You may wonder how this new Executive Order changes what First Presbyterian has already been doing. In short, it only extends the time in which we are following the recommended social distancing guidelines.

All in-person activities, meetings and gatherings normally hosted at FPCLY are cancelled through June 10.
Worship will continue to be available on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on the radio (WLNI 105.9 FM) or Facebook Live. Bulletins can be viewed from our home page. The bulletin for each week will be made available the Friday before.

Access our website or follow our pages on Facebook/Instagram to receive up-to-date messages, devotionals, daily story-times and Bible scriptures during this time of social distancing.

Church offices and facilities will also remain closed until June 10. This includes both the Toddler and Weekday School playgrounds. Messages left on the church voicemail will continue to be checked/answered during this time.

If you have an emergency and need to talk with either Peter or Chad, please call them directly. Members Helping Members are also available through phone contact only.

Pastor on Call:

• Peter Thompson (336) 269-7270 or
  Chad McCain (617) 304-9802

Members Helping Members for April (phone only):

• Brenda Sanzone (434) 384-0416 / (434) 426-8025
• Persis Tinsley (434) 384-1547

Let us continue to pray for each other, our church, our community, the healthcare providers, front-line workers and our country during this difficult time. May we continue to turn to God for comfort, hope and strength. Remember you are not alone! We are in this together!

Church Offices will be closed for business Monday, March 30 through Friday, April 3.  Additionally, all in person spiritual growth, small group, children and youth, and worship activities for April 5 will be canceled.

Worship on Sunday, April 5 will ONLY be available on the radio (WLNI 105.9 FM) or Facebook Live.  Bulletins can be viewed from our home page. The bulletin will be made available the Friday before.

We have also canceled three Congregational Life events previously planned for April.

• Easter Egg Hunt
• Wednesday Night Fellowship, Musical Trio
• Spring Fling

Stay tuned daily on our Facebook and Instagram pages or this page for encouraging scripture, book readings from our staff, devotional resources, and connections to other FPC members!

We will share communication next week about any additional closures after April 5.

If you have an emergency and need to talk with either Peter or Chad, please call them directly.  Members Helping Members are also available through phone contact only.

Pastors on Call:

• Peter Thompson (336) 269-7270 or
• Chad McCain (617) 304-9802

 Members Helping Members for March (phone only):

• Jenny Osinga (434) 426-1675 and
• Rebecca Trexler (602) 359-6909

Members Helping Members for April (phone only):

• Brenda Sanzone (434)384-0416 / (434)426-8025
• Persis Tinsley (434)384-1547

May we continue to pray for each other, our church, our community, and country as we continue to walk through this interesting time together!  May we turn to our God for strength, hope, and peace! You are not in this alone!

Church Offices will be closed for business Friday, March 20 and Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27.  We will share additional communication next week about closures after March 29.

If you have an emergency and need to talk with either Peter or Chad, please call them directly.  Members Helping Members are also available through phone contact only.

Pastor on Call:

• Peter Thompson (336) 269-7270 or
• Chad McCain (617) 304-9802

 Members Helping Members for March (phone only):

• Jenny Osinga (434) 426-1675 and
• Rebecca Trexler (602) 359-6909

Worship on Sunday, March 22 and Sunday, March 29 will ONLY be available on the radio (WLNI 105.9 FM) or Facebook Live.  Bulletins can be viewed from our home page. The bulletin for each week will be made available the Friday before.

May we continue to pray for each other, our church, our community, and country as we continue to walk through this interesting time together!  May we turn to our God for strength, hope, and peace! You are not in this alone!

Until further communication, church offices will be open only for essential business matters on the following days and times:

Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to Noon and 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Essential Church business consists of:

• Financial Matters (Contributions, Gifts, Accounting)
• Facility Maintenance and Support
• One on One scheduled meetings with Pastoral and Program Staff

If you have anything that needs to be addressed during other hours, please call the church office (434-384-6231) to schedule. 

