GCPC COVID-19 RESPONSE

GCPC Session Decisions

Return to In-Person Worship, Sunday, August 23: After a careful process of discernment and discussion, the Session has chosen Sunday, August 23, for a return to in-person worship with COVID-19 protocols in place. The Session acknowledges some members and friends of the church will choose not to return to in-person worship at this time. With the current availability of Zoom and the radio broadcasts (and the soon-to-be installed video live-streaming system in the Sanctuary), the Session invites people to choose the worship option that best meets their particular needs.

Registration will be required for each in-person Sunday service for contact tracing. Following registration participants will receive a detailed description of protocols that include mask-wearing, social-distancing, and no congregational singing. If you have questions, contact Pastor Derek (804-514-4885), and either he or a member of the Session will respond to your concerns. The Session continues to review information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local officials to determine the best course of action for our particular congregation. If the situation changes regarding the pandemic, a return to worship may be delayed.

We will continue to broadcast our live service, on 590 AM and 97.7 FM, each Sunday morning at 10 AM. Bulletins for the service will be emailed to the congregation for their use during the service, which will consist of scripture reading, sermon, hymns and special music.

Other in-person church programs, such as rehearsals for all choirs, Wednesday Night Suppers, Wednesday Lenten Services, and programs such as Parents Night Out will continue to be on hold until further notice. The Church Office remains closed to in-person visits but is available virtually via phone and email.

Worship and Fellowship in the time of Coronavirus

These are unusual times to say the least! They are times none of us has ever experienced and we are unclear what the future holds. However, we want to assure you of the love and care of this congregation for one another. These are times when we can grow closer together and walk with each other through these unknown days.

Registration is now open for our Mid-Week Prayer Service! As the Session moves towards a gradual reopening of the church for activities and worship, they have approved a mid-week prayer service in the sanctuary on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. This 30-45 minute service will follow an evening prayer liturgy with scripture readings, prayers, silence, candles, and music. The Session hopes this mid-week opportunity will provide a low-risk, meaningful worship experience where you can connect with God in our sacred sanctuary, while also providing an opportunity to practice being together with social distancing protocols.

Participants will need to register online, with a maximum capacity of 50 individuals. Masks will be required. Following guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there will be no congregational singing at service; however, a soloist in the chancel might be present at each service. Members will be asked to enter and leave the sanctuary from the front steps. More detailed information regarding worship protocols will be provided following registration. Click HERE to register now.

We also have a variety of virtual options for Worship and Fellowship!

Click on our Worship Options page for more information about how to listen or watch our Worship events.

Click on our Fellowship Events page for more information about virtual Fellowship events.