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Coronavirus Action – Past Updates

(Update 5/15/21)

Blue Ridge Worship, Masks, and the Tent

To all the Saints of Blue Ridge,

I’ve been waiting a long time to give you this update, which is exciting news for our church and ministries!

From the very beginning, as the entire world sought to navigate how to address Covid-19, we as elders had to determine how to best lead this church, recognizing that there are differing opinions and interpretations on the guidelines that were being given to us.  We could not allow people’s responses and opinions to lead us to determine what we would do—we had to prayerfully go before the Lord and ask Him alone, seeking the direction that He provides us in His Word.

From that, we determined that we would “Submit …for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. For such is the will of God…” (1 Pet. 2:12-14.) In addition, we had to recognize that, “There is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God.”  (Rom 13:1)

We rejoice that we could continue to collectively worship and speak or teach from God’s Word during this time! While many of us had differing opinions on how that process should unfold, particularly with masks, His Word was the ultimate means for us to find His direction as a church body, and we sought to operate in that way.

Consistent with that direction, today the Governor’s newest order places the responsibility of masks upon the individual, and not upon the Church.  With this alteration, effective Sunday May 16 (tomorrow), we will not be placing signage requiring masks.

We recognize that for some people, this new change might make them uncomfortable.  In this time of transition, we are still going to have a 9:00 am indoor and 11:00am outdoor service on May 16 (of course, weather permitting.) The chairs inside will still be separated by 6’ of distance, and we will continue to livestream the 9:00 am service.  If you personally feel the need to wear a mask at either service, know that you are supported and encouraged to do so.  As Christian brothers and sisters, we want to honor God at this time by being charitable, flexible, understanding, and loving towards one another through this time of transition.

So, what does this mean regarding the tent fundraiser?  I’ll answer that tomorrow at the very beginning of the church service. Be sure to be on time to hear about it!

In Christ,
Pastor Jack

(Update 6/4/2020)

Pastor Jack … Unplugged 

Watch a final video of encouragement and explanation from Pastor Jack, as we head back to church this Sunday. He does a Sunday walkthrough our building & updates us on the family-friendly service style! Watch HERE >>

What’s happening the week of June 7: 

Opportunities to care

We want to be known as followers of Jesus who truly and tangibly care for our community. Especially during this time! Let’s continue to consider thoughtful, loving, and safe ways to care for those right around us. Work with your family, Life group, or other small group to share ideas and serve (from a distance)!

6/4/2020: We still need letters and cards mailed to nursing homes as part of the “From Me, To You” project. If you are able to donate a non-perishable food item for Tree of Life Ministries, drop it off at church Tues-Thur 10am-5pm. Our goal is to collect 100 items! 

Update: You all stepped up and ALL 5 foster families were claimed last week, so LoCo families will receive fosterCARE boxes soon!!

We’re continuing to update the specific needs and instructions for how we can be engaged right now in our local Western Loudoun community. Go to the page for more details and ideas what to do with these specific needs – individually, as a family, as a Life Group, or using them as reasons for prayer!

Thank you for those of you who are contacting these organizations, meeting needs, and praying!

Click here to see the “Opportunities to Care” list. Need more info? Watch Pastor Jack’s explanation. Email Brittany any questions.

 

Update (5/31/2020):

Returning to church on June 7 >>

Click HERE to read our guide for returning to church & RSVP and join us!

Livestream will be available at 9:30 & 11:00am, HERE.

Pastor Jack … Unplugged 

Weekly encouragement from Pastor Jack, watch HERE >>

What’s happening the week of May 31: 

  • Churchwide prayer via Zoom – Thursday/June 4, 8:00-9:00pm. Details HERE.
  • Returning to church on June 7 – Click HERE to read our guide for returning to church and RSVP to join us! 
  • Livestream services will be available at 9:30 & 11:00am, HERE.
  • All other in-person services and events cancelled until further notice. 
  • Stay in touch with your Life Group during this time! Need to join a Life Group? EMAIL the church office.
  • Youth Group – see Pastor David’s videos on YouTube HERE 

Opportunities to care

We want to be known as followers of Jesus who truly and tangibly care for our community. Especially during this time! Let’s continue to consider thoughtful, loving, and safe ways to care for those right around us. Work with your family, Life group, or other small group to share ideas and serve (from a distance)!

