First Presbyterian Church of Winchester

Serving Christ and Neighbor in Winchester and Beyond since 1800

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You are here: Home / Coronavirus

Coronavirus

Updates


6/5 | Letter from Session and the Pastors – COVID-19 Update

Dear Friends in Christ:

We miss you and pray for you daily. May you sense God’s nearness, love, and grace.

Many of you may be thinking about when and how we will return to in-person worship. Initially, we used the Governor of Virginia’s Virginia Forward timeline as a benchmark by which to guide our decision making regarding the resumption of in-person worship as well as other activities. After further consideration, we have decided to make decisions for our congregation and community independently of the Virginia Forward timeline. We believe we know our congregation and community better than others. As you may be aware, there have been congregations who have resumed in-person worship, observed all the precautionary measures, and still became sources of an outbreak.

In a called meeting on May 27, we explored the values that we cherish that guide us in our decision making. Our primary value is love of God and love of neighbor as Jesus commanded in the gospels. The gospels tell us that unless we love our neighbor we cannot love God. Another value is the best medical and scientific information available to us.

We decided that resumption of indoor in-person worship and other in-person activities at present risks harming not only members of our congregation but members of the community at large and especially the most vulnerable members of our community, namely older adults and those with underlying health conditions. Also, in-person worship and other activities at present would exclude a significant portion of our congregation due to distancing requirements and the restrictions on the number of persons who can gather safely. Although information about COVID-19 is fluid and updated regularly, medical scientists tell us that there are two constants: COVID-19 is highly contagious and it is transmitted readily and easily in groups of people who are indoors together for prolonged periods of time.

We will resume indoor in-person worship and other activities on our campus when it is safe and reasonable to do so. Resuming in-person activities will require that we have in place all the proper measures to reduce the risk of infection as much as possible. We thank you for your prayers for us as we seek to be led by the Holy Spirit and one another’s counsel in this challenging time in not only our nation’s history but world history.

In an email thread and at our called meeting we explored why we have made this decision to be cautious. In the words of one of our elders, it’s because “We believe that all human life is important and we want to love and honor all persons and not put anyone at risk. We believe that God is at work in our current ministries and that we can continue to share the love of Christ and further Christ’s kingdom in ways that don’t necessitate us gathering in person until it is safe to do so. We believe that our seasonal ministry and this creative approach in collaboration with our church staff can offer opportunities for church participants to be involved and engaged. We believe that we can connect people to Christ and one another in all kinds of ways that are still unknown to us as we continue to pray and take God’s lead in finding God’s way.”

Until we can safely return to worshipping together in person there are many other ways to stay connected. Online worship is every Sunday at 11:00 a.m. at fpcwinc.org/virtual, facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchwinchester, and youtube.com/user/FirstPresWinc Each service is also available for viewing any time after it has premiered. Dan and Amanda post devotions daily on Facebook and the church website and lead Thursday evening prayer on our Facebook page. Amanda is leading a Sunday evening virtual Bible study. Annie is interacting with our youth twice weekly via Zoom. Todd is engaging our children and their families with regular faith formation activity packets and Zoom meetings. Our Seasonal Teams are exploring outdoor worship as well as outdoor service opportunities. We continue to check in with persons via telephone. Amanda is beginning a “driveway visit” ministry. Also, sermons are being mailed USPS to those who do not use email or the internet. To receive a mailed sermon, please call the church office at 662-3824. Please feel free to contact us about any matter at 540-662-3824 or fpcwinc.org/about/staff At present, our staff continues to telework to minimize the risk of infection. The staff checks its email and voicemail regularly.

As much as we would like to put the pandemic on our timeline, the best we can do is respond to its timeline and do so safely. Stay tuned for further updates.

God’s peace,

The Session

Dan McCoig, Pastor

Amanda Maguire Thomas, Associate Pastor


5/6 | Letter from Session and the Pastors on the resumption of worship

Original May 10 deadline on the suspension of on-campus church activities has been extended to abide by the Governor’s Executive Order 55.

Resumption of church activities will occur, with guidelines and limitations, the first Sunday of Phase II, when announced by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Read more and the details here.


5/5 |  CCAP Continues to meet Community Needs During the Pandemic

In mid-March, CCAP suspended service at their building and diverted deliveries to other pantries in the Winchester/Frederick County area. Since then, several drive-by food giveaways have taken place, but to date, the building remains closed for their normal services.

As you may have seen, the CCAP President, Frances Salmon has resigned her position to spend more time with her family. Frances had been spending 50 – 60 hours a week at CCAP in addition to her two other jobs. According to the CCAP Bylaws, the Vice President, Robin Russell has stepped in to fulfill the duties of the President. Robin is working with the Board of Directors and the Trustees (Representatives from each of the member Churches) to transition back to full services.

There are two distributions scheduled for the month of May. On Saturday, May 9 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, CCAP will hold a Community Food Distribution at the CCAP building. 300 – 400 Bags of food will be prepared in advance to give to anyone who needs food. They do not need to be CCAP clients.

