Dear Members and Friends of St. Andrew,
We’ve all been watching the news and experiencing a variety of changes in our way of life due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including Governor Hogan’s declaration of a statewide public health emergency, which has closed schools and restricted gatherings, including religious events, to no more than 250 people at one time. As you may know, the Sunday ministry of St. Andrew far exceeds that number of attendees.
Therefore, in the interest of our congregation and the various communities in which we live and serve, all services, activities, and events at The Lutheran Church of St. Andrew are canceled beginning this Sunday, March 15, through next Saturday, March 21.
During the coming week, we will monitor the ever changing circumstances and provide updates whenever necessary. Our staff and congregational leaders will also be considering ways to re-configure our ministries in order to comply with any restrictions to our gatherings, maintain safe health practices, and still allow for services and other events to take place in the coming weeks. But for now, we lean on the side of abundant caution and care.
St. Andrew’s Preschool will also be closed for two weeks, and the upcoming Global Mission Team Soup Showdown is canceled. I invite you to visit our website and Facebook page for other announcements and resources to encourage our faith and life together throughout the coming week and beyond. Those who remain determined in love to worship God with tithes and offerings in support of the blessed work and many obligations of St. Andrew’s mission may do so through the mail or online at mystandrew.org/give.
These are unprecedented times requiring unusual actions for both the spiritual and physical health of our members and friends. As we walk by faith throughout these days, the one thing we know is that the steadfast love of God endures in the promise of our Lord. “In the world you have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world!” John 16:33
May our Gracious Lord bless us and make the dynamic ministry of St. Andrew a sign of resurrection hope in the midst of troubled times!
On behalf of Pastor Nick Gonzalez, our dedicated staff, and our congregational leaders, I wish you grace, peace, and great joy in Christ +
Mark A. Hricko
Pastor