A number of religious denominations in Virginia announced the cancellation of Sunday worship services statewide last week in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Local Baptist churches provided information about their response, as well.
In some cases the decisions to close have been made at the denominational level. Churches that govern themselves indepently are making various decisions.
A number of churches have announced their plans in the listings of services in the article that begins at the bottom of this page.
Some churches have offered online services. Bethel United Methodist Church at Onemo, for example, streamed a talk live on Sunday by the Rev. Yosub Namgung, who is also pastor of St. Matthew UMC at Peary..
Episcopal
Episcopal churches in Gloucester and Mathews cancelled on-site worship services for two weeks, from this past Sunday to next Sunday, March 22, in response to a directive from the Diocese of Virginia.
In a letter to parishes across the state, Bishop Susan E. Goff said that churches could remain open and church staff could go to work, but that there would be no physical gatherings for worship.
Coronavirus is now a pandemic, said Goff, “and we are responsible for one another, especially for the most vulnerable among us.” Mathematical models show the virus spreading exponentially, she said, and while the spread can’t be stopped, it can be slowed, helping to ensure that the health care system remains effective.
“Social distancing is our best means of slowing the spread,” she said, adding that the Diocese of Washington had made the same decision.
The diocese will be sharing resources with churches to enable virtual worship for churches of all sizes, she said. As the end of the two weeks approaches, a decision will be made about whether to suspend further services and activities.
Rector Sven vanBaars of Abingdon Episcopal Church at White Marsh said that the church’s vestry had decided to suspend all committee meetings, formation meetings, prayer groups, choir practices and Sunday school classes, in addition to the Sunday worship service.
Rector Gary Barker of Kingston Episcopal Parish in Mathews also suspended all worship and Sunday school services, weekday classes, and choir practices, and postponed Sunday’s Celtic service until April 2. He said the church’s pre-school program would follow public school guidelines.
Interim Rector Kathie Price of Ware Episcopal Church, Gloucester, said she would be sharing her sermon and readings via email, and she encourages parishioners to read them. She said she would not be discontinuing two classes of groups smaller than 20 people because the bishop had left those up to local discretion, and the participants expressed a desire to continue attending.
There has been no notification from the diocese yet about March 29 and April 5, which is Palm Sunday, said Price, so she is making tentative plans for services.
“To be cautious is the best agenda to cover everything we can think of to not compromise people’s health,” said Price.
Both Abingdon and Kingston said they would, as much as possible, provide worship opportunities online, and that local groups that use parish facilities may decide for themselves whether to go forward with their meetings, but will be asked to follow certain guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting the spaces.
Parish offices remain open, for now.
In her letter, Goff said that Episcopal churches had suspended public worship 100 years ago during the great flu epidemic.
“As it was then, these are extraordinary and unusual times,” she said. “They require extraordinary and unusual measures.”
The diocese will be sharing resources with churches to enable virtual worship for churches of all sizes, she said. As the end of the two weeks approaches, a decision will be made about whether to suspend further services and activities.
Methodist
The Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church issued a letter from Bishop Sharma D. Lewis on Friday, March 13, directing all Virginia Conference churches to cancel worship services for the March 15 and 22. The bishop also strongly urged churches to postpone any large gatherings they had planned.
“Public health officials have shared that with an abundance of caution we can help slow the spread of disease by practicing social distancing,” said Lewis.
She said there are tips on the conference website on how to livestream or record services, and she asked that people pray for “the most vulnerable in our communities as well as those suffering from COVID-19 and their families.” She asked for prayers for leaders and health-care professionals worldwide as they deal with the pandemic, and she urged people to use best practices when it comes to handwashing and avoiding touching the face.
The Rev. Dede Parrish of St. Paul and Beulah United Methodist churches in Mathews, said there would be no services, meetings, or dinners at the church through Sunday, March 22.
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons, has suspended all public gatherings of church members worldwide until further notice.
According to a press release from The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shared with the Gazette-Journal by Bishop Ed Reams of the church’s Gloucester Ward, the church “considered the counsel of local church leaders, government officials and medical professionals, and sought the Lord’s guidance” prior to making the decision.
The temporary suspension of services includes stake conferences, leadership conferences and other large gatherings, public worship services, including sacrament meetings, and branch, ward and stake activities.
Leaders were told to conduct essential leadership meetings via technology, and bishops were advised to counsel with their stake president to determine how to make the sacrament available to members at least once a month.
“We encourage members in their ministering efforts to care for one another,” stated the letter. “We should follow the Savior’s example to bless and lift others.”
Baptist
Union Baptist Church in Hayes cancelled all services for two weeks, til March 22. Pastor Jared Berry said he would livestream a message at 11 a.m. each Sunday on his Facebook page.
“Due to new information, the church has concluded that it would be unwise to continue doing services in a public setting, given the current environment,” said the pastor in a Facebook post.
Those who will need assistance if the virus situation gets worse should contact the church to be put on a list, said the post.
Gwynn’s Island Baptist Church had no plans to cancel services unless there were “real manifestations of a local problem.” Pastor Ed Jordan said in an email that the church isn’t a large gathering. He said a health note would go in the church’s bulletin asking people with a high fever to stay home and consult their doctors.
Shepherdsville Baptist Church at Ark postponed all church activities and gatherings, including Sunday services and Tuesday afternoon Bible studies, until further notice, said Betty Carter, head of the church’s Missionary Board. A post on the church’s website stated, “The health and safety of our members and community are a high priority for us.”
She said Sunday morning prayers and songs would be offered at 11 a.m. through the church’s conference call service. The number to call is 712-770-4112. The access code is 876749#.
First Baptist Church, Ordinary, suspended all group gatherings in the church, including worship service, until Palm Sunday on April 5 “rather than risk the health of our congregants.” The Rev. Ward Warren said as the situation unfolds, there may be updates and further action could be taken. Church members will receive emails about how to call in on conference calls for Bible study, he said.
A sign in front of Faith Baptist Church, Mathews, states that services will resume on Easter, April 12.
Roman Catholic
The Catholic Diocese of Richmond, which governs churches in central and southern Virginia, has suspended all masses until further notice. Confirmation liturgies are suspended, and all non-essential meetings are cancelled. All weddings and funerals should limit attendance to close family only. Pastoral care for the sick will continue.
The news came from Bishop Barry C. Knestout, who stated in a press release, “As shepherd, I must balance the health and well-being of the community, ensuring we are cooperating with the common good, with continuing with the mission of our church.” Knestout will livestream private celebration of Sunday masses for the foreseeable future.