It's time! Time to gather once again in person. We are saddened that it cannot be like "the good 'ole days." We are grateful that we can come together for worship with Holy Communion even if it's not like we remember it.
For now, because we are learning as we go, the time for worship is 5 p.m. on Sundays. You will need to make reservations. And you might not get to sit where you always sat because of the required physical distancing and need to place people according to size of their group.
We are mandated by the Commonwealth of Virginia to adhere to certain rules in order to offer in-person, indoor worship. There are best practices as well, such as no singing in enclosed spaces. These were put in place to reduce the likelihood of transmission of the virus.
One of the requirements is that everyone wears a mask and maintain physical distance at all times. Also, if you have a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 or known exposure to a COVID-19 case in the prior 14 days, you may not join us for in-person indoor worship.
Online worship will continue "as is" with no changes. You will still be able to access it anytime during the week or during the livestream. Below are some FAQ's, including what you can expect and how to access the reservation system.
Why can't we join the 10 a.m. worship service?
After careful consideration, the leadership team determined that it was best to leave the on-line worship service "as is." We have established a "covid bubble" with the worship team. If we have others in with us, we would have to cease singing. Currently we receive on average 350 views per week from people across the nation and beyond.
Initially we have set the time at 5 p.m. so that we can be sure we have time to surface clean appropriately and to allow the room to "rest" for air exchange. As the days grow shorter, you can anticipate this time being moved earlier in the day.
What will the service be like?
It's going to look and feel different. Very different. All parts of the liturgy will be spoken. There will be no singing however the hymns will be played, either on the piano or recordings. The entire service will be on the screens. It will be shortened and include holy communion. The sermon will be a shortened version of the 10 a.m. service. All of this is done to minimize movement while worshiping. Passing of the peace will be "touchless." Offering will be collected in a plate in the narthex prior to the service.
What will communion be like?
All parts of the communion liturgy will be present and spoken. When you arrive, you will pick up a self-contained and sealed communion cup with grape juice and a wafer, which you will take with you to your seat. To maintain physical distancing, you will take communion at your seat in a "synchronous" style. Everyone will commune at the same time. At the end of the service, you'll be asked to dispose of your communion vessels in an appropriate container.
Will the 5 p.m. service be live-streamed?
Unfortunately, not at this time. It takes quite a bit to live-stream a service. We make it look easy but it is not and all of it is done by volunteers already working on the 10 a.m. service. Our current live-stream licenses don't allow for use of pre-recorded music, if we would choose to go that route.
I can't come to the 5 p.m. service. How can I receive communion?
Good news! Because we are now offering communion in the context of a worship service means that we can also offer home communion. Click here to sign up!
How do I make reservations to attend the 5 p.m. service?
There will be an on-line system to use. Currently we are offering 50 spaces. If we find that we fill those slots, then we will consider offering another worship service. Click here to sign up for worship!
What if I don't do "on-line" anything?
That's OK! You can call in to the office and we'll manually add you to the list for either worship or to receive home communion. Be sure to clearly state your name and the names of each immediate family member that will be attending with you. If you wish to receive home communion please provide a phone number with which you can be reached.
What time do I need to arrive?
We are asking everyone to be early if at all possible. We're not quite sure what to expect the first time out. We want to allow enough time for any glitches that we encounter.
When I get to RLC, then what do I do?
There will be people to greet and help direct you. There will be a video coming out at the end of next week that will give more details.
I want to talk with my friends afterward. How can that be done?
We want to talk with you, too! After the worship service, everyone will be invited to go outside onto the lawn for a snack and beverage. Again, wear your mask and maintain physical distance at all times.
We know that this a lot to digest. Remember these things:
Worship is 5 p.m. Be early if you can.
Stay home if you've are not feeling well or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19.
WEAR A MASK! Not for yourself, but for your neighbors. That's what Jesus would do!
Need more information? Questions? Concerns?
Contact Bill Huntington or Pastor Heidi Moore.