Shenandoah Update Mar. 26, 2020

Shenandoah District

Church of the Brethren

"We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all abounds toward each other... " (2 Thessalonians 1:3, NKJV).

March 26, 2020

Alternate Sunday Worship

Many Shenandoah District churches are streaming services online during this time of quarantine and social distancing. Some churches are posting on their church websites; some are broadcasting through Facebook, and others are using meeting software such as Zoom. Be sure to download the application needed to view services in the format the specific church is utilizing in advance of the service times, where applicable.

Access to Online Worship Services

The following congregations have online access to services:

Antioch | 8:30 a.m. on Sunday

Barren Ridge | 11 a.m. on Sunday

Beaver Creek | 11 a.m. on Sunday

Blue Ridge Chapel | 10:30 a.m. on Sunday | Bible Study

Bridgewater | 11 a.m. on Sunday

Calvary DVDs will be made available for members who do not have Internet.

Cedar Run |11 a.m. on Sunday

First Harrisonburg | 10:30 a.m. on Sunday and on Facebook

Forest Chapel | 10:50 Sunday; Bible Study | 7 p.m. Thursday

(Drop off tithes and offerings: Sun. 10:50 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and Thurs. 5-7 p.m.)

Gordonsville Chapel

Greenmount

Leake’s Chapel | 10 a.m. Sunday and on Facebook

Middle River | 6 p.m. Sunday

Mill Creek | 10 a.m. on Sunday

Montezuma

Mt. Zion-Linville | 9:45 a.m. on Sunday

Mtn. View Fellowship-McGaheysville | 10 a.m. on Sunday

Pleasant Valley

Staunton and or on website

Stone-Buena Vista | 10:45 a.m.

Summit and on Facebook

Wakemans Grove | 11 a.m.

White Hill | 10:45 a.m.

These are the congregations who have submitted information thus far. If your congregation wishes to be included, e-mail your info to John Jantzi at the District Office at johnjantzi@shencob.org .

The District website at www.shencob.org will maintain additions and corrections to this listing as they come into the office. Click here to see future online services directory updates.

A Note from John Jantzi

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

May God’s richest blessings be yours today.

Today’s Update will focus on District news and activities. Please note

the status of upcoming events as many have been canceled. Note also the links listed above for District congregations with an online presence on Sunday.

Serving Christ Together,

John Jantzi

District Executive Minister

District News

District Cancellations Announced

The following District activities and events have been canceled or rescheduled:

-Mar. 27-28/Apr. 3-4: Disaster Auction booklet pick-up dates have been canceled for now; further information will be announced as the restrictions are lifted by the governors for groups to congregate and in person church services resume.

-April 17-18: Calling the Called ; rescheduled for Apr. 16-17, 2021.

-Apr. 25: Spring Festival at Brethren Woods has been canceled.

Changes to Two District Events

For those wondering about the Spring Workday at Brethren Woods, Camp Director Doug Phillips encouraged people to get outside and join in, but to be safe. "The large Spring Workday is going to happen, but it will be over the course of many days," he said earlier today.

Doug explained, "We are modifying our plans for work days in order to comply with current COVID-19 orders..." and a list of the best practices they will employ follows:

Volunteers will be working outside on the Ash tree projects - cutting, chipping, clearing, and stacking wood.
Participants are asked to bring their own packed lunch and drinks. The camp will not be serving lunch, and volunteers will be eating outside and in separate areas, away from other persons in order to allow for social distancing.
Hand washing facilities and cleaning supplies to disinfect bathrooms will be available and used regularly.
There can only be 10 or fewer volunteers on the Brethren Woods property at one time.

Camp friends interested in helping will need to call Doug, schedule a day to come, and RSVP with the number of participants. If individuals or groups are planning to work this Sat., Mar. 28, the camp needs to know as soon as possible. Contact the camp at 269-2741.

Doug emphasized, "We are grateful for all of the support of our friends in the Shenandoah District. All of us are in uncharted territory in many ways, but we know that God will bring beauty 'Out of the Ashes.'"

In other news, Disaster Auction Coordinating Committee Chair Catherine Lantz said yesterday that the May 15-16 Disaster Auction and Sale is under review for 2020. A final decision regarding whether or not to hold this year's auction will be made within the first two weeks in April. Please check the website frequently for the updated status.

Early Registration Deadline for Camp Nears

Registration is open for all 2020 summer camp programs, and t he deadline for early registration is next Tues., Mar. 31 . By registering early, participants receive the highest discounted rate.

Families may register children in the face of the current coronavirus restrictions with confidence because the deposit and registration payment policies for 2020 have been modified in the following ways:

If a child’s summer camp program needs to be canceled because of the COVID-19 virus based on Department of Health recommendations, local, state, or federal government regulations, or the decision of camp leadership (including the Director and Camp Doctor), any registration payments, including the full non-refundable/non-transferable deposit, will be refunded to the camper family or credited toward a future camp program, based on the preference of the family.
If a child is unable to attend summer camp because of the COVID-19 virus based on a written physician’s note, Department of Health recommendations, or local, state, or federal regulations, any registration payments, including the full non-refundable/non-transferable deposit, will be credited toward a future camp program, or the registration payments minus the non-refundable/non-transferable deposit will be refunded to the family, and the non-refundable/non-transferable deposit will be credited toward a future camp program, based on the preference of the family.

There is nothing to lose when choosing to enroll in activities at Brethren Woods this year. Register online at www.brethrenwoods.org or complete the print registration form available on the website and found inside summer camp brochures. For further questions or information, contact the camp at 269-2741.