PHASE 2 RE-OPENING

JUNE 5-TBD

Phase Two for parts of Virginia did not have additional allowances for religious organizations. Eased restrictions for the general public in this phase closely mirrored allowances granted to religious organizations during Phase One. 

As a result, there are no new allowances that will impact BR at this time.

PHASE 1 RE-OPENING DETAILS

UPDATE MAY 29-JUNE 5

At the end of May, parts of Virginia received guidelines to begin Phase One of re-opening. Religious organizations were granted allowance for more relaxed mandatory restrictions at that time, including the following:

• Resume gatherings at no more than 50 percent of the lowest occupancy of the room or facility, while maintaining six-feet of social distancing.
• Mark seating in six-foot increments, and only allow family members living in the same household, or individuals living in the same household to sit together.
• Encourage face coverings at all times while attending the service. (This was later changed to required)
• Restrict passing any items between attendees who are not family members living in the same household, or individuals living in the same household.
• Post signage at entrances and throughout building communicating CDC public health reminders about social distancing, gatherings, options for high-risk individuals, and reminding those that no one with fever symptoms or known exposure to COVID-19 should enter.

Many suggested best practices have been released as well related to gathering, cleaning, and operations, which have been reviewed by our health equity team, who is responsible for planning and implementation of re-opening guidelines and bet practices. 

UPDATE MARCH 31

Though things continue to change by the day there are still opportunities for us to BE the church in this time, and to love people right where we are. 

Pray with us at 9 am, noon, and 4 pm, wherever you are, intentionally for the following:

• For our neighbors, that God would give us opportunities to connect at a safe distance and point them to Jesus.
• For our friends and family, near and far to experience Jesus and find their peace in Him
• For our local leaders to make careful decisions and seek wise council. 
• For our president to be blessed, spirit filled, faithful, and wise as he intercedes for our nation.
• For our nation to experience an awakening. Pray for salvation, bold faith, life change, and for an army of believers to rise up and point people to Jesus.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

I John 5:14

Let’s pray BOLD prayers throughout this time!

REACH OUT:

During this time, people are more isolated than they have ever been. Because of that, they have to face themselves in ways they never have before. This can be really challenging and can bring things like depression, anxiety, anger, etc. up to the surface. So now more than ever, we need to be asking God how we can reach out to one another, check on each other, and encourage as much as possible. Use the tools that are available to us now: make phone calls, FaceTime, use online tools given to us. Whatever you can do, make the courageous step to reach out. It could save someone’s life!

UPDATE MARCH 18

While local missions will look different under current circumstances, there are opportunities for us to be a clear picture of God's love to our community. Social distancing is one of the best ways we can love others right now, as it is the number one strategy for containment. However, we do not want to isolate those who are in need in our immediate community. 

Here are a few ways you can be a light and live on mission in your immediate circle of influence:

Women's life, together with other men and women from our community are coming together to sew much-needed surgical masks for local health organizations, and first-responders. To help with this endeavor please contact cgeorge@blueridge.org to help provide the following:

• 100% cotton fabric
• Thread of any/all colors
• elastic (1/8-1/4 inch) or ribbon (1/4 inch)

Other ways to help:

• Pray for local, national, global leaders daily.
• Reach out to the elderly in your neighborhood. Offer to go shopping for them.
• Offer to babysit for parents who have to work.
• Pack a lunch for a child who may not have one.
• Write a letter to someone you know in a nursing home.
• Offer to help a child with their online homework through Facetime or another virtual meeting application.
• Go through the BR Kids daily handouts with your children or grandchildren.
• Serve your spouse by doing something special for them.
• Send a note of thankfulness to our hospital staff or first responders.

Here are a few trusted organizations that we can partner with to provide services and needs.

• Agape Center
• Blue Ridge Pregnancy Center
• Safe Families Contact: Missy Tuck 
• Give Blood: Make an appointment 
• Meals on Wheels 

We are praying and working to provide further support to the people and areas that need it most, and will keep this page updated as we can. 

If you have questions on how to get involved email Todd Foster at tfoster@blueridge.org, or call (434) 941-4537.

UPDATE MARCH 14 - 10:30 AM

Blue Ridge Family,

We appreciate everyone’s patience in this ever-evolving situation. On March 13 our governor called for the closing of all K-12 schools in Virginia, as well as the limitation of large gatherings. In praying over our response, God led us to Romans 13.

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1

The best way we can honor God, His appointed authority, and our community is to do the following:

• Cancel Sunday services, March 15 at both of our campuses. 
• Limit large gatherings to roughly 100 people, while exercising caution.
• Continue to broadcast Sunday services at 8:30 am and rebroadcast at 10:30 am & 12:30 pm at live.blueridge.org.

The strongest response to the atmosphere of fear surrounding this pandemic is to love our community, and to be the church instead of doing church. We are confident in the hope that we have in Jesus and believe this is an opportunity to share that hope with our neighbors and community.

We encourage you to host online watch parties or viewing parties in your home. Let’s together be a city on a hill.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14

We continue to pray for our nation and our leaders as they navigate difficult decisions and will prayerfully do our part to help protect and care for the most vulnerable.

We’ll see you online Sunday!

Pastor Woody Torrence

HOW YOU CAN PARTNER WITH US?

If you or anyone in your family are sick, please stay home and get well. You can watch our 8:30, 10:30 & 12:30 Sunday services online through the following channels:

•          YouTube.com/BlueRidgeCommunityChurch 
•          Live.BlueRidge.org
•          Facebook.com/BlueRidgeCommunityChurch

In place of giving in person, you can give online at BlueRidge.org/Give, or text your monetary amount and NL (New London) or BD (Bedford) to (434) 290-4483 to give.

Closely follow the direction of the Virginia Department of Health to lower the risk of respiratory germ spread, including COVID-19: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. 
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 
• Stay home when you are sick. 
• Avoid contact with sick people.

March 13 - 12:00 PM

Blue Ridge Family,

As COVID-19 has a growing impact on our nation and our world, we have to ask, “What is to be the response of the church; the people of God?” We are standing on faith in face of fear. Scripture instructs us to “fear not,” and it is the most repeated command in God’s Word.

Fear not, because God will strengthen you. Fear not, because God will help you. Fear not, because God will support you, and hold you up by His victorious right hand.

As you all know, here at Blue Ridge we pray first, then we respond. So, we continue to pray for those impacted by this global pandemic, and for our response. We will do our best to keep the safety of our community as a high priority and communicate scheduling changes as fast as possible.

With that said, Blue Ridge will continue to have groups, events, and care meetings, as well as our Sunday morning services through this weekend, and re-evaluate as needed. We will respond to this situation in line with our mission to help others follow Jesus.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Together, 

Pastor Woody Torrence