5/28/2020: This week, our goal is to get 35+ cards and letters mailed to nursing homes as part of the “From Me, To You” project. Check out these needs on the “Opportunities to Care” page for full details! Update: You all stepped up and ALL 5 foster families were claimed last week, so LoCo families will receive fosterCARE boxes soon!!

We’re continuing to update the specific needs and instructions for how we can be engaged right now in our local Western Loudoun community. Go to the page for more details and ideas what to do with these specific needs – individually, as a family, as a Life Group, or using them as reasons for prayer!

Thank you for those of you who are contacting these organizations, meeting needs, and praying!

Click here to see the “Opportunities to Care” list. Need more info? Watch Pastor Jack’s explanation. Email Brittany any questions.

 

(Update 5/28/2020)

Pastor Jack … Unplugged 

Weekly encouragement from Pastor Jack, watch HERE >>

What’s happening the week of May 31: 

  • Livestream service Sunday at 9:30am – simply click HERE  – we hope you’ll join us!!!
    (A recording of the livestream will be available following the service, with a delay.)
  • All other in-person services and events cancelled until further notice. 
  • Stay in touch with your Life Group during this time! Need to join a Life Group? EMAIL the church office
  • Youth Group – see Pastor David’s videos on YouTube HERE 

Opportunities to care

We want to be known as followers of Jesus who truly and tangibly care for our community. Especially during this time! Let’s continue to consider thoughtful, loving, and safe ways to care for those right around us. Work with your family, Life group, or other small group to share ideas and serve (from a distance)!

5/28/2020: We still need volunteers for 3 fosterCARE boxes for LoCo families. We also need letters and cards mailed to nursing homes as part of the “From Me, To You” project. Check out these needs on the “Opportunities to Care” page for full details! 

We’re continuing to update the specific needs and instructions for how we can be engaged right now in our local Western Loudoun community. Go to the page for more details and ideas what to do with these specific needs – individually, as a family, as a Life Group, or using them as reasons for prayer!

Thank you for those of you who are contacting these organizations, meeting needs, and praying!

Click here to see the “Opportunities to Care” list. Need more info? Watch Pastor Jack’s explanation. Email Brittany any questions.

 

Update (5/21/2020)

Pastor Jack … Unplugged 

Weekly encouragement from Pastor Jack, watch HERE >>

Listen in to hear from Pastor Jack on our plans for upcoming Sundays, May 24 and May 31. This Sunday/May 24, simply click HERE for our livestream service at 9:30am – we hope you’ll join us!!! (A recording of the livestream will be available following the service, with a delay.)

What’s happening the week of May 24: 

  • Livestream service at 9:30am – simply click HERE – we hope you’ll join us!!!
    (A recording of the livestream will be available following the service, with a delay.)
  • All in-person services and events cancelled until further notice. 
  • Stay in touch with your Life Group during this time! Need to join a Life Group? EMAIL the church office
  • Youth Group – see Pastor David’s videos on YouTube HERE 

Opportunities to care

We want to be known as followers of Jesus who truly and tangibly care for our community. Especially during this time! Let’s continue to consider thoughtful, loving, and safe ways to care for those right around us. Work with your family, Life group, or other small group to share ideas and serve (from a distance)!

5/21/2020: Specific need for fosterCARE boxes for LoCo families. Check the Fusion ministry needs on the “Opportunities to Care” page for details! 

We’re continuing to update the specific needs and instructions for how we can be engaged right now in our local Western Loudoun community. Go to the page for more details and ideas what to do with these specific needs – individually, as a family, as a Life Group, or using them as reasons for prayer!

Thank you for those of you who are contacting these organizations, meeting needs, and praying!

