It is hard to believe that it has been over six months, since we have been able to worship together in one space. I have missed seeing all of you greatly. Even though we have been live streaming the 11 am worship service on Facebook and posting the service on the website, it is not the same when we cannot see each other’s face.
The Virginia Annual Conference leadership has been very purposeful and diligent in the requirements for us to be able to worship together again. I am delighted to say that we are slowly coming back to in-person worship with a combined service at Rouzie’s Chapel. The safest place for you to worship is at home, and I encourage you to continue to view the on-line service, whenever possible. We will continue to live stream the 11 am worship service on Facebook from Beaverdam every Sunday as we have during this unprecedented time.
Beaverdam UMC and Rouzie’s Chapel UMC have been collaborating in their approach to worship since the beginning of the pandemic. The collaboration will continue as we move forward to gathering again for in-person worship. In-person worship will look and feel different from pre-COVID times. Soon you will be receiving information about the details of coming back to in-person worship. In the meantime, here are a few items that I would like to highlight as part of the requirements:
The service is one combined service at Rouzie's Chapel.
The service will start at 9:30 am.
Beaverdam is open ONLY for the team needed to live stream the 11 am service.
Masks must be worn at all times – no exceptions.
Proper 6-foot safe distancing must be followed (no personal contact)
You will be required to answer the questions on the Health Acknowledgement Form
No singing during worship
I know that the requirements may seem a little extreme, but we believe they are necessary in order to keep everyone as safe as possible. Keeping safe is one of the ways we can show our love for our neighbor. The requirements are here for only a season, but unfortunately, we do not know how long we will be in this season. This means that Advent and Christmas are going to be different this year. We are currently planning some new Christmas traditions that I hope you will find exciting.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Owen