On Saturday, May 16, CCAP will hold a Diaper Giveaway for CCAP clients only with more details available soon.

FPC CCAP Representative, Peggy Clark, has been working with Robin and members of the Board and other Trustees to clean, sort, reorganize, and brainstorm toward CCAP’s full opening. Lots of volunteers will be needed in the coming weeks to prepare for giveaways, and then ultimately to volunteer when the CCAP building is reopened. Please e-mail Peggy if you might be able to volunteer a few hours at CCAP. All volunteer opportunities will have a limited number of people in the building with masks required. Many other Churches are sending teams of people to help out, and we hope that First Presbyterian can form a core team that will help through the transition and beyond. Please e-mail Peggy Clark at friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net. Peggy will contact you as volunteer opportunities occur.

Getting Help – Contact United Way NSV


FOOD RESOURCES UPDATED 5/5 |  Original Post 3/27, 11:45am

Jubilee Kitchen is still on-going but at this time, no dine-in – TAKE AWAY MEALS ONLY

Jubilee Kitchen is held on Saturdays for guests at 11:30 a.m.

No photo description available.


3/24, 12:00pm

Crisis Hotline Numbers

In times like these, stress goes up, and if anyone needs to talk with someone, find a referral, etc., there are Hotlines in our area and nationwide.

Disaster Stress Hotline 800-985-5990
Northern Shenandoah Valley- concernhotline.org

Concern Hotline numbers:
CLARKE & FREDERICK COUNTIES, WINCHESTER CITY
540-667-0145
SHENANDOAH COUNTY
540-459-4742
PAGE COUNTY
540-743-3733
WARREN COUNTY
540-635-4357
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY – 855-222-2046
WEST VIRGINIA – 844-HELP4WV

3/17, 2:00pm

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. [Psalm 31:24]

Friends:

If it seems like you are getting a lot of emails from me, well, you are.  This pandemic in which we find ourselves is a fluid and ever-changing situation.  Initially, the CDC was asking organizations to not gather for the next two weeks.  Over the weekend, they issued a new recommendation asking organizations not to gather for the next months.

After prayer and thoughtful deliberation and with deep regret but a sense that we are doing the right thing, our elected leadership, the Session has acted to suspend all church activities through May 10 in order to comply with the newest CDC recommendation as well as an act of Christian love towards neighbors.  The goal is to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and not overwhelm our health care system with new infections.  Halting the spread of the coronavirus requires a community effort.  If new information arises that allows us to resume gathering in person, we will rescind this action and resume in-person gatherings.

Over the course of the next two months, we may be separated physically from one another but not spiritually.  We are still the church and will remain the church.  God has yet more for us to be and do.  God is far from finished with us.  Let’s not forget this.  Let’s practice this.

Our staff and session are exploring new and different ways to be and do church – mission, worship, education, pastoral care, service, outreach, stewardship . . . Stay tuned.  This is our first pandemic.  We are all learning.

A worship service will be broadcast each Sunday at 11:00 a.m.  Please tune in and worship with your brothers and sisters, albeit online.  Though online, God will still be worshiped, Christ will still be present, and the Holy Spirit will still come.  You will receive a link to the service in your Friday eNotice.  The link will be posted to the church’s Facebook group and organization pages as well.  Each worship service will remain at the link after the broadcast if 11:00 a.m. on a Sunday doesn’t work for you.

I will reiterate what I shared in a previous post:

— Support our church’s elected leaders and staff.  We have been making some hard decisions on the fly without a roadmap.  We are learning to lean ever more closely on God and one another more and more as we lead in this crisis.  We are humbled by the trust you place in us to lead well and wisely.

— Maintain your giving to the church according to your ability.  Our financial obligations remain as does yours – mission commitments, staff salaries, utilities, insurance, planned maintenance of a sizeable facility.  You can send your offering via USPS [116 S. Loudoun St., Winchester, VA 22601] or you can give electronically using the “Donate” button on our website [https://fpcwinc.org/stewardship/donate/].  Thank you.

— Check on your neighbors.  There are folks who are impacted harshly by the disruptions of this pandemic than others.  They need us and we can help.  Stay tuned to your email and our social media presence for ways to help.

— Pray for your church family.  Make phone calls.  Send emails.  Write and send cards.  Let folks know they are remembered and loved.

— Practice Sabbath.  Set aside time to be with God, to be silent, to listen for the whispers of the Spirit, to release your anxiety and fear, to renew, to rest.

I will to close with a prayer from our PCUSA co-moderators, Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri and Cindy Kohlman.  Please pray it as well.

We ask for calm, assurance, and strength.
May we all remember that, in the midst of any crisis,
Your grace reaches us,
Your hope enlightens us,
And Your love surrounds us all. Amen.