Click here to see the “Opportunities to Care” list. Need more info? Watch Pastor Jack’s explanation. Email Brittany any questions.

Update (5/14/2020)

Pastor Jack … Unplugged 

Weekly encouragement from Pastor Jack, watch HERE >>

What’s happening the week of May 17: 

  • All in-person services and events cancelled until further notice. 
  • Online services are posted on our homepage HERE each Sunday
  • Life Groups are meeting virtually and staying in touch. Need to join a Life Group? EMAIL the church office
  • Need some encouragement? Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled in Times Like These – Class recordings and slides are HERE
  • Youth Group – see Pastor David’s videos on YouTube HERE

Opportunities to care

We want to be known as followers of Jesus who truly and tangibly care for our community. Especially during this time! Let’s continue to consider thoughtful, loving, and safe ways to care for those right around us. Work with your family, Life group, or other small group to share ideas and serve (from a distance)!

5/7/2020: (Even more) opportunities to care for our community – 
Keep checking the “Opportunities to Care” page! We’re continuing to update the specific needs and instructions for how we can be engaged right now in our local Western Loudoun community. Go to the page for more details and ideas what to do with these specific needs – individually, as a family, as a Life Group, or using them as reasons for prayer!

Thank you for those of you who are contacting these organizations, meeting needs, and praying!

Click here to see the “Opportunities to Care” list. Need more info? Watch Pastor Jack’s explanation. Email Brittany any questions.

 

Update (5/7/2020):

Pastor Jack … Unplugged 

Weekly encouragement from Pastor Jack, watch HERE >> 

Opportunities to care

We want to be known as followers of Jesus who truly and tangibly care for our community. Especially during this time! Let’s continue to consider thoughtful, loving, and safe ways to care for those right around us. Work with your family, Life group, or other small group to share ideas and serve (from a distance)!

5/7/2020: (Even more) opportunities to care for our community – 
Keep checking the “Opportunities to Care” page! We’re continuing to update the specific needs and instructions for how we can be engaged right now in our local Western Loudoun community. Go to the page for more details and ideas what to do with these specific needs – individually, as a family, as a Life Group, or using them as reasons for prayer!

Thank you for those of you who are contacting these organizations, meeting needs, and praying!

Click here to see the “Opportunities to Care” list. Need more info? Watch Pastor Jack’s explanation. Email Brittany any questions.

What’s happening the week of May 10: 

  • All in-person services and events cancelled until further notice. 
  • Online services are posted on our homepage HERE each Sunday
  • Life Groups are meeting virtually and staying in touch. Need to join a Life Group? EMAIL the church office
  • Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled in Times Like These – Zoom class on Sundays 8pm, 4/26-5/17, click HERE
  • Youth Group – see Pastor David’s videos on YouTube HERE

 

(Update 4/30/2020)

Pastor Jack … Unplugged 

Weekly encouragement from Pastor Jack, watch HERE >> 

Opportunities to care

We want to be known as followers of Jesus who truly and tangibly care for our community. Especially during this time! Let’s continue to consider thoughtful, loving, and safe ways to care for those right around us. Work with your family, Life group, or other small group to share ideas and serve (from a distance)!

4/30/2020: Check out the “Opportunities to Care” page for updates that folks have reported back on specific needs in our community! 

Thank you for those of you who are contacting these organizations each week to get their up-to-date needs and how we as a church can be engaged right now in our local Western Loudoun community. 

Click here to see the Opportunities to Care” list. Need more info? Watch Pastor Jack’s explanation. Email Brittany any questions.

What’s happening the week of May 3: 

  • All in-person services and events cancelled until further notice. 
  • Online services are posted on our homepage HERE each Sunday
  • Life Groups are meeting virtually and staying in touch. Need to join a Life Group? EMAIL the church office
  • Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled in Times Like These – Zoom class on Sundays 8pm, 4/26-5/17, click HERE
  • Youth Group – see Pastor David’s videos on YouTube HERE 

 

Update (4/23/2020):

Opportunities to care 

We want to be known as followers of Jesus who truly and tangibly care for our community. Especially during this time! Let’s continue to consider thoughtful, loving, and safe ways to care for those right around us. Work with your family, Life group, or other small group to share ideas and serve (from a distance)!