We are encouraging everyone to use phone, email, or snail mail as the primary form of communication during this time.  We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, but we are doing all we can to support and care for the health and wellness of this community during this most interesting time.

Update Three, March 16, 2020--Adjustments to Worship and Program Schedule THRU March 29

We come to you with another update on FPC's response to COVID-19 changes.  Government officials as well as church leaders from the General Assembly and Presbytery levels are cautioning all citizens to avoid activities involving potential exposure and contact that could facilitate viral transmission using the term social distancing.

To honor these requests, there are some adjustments to the way we do church and practice being a community of faith that need to be considered.  The following will be in effect through Sunday, March 29. 

• The Stated Session Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 17 has been cancelled.  All Session members stay tuned to email for electronic votes.

• Worship on Sundays, March 22 and 29 will be broadcast live on 105.9 FM WLNI and Facebook Live at 10:30 am.
  • Bulletins can be downloaded from the home page of the church website.
  • Coffee Café and Lemonade & Cookies are cancelled these two Sundays.

• All Spiritual Growth opportunities for all ages (preschool-adult), including all bible studies, book clubs, KidMin, and Youth Groups have been canceled through March 29. The staff will do our best to make devotional material and activities available here and through social media for those interested.

• All in-person committee meetings are canceled through March 29.  Committee chairs can determine if online meetings are necessary.

• Wednesday Lenten Prayer Services for March 18 and 25 have been cancelled.

• Chancel Ringers and Chancel Choir rehearsals for March 19 and 26 have been cancelled. 
  • In addition to this, the Lenten Choir Concert, This is Our Story, This is Our Song, presented by First Pres Presents, that was scheduled for Saturday, April 4^th has been rescheduled for this Fall. The date will be annouced at a later time.

• The FPC Weekday School, following Lynchburg City School guidelines, will be closed through Friday, March 27.
• Al Anon and Scouts determine their meeting schedules.  If you participate in either of these, please contact their leadership for updated scheduling.

• Pastoral Care and Visitations– Through Sunday, March 29, we will be suspending all personal visitations to Westminster Canterbury, the Summit, Bentley Commons, Valley View, the hospitals and personal homes until health concerns lessen.
  • The staff and Care and Nurture Committee will be making an effort to be in touch with as many folks as possible, particularly those who have been hospitalized recently, are facing or recuperating from surgery, or embracing the loss of a loved one.  
  • For all end of life events, we will work with families needing funerals or memorial services to help coordinate and support their needs in the best ways possible. Please contact us if you have any concerns or are aware of church members who are in need for some additional care and attention.
  • Please reach out to the church office by phone (434-384-6231) or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) if you need us.  We will see how we can provide support!
• Our monthly Westminster Canterbury Luncheon for March 26 is also cancelled.

• FPCLY Staff will maintain a regular working schedule Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm.

No decisions have been made for yet for the Easter Egg Hunt & Activities on April 4^th, Holy Week Worship opportunities April 9 through 12, or other April events.  We will be assessing the situation carefully and plan to keep everyone posted as decisions are made.

To read the full letter from Pastor Peter Thompson follow this link.

During this time, we will continue to evaluate the situation and adjust accordingly.  Please stay tuned to all forms of communication: email, Facebook, Instagram, church website, and office voicemail.

Update Two, March 12, 2020--Adjustments to Program and Worship Schedule for Sunday, March 15

This morning, our staff had further discussion and conversation around the coronavirus and our community.  We feel it is important to be as proactive to the spread of COVID-19 as possible.  As a result, the staff of FPCLY has decided to take an extra precautionary step to limit social gatherings for this weekend (Thursday, March 12-Sunday, March 15) and reevaluate future gatherings starting Monday of next week.  Please note below the necessary changes for this weekend:

• Worship on Sunday, March 15 at 10:30 am WILL be open for all who feel well and would like a place to come worship.  Greeters will be at the door to inform and invite extreme hygiene practices for all attending.  Nursery will be available beginning at 10:15 am for parents who plan to attend.  All our classrooms have been cleaned very well and the Nursery staff will see to further cleaning throughout the morning Sunday.
  • We are grateful for the opportunity to also worship through the Live Radio Broadcast on 105.9 FM WLNI at 10:30 am Sunday morning.  Therefore, if you are not feeling well or have been traveling lately, we would like to encourage you to stay home and worship with us on the radio.  A bulletin to follow along can be found on the home page of our website.
• All program gatherings through the weekend have been postponed or cancelled. This includes:
  • Chancel Choir Rehearsal for tonight, March 12 (Including Soprano and Tenor Sectionals)
  • Chancel Choir participation for Sunday, March 15
  • Coffee Café for Sunday, March 15
  • Spiritual Growth Classes for all ages (Faith Mountain to Adult) for Sunday, March 15
  • Lemonade and Cookies for Sunday, March 15
  • PW Sister Stories (Lunch and Program) for Sunday, March 15 (postponed)
  • KidMin for Sunday Night, March 15
  • Walk with God for Sunday Night, March 15
  • MS and HS Youth Group for Sunday, March 15

Our staff will continue to dialogue and provide updates.  Further conversation will take place Tuesday night at the Stated Session Meeting and we will be prepared to discuss a more in-depth plan moving forward at that time.

Follow this link to read the complete update letter from Pastor Peter Thompson.

Please continue to check back here, to our social media platforms (Facebook and Instagram), or call the church if you have questions.

Update One, March 11, 2020--Four actions FPC staff have implemented to enhance healthy worship practices

As concerns grow around the coronavirus (COVID-19), we want you to know that the health and wellness of our community (church members, visitors, Weekday School families, Scouts, and other outside groups) are important to us.  We are taking appropriate health & hygiene caution and care in regards to the facilities, programs, and worship. 

Here is a link to a letter from Pastor Peter Thompson and our staff that speaks to our current approach and efforts to reduce the spread and support the health and well being of our community.  Below you will find the four highlighted areas of effort we are currently taking.

1. Hand sanitizer will be provided and located at all major entrances and gathering spaces of First Presbyterian’s facility: Church Offices, FPC Weekday School/Nursery, Sanctuary, Officers’ Room, and Fellowship Hall. 
2. More vigilant cleaning – Our cleaning crew has been asked to provide increased diligence when cleaning restrooms, classrooms (including Nursery, Faith Mountain area, Worship Workshop and Gateway Rooms, Scout Room), church and school offices, and all other gathering spaces (Fellowship Hall, Officers’ Room “Coffee Café”, and Narthex “Lemonade and Cookies”). This will include all door handles and hard surfaces.
   • In addition to our cleaning crew, we ask that all groups who use a classroom or gathering space, please wipe down all hard surfaces and door handles with disinfecting wipes.
3. Passing the Peace in worship is a particular concern at this time, so instead of shaking hands or embracing, we ask you to offer your verbal greeting (“May the peace of Christ be with you.”) accompanied by an elbow bump or smile.
4. Celebrating Communion – For the time being, we still plan to celebrate the sacrament of communion on April 5, 9 and 12.  Extra precautions will be taken in preparing the bread and juice and all those handling the elements in preparation and serving will be asked to wash hands and use hand sanitizer.  On April 5, we plan to celebrate pew communion, in which the bread and cup are passed in the pew.  Intinction has become a common practice for special services like Maundy Thursday (April 9) and Easter (April 12), but this year there will be some slight modifications.  As you come forward to receive communion, only the servers will touch the wafer and it will be placed in your palm.  After receiving the wafer, you will be offered an individual communion cup.  We invite everyone to participate in celebrating the sacrament of communion as you are led and feel comfortable.

We are continuing to monitor, assess, and evaluate in line with the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Virginia Department of Health, and Department of Social Services (DSS).  Please know if things need to adjust and/or change we will make the appropriate communications to reflect those.