Dan and Amanda

The Session


3/16, 2:00pm

Normal Church Office Hours have been suspended until further notice (as outlined in the letter dated on 3/14)

If you need to contact a member of staff, please refer to this page for staff members’ e-mail addresses. If you need further assistance, send an e-mail to info@fpcwinc.org

Stay engaged online with FPC. On this page, we have traditionally posted our worship bulletins and videos-and we will continue to do so-but we are also using this space as our virtual church.


3/14, 3:30pm

Friends:

It’s not an easy thing to suspend church activities, especially worship.  When life is disrupted by something on the order of a pandemic which can foster fear, we want and need to gather to encourage and support one another and sense the Holy Spirit in and among us.  That’s part of what Christian community is all about.  But, with an infectious disease, getting together is the worst thing we can do.  It can harm our neighbors and ourselves.

In the interest of everyone’s health and well-being as well as in the interest of loving our neighbor, our Session has acted to suspend all activities on our campus and in our buildings through March 28 effectively immediately with two exceptions.  One, our 12 Step Groups that meet weekly in Donegal House [we will require them to disinfect the room before and after each use].  And, two, Jubilee Kitchen will operate differently – our guests will not dine-in in the Fellowship Hall, they will be provided with take-away meals.

Our staff will be working from home over the next two weeks.  Our Google Suites applications make this possible.  Also, we will livestream worship elements on March 22 at 11:00 a.m. via our Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/firstpresbyterianchurchwinchester/]

Even though we will not be seeing each other in person, we are still God’s church.  Here are some ways we can be God’s church during this time of the coronavirus pandemic:

— Support our church’s elected leaders and staff.  We have been making some hard decisions on the fly without a roadmap.  We are learning to lean ever more closely on God and one another more and more as we lead in this crisis.  We are humbled by the trust you place in us to lead well and wisely.

— Maintain your giving to the church.  Our financial obligations remain – mission commitments, staff salaries, utilities, insurance, planned maintenance of a sizeable facility.  You can send your offering via USPS [116 S. Loudoun St., Winchester, VA 22601] or you can give electronically using the “Donate” button on our website [https://fpcwinc.org/stewardship/donate/].  Thank you.

— Check on your neighbors.  There are folks who are impacted more harshly by the disruptions of this pandemic than others.  They need us and we can help.  Stay tuned to your email and our social media presence for ways to help.

— Pray for your church family.  Make phone calls.  Send emails.  Write and send cards.  Let folks know they are remembered and loved.

— Practice Sabbath.  Set aside time to be with God, to be silent, to listen for the whispers of the Spirit, to release your anxiety and fear, to renew, to rest.

May this pandemic be mitigated and eventually extinguished sooner rather than later and with a minimal loss of precious human life.  And, never forget, that our God promises to be with us always and bids us not to fear but to instead love.

God’s peace,

Dan and Amanda

The Session

 

FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE

Off-Site Meetings and Events that are Canceled through March 28:
Women’s Retreat, Men’s Tuesday Morning Breakfasts, and Men’s 3rd Saturday Breakfast. This list will be updated as information is received.

To check on updates from FPC:

  • “Like” and follow our Facebook page
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Like us on Instagram
  • Subscribe or Update your contact info for the eNotice
  • Check our website for updates
Updates on the church’s outgoing voicemail will be delayed, especially if personnel is not in the office. We encourage everyone to check our online announcements and your e-mail for the most current information. If you know of someone who cannot get access to online information, we would appreciate if you can call them to let them know.

3/13, 4:00pm

Friends: All church activities for Sunday, March 15 have been canceled in the interest of public health and loving our neighbor. Additional activities the week of March 16 and beyond may be canceled as well. We will notify you as soon as any cancellations are made. Please practice the CDC guidelines of hand-washing and social distancing to keep yourself well and to keep your neighbor well.

Peace. Dan McCoig, for the session.

CANCELLATIONS for Sunday, March 15
7:30am Chapel Worship Service
8:30am Contemporary Worship Service
9:45am Sunday School
11am Sanctuary Worship Service
UpNext, Youth Choir, and Youth Group
Ministry or Team meetings

CANCELLATION for Tuesday, March 17
11am Deriters Program: Glenn Galuda

CANCELLATION for Friday March 20-Sunday March 22
Women’s Retreat
Contact Amy Bowman if you have questions. amy@fpcwinc.org

CANCELLATION for Monday, March 16-Friday March 27
Classes not in session for the Weekday School, in following Frederick County Public Schools operation status. Questions or concerns can be directed to Christen Johnson, Director of the Weekday School christen@fpcwinc.org


3/13, 12:45pm The Weekday School’s operation protocol is to follow Frederick County Public Schools’operation status. FCPS are closed through March 27. Therefore, the Weekday School will not be in session through March 27. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Director of the Weekday School, Christen Johnson: christen@fpcwinc.org


3/12, 3:35pm: Chancel Choir rehearsal for tonight has been canceled.

Note from Dan, 3/12
Friends:
FPC’s Infectious Disease Task Force, Session, and staff are