4/23/2020: More liaisons needed! 

BRBC, this week we want to invite you to help us explore the tangible needs that exist right now in our local Western Loudoun community. Check out the “Opportunities to Care” page below for some updates that folks have reported back on needs in our community! More liaisons are needed though – are you willing and available to “own” one of the organizations we’ve identified? 

What does “owning” mean? You would: 1) Check info available online, 2) Contact someone at the organization, 3) Ask the best way for BRBCers to help them at this time – get specifics 4) Report back to your staff! 5) Repeat weekly for the next 4-6 weeks.

Click here to see the “Opportunities to Care” list. Can you “own” one? Watch Pastor Jack’s explanation. Email Brittany!

Pastor Jack … Unplugged 

Weekly encouragement from Pastor Jack, watch >> HERE

 

What’s happening the week of April 26: 

  • All in-person services and events cancelled until further notice. 
  • Online services are posted on our homepage HERE each Sunday
  • Life Groups are meeting virtually and staying in touch. Need to join a Life Group? EMAIL the church office
  • Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled in Times Like These – Zoom class on Sundays 8pm, 4/26-5/17, click HERE
  • Ladies Bible study meets via Zoom, info HERE (thru 5/5)
  • Youth Group – see Pastor David’s videos on YouTube HERE

 

Update (4/16/2020):

Opportunities to care 

We want to be known as followers of Jesus who truly and tangibly care for our community. Especially during this time! Let’s continue to consider thoughtful, loving, and safe ways to care for those right around us. Work with your family, Life group, or other small group to share ideas and serve (from a distance)!

Liaisons needed! 

BRBC, this week we want to invite you to help us explore (virtually) the tangible needs that exist right now in our local Western Loudoun community. Are you willing and available to “own” one of the organizations we’ve identified? 

What does “owning” mean? You would: 1) Check info available online, 2) Contact someone at the organization, 3) Ask the best way for BRBCers to help them at this time – get specifics 4) Report back to your church staff! 5) Repeat weekly for the next 4-6 weeks.

Click here to check out the “Opportunities to Care” list. Can you “own” one? Email Brittany.

 

Pastor Jack … Unplugged

Weekly encouragement from Pastor Jack, watch HERE

What looks like an obstacle may be an opportunity. These times are difficult, but we as a church—joining with other churches locally and the Church universal—are stepping into these unprecedented weeks looking for ways to care for ourselves, our families, our community. May we be the tangible representation of Jesus’ love to another!

What’s happening the week of April 19: 

  • All in-person services and events cancelled until further notice.
  • Online services are posted on our homepage HERE each Sunday
  • Life Groups are meeting virtually and staying in touch. Need to join a Life Group? EMAIL the church office
  • Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled in Times Like These – Zoom class on Sundays 8pm, starting April 26!
  • Ladies Bible study meets via Zoom, info HERE (thru 5/5)
  • Youth Group – see Pastor David’s videos on YouTube HERE

 

Update (4/9/2020):

Pastor Jack … Unplugged 

Daily devotionals w/ Pastor Jack

To help lead us in preparing our hearts for Easter, Pastor Jack is sending out daily devotionals through Sunday. The first devotional went out yesterday morning! Missed any or want to share them? You can find the daily Scripture reading and devos HERE.

Check back at that page for new devotionals each morning until Sunday & JOIN US for our online worship service Easter morning for a special time celebrating Jesus, our risen Savior!

