God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth be moved. . .Psalm 46

Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Good Shepherd,

Grace, Health, Peace, Protection, and Mercy to you and all of your loved ones from God our Father, from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and from our Counselor and Comforter the Holy Spirit.

Our congregation's highest priority, certainly in these days, is the health, safety, and well-being of our people, with particular concern for the most vulnerable. It is also our collective responsibility as Christians to be good neighbors and to do our part in protecting the social fabric upon which many lives depend.

While closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in Northern Virginia and the Washington area, and the most recent recommendations from civic and public health leaders, two directions are now clear: social distance is needed to disrupt the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus; and the populations most at risk are part of our congregation and surrounding communities. These leaders have also recommended taking proactive measures than reactive ones. Although no one has been infected in our congregation, and many congregations in the area will still be gathering for live worship this weekend, in consultation with Board of Servant Leaders Chairman Jamie Ellor and other church servant leaders, I am directing that worship services (including Sundays and Wednesdays), Sunday School, and other gatherings be suspended, effective tomorrow, March 14. We will reassess the situation in the weeks to come, and lift this suspension when the situation merits. The Preschool will continue to be in contact with its parents and communities, separately, about its status. Our servant leaders and volunteers who minister to vulnerable populations, such as those experiencing hunger or homelessness, will use discretion as they continue their work in mission. We will continue to reach out to civic partners so that we aid in the care of our communities.

Pastor Eric Peterson's sermon will be recorded (audio version) and be posted on our website. The adult Sunday School session materials will also be posted; we will include responses to the discussion questions. Sunday School teachers, Bible study leaders, Life Group leaders, Core Ministry leaders, and other conveners will use resources at their disposal to meet via videoconference, phone conference, and other digital and electronic means to conduct ongoing instruction, meetings, and gatherings.

As the days and weeks pass, we will continue to explore additional options for continuing the mission and ministry of our Lord, which never stops, and make resources and materials available. We will also be coming up with a plan to take us through this interim period and will share that with you. The plan will likely keep evolving over time, as the situations on the ground continue to emerge and develop. For now, the church offices will remain open, with church staff and volunteers exercising precautions and discretion. Small gatherings and team meetings will be conducted online or over teleconference.

We are painfully aware of the significance of this change and what it will mean for people all across our communities. We understand the spiritual and financial implications, the headaches and frustrations, and the disappointment that we, as a worshiping and fellowship community, will not be able to gather in person, for the interim.

However, we are equally aware of the responsibilities we have as people of faith who follow the One who came among us as One who served. Not only has our Lord bestowed upon us a moral, religious, and civic responsibility to take whatever steps necessary to aid our communities in stemming the spread of this virus, we exist in order to love and serve our neighbors. It is what faith communities do best in times of challenge.

To be sure, we will have situations or particular needs that arise that require attention or consideration, and we will meet those emerging circumstances, together. We are indeed in uncharted waters -- not just as a congregation, but as a region, country, and global human family. As Christ followers, these are the times for us to bend the knee in prayer, draw closer to God, and look to the Scriptures, all the more, where we can find comfort and reassurance:

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

Love, in Christ,

Pastor Johann