What’s happening the week of April 12: 

  • All in-person services and events cancelled until further notice. 
  • Online services are posted on our homepage HERE <brbible.org> each Sunday
  • Life Groups are meeting virtually and staying in touch. Need to join a Life Group? EMAIL the church office
  • Ladies Bible study meets via Zoom, info HERE (thru 5/5)
  • Youth Group – see Pastor David’s videos on YouTube HERE

UPDATE (4/2/2020):

Pastor Jack … Unplugged 

Weekly encouragement and game plan from Pastor Jack, watch here >> https://youtu.be/wcby7dotW8A

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, which launches us into the week leading to Easter. We’re excited to come together next week–while being separate–in several special ways as a church family. Watch Jack’s video for more!

And plan to join us on Easter Sunday, April 12, for our online worship service and a special time together celebrating Jesus, our risen Savior!

What’s happening the week of April 5: 

  • All in-person services and events cancelled until further notice. 
  • Online services are posted on our homepage HERE each Sunday
  • Life Groups are meeting virtually and staying in touch. Need to join a Life Group? ">EMAIL the church office
  • Ladies Bible study meets via Zoom, info HERE (thru 5/5)
  • Youth Group – see Pastor David’s videos on YouTube HERE 

Update (3/26/2020):

Pastor Jack … Unplugged 

Weekly encouragement from Pastor Jack, watch HERE.

21 Yet I still dare to hope
    when I remember this:
22 The faithful love of the Lord never ends!
    His mercies never cease.
23 Great is his faithfulness;
    his mercies begin afresh each morning.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance;
    therefore, I will hope in him!”
25 The Lord is good to those who depend on him,
    to those who search for him.
26 So it is good to wait quietly
    for salvation from the Lord.

Lamentations 3 NLT

Past updates HERE

Cancellations for the week of March 29: 

    • No services Sunday/March 29 – pre-recorded service available HERE.
    • No Awana on on Sunday/March 29
    • No Life Groups during the week of March 29 – but stay in touch!
    • Ladies Bible study meets via Zoom on Tuesday/March 31
    • No Youth Group on Wednesday/April 1 – see Pastor David’s videos
    • No men’s breakfast on Saturday/April 4

Suggestions for ways to care

Consider thoughtful, loving, and safe ways to care for those around you. Work with your Life group or other small group to share ideas! 

  • Check in on at-risk neighbors, particularly those who are elderly. Offer to share or get groceries as possible. Offer to pray.
  • Tree of Life Ministries has been approved as Essential/Emergency Services to our community — help provide care through TOL by volunteering, giving financially, or donating food to the pantry. (See all details by clicking flyer.)

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  • Support at-risk children/foster families in Western Loudoun in prayer and in tangible ways HERE.
  • Pray intentionally for health care workers, first responders, and others serving our communities. Consider mailing them a note of encouragement! (Suggestions: your local family practice, Purcellville Fire & Rescue, Purcellville Police Department.) READ this article for inspiration.

More resources
Community resources >>

UPDATE (3/19/2020):

God has placed us all on quite the adventure this past week! All of a sudden, the things that we’ve been learning from the book of Isaiah are taking on a very practical aspect of how to live by faith when things around you aren’t normal.  Let’s remember that “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.” (Isa 26:3)

I’d like to explain how we’re going to approach these next few weeks and then give a pastoral exhortation. 

1)  We are not canceling things that are more than two weeks out …

2) Thursdays we will continue to release Ridge Notes, and I’m going to drop a weekly note and/or video to the congregation there …

3) The primary focus of our LIFE groups has always been that it would be a place where people can be known—and that has not changed.  They will be connecting virtually for now, though their focus might have to be more oriented towards shepherding and prayer. Some might have to meet in digital sub-segments rather than a large group …

4) Our Sunday services will be pre-recorded and made available early Sunday mornings …

How do we move forward as a congregation? Philippians 4:6-7 give us great direction …

Read Pastor Jack’s full letter HERE and watch his video of encouragement HERE.

Cancellations for the week of March 22: 

    • No services Sunday/March 22 – check back for link to online service on our homepage
    • No Awana on on Sunday/March 22
    • No Life Groups during the week of March 22 – but stay in touch!
    • Ladies Bible study meets via Zoom on Tuesday/March 24
    • No Youth Group on Wednesday/March 25
    • No men’s breakfast on Saturday/March 28 
    • No Spring workday on Saturday/March 28

Suggestions for ways to care

Consider thoughtful, loving, and safe ways to care for those around you. Work with your Life group or other small group to share ideas! Check in on at-risk neighbors, particularly those who are elderly. Offer to share or get groceries as possible. Offer to pray.

Here is a list of what the Tree of Life food pantry could use right now to help them specifically through the next week.
Drop off at the Tree of Life Center (210 N. 21st., Street, Unit D Purcellville, VA 20132), Monday – Friday: 9AM-2PM.

  • kids snacks – especially those packaged individually
  • coffee
  • regular black tea
  • potatoes
  • onions
  • pancake mix
  • shelf safe regular milk
  • canned fruit
  • 5# white sugar
  • 5# flour

UPDATE (3/14/2020):

After further consideration and prayer, the elders and pastors have decided to cancel the public services for this Sunday, March 15.  All ministry events are also temporarily suspended for at least the next week.

While the public services will be canceled, we will have a worship service and message pre-recorded, to be available online at 11am.  You are all invited to participate at the same time in heart, mind, and in prayer together—even if we cannot see one another!

We will continue to monitor the circumstances over the next few days to determine how we will proceed in the future.

Our President has declared March 15 as a National Day of Prayer. Let’s do so for our nation’s leaders, that they might have the Lord’s direction in the decisions that they must make in the days ahead.  Let’s also lift up our local civic leaders.  (You might even write them a short  note or email as an encouragement, letting them know how you are praying for them.)

Finally, let’s pray that the Lord would be glorified in how we trust Him through this global challenge. As we continue to walk by faith, unified in caring for our neighbors as well as one another, may all see God exalted by us in the way in which we conduct ourselves in grace, love, and an unwavering confidence in our sovereign Lord!

The Elders and Pastoral Staff of Blue Ridge

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”     John 16:33

Current cancellations – for the week of March 15

  • No services Sunday/ March 15 – link for online service: https://brbible.org/covering/
  • No Awana on on Sunday/March 15
  • No Life Groups during the week of March 15
  • No ladies Bible study on Tuesday/March 17
  • No Youth Group on Wednesday/March 18
  • The second Community Care Team meeting will be postponed to a later date TBD and will not occur on March 18.
  • No men’s breakfast on Saturday/March 21

UPDATE (3/12/2020):

Blue Ridge family,

As a congregation, our heart’s desire is to honor God, respect our authorities, keep the congregation as safe as we can, and think about the needs of others in our community compassionately. Your pastors and elders are actively trusting God through diligence, prayer, and the abundance of counsel as we carefully and continuously monitor the situation surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) along with other area churches.

After much discussion, we want to let you know our current action plan that affects our weekly schedule of activities, beginning this Sunday/March 15.

We will hold only one service on Sunday/March 15 at 11:00am. No childcare will be provided. Life Groups and Youth Group, as well as all other ministries, will continue on break and will not meet during the week of March 15. 

The sermon audio will be uploaded as usual to our sermon database available here following the service. We are currently working to provide the service via livestream in its entirety. Please check back on this webpage for a link if that is possible. 

In summary: 

  • Sunday/ March 15 – 1 service at 11am only – no childcare
  • No Awana on on Sunday/March 15
  • No Life Groups during the week of March 15
  • No ladies Bible study on Tuesday/March 17
  • No Youth Group on Wednesday/March 18
  • The second Community Care Team meeting will be postponed to a later date TBD and will not occur on March 18. 

Any further updates will be posted to this webpage and sent via Blue Ridge Connect as well. 

Finally, we ask that you all continue to endure in times of uncertainty and  trials. Join your elders in praying that our time of public worship, fellowship and service to others would not be impeded during this season. We seek wisdom and prudence in moving forward. We cannot and will not respond in fear! 

Finally, let’s take comfort in the words of our Lord:

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”     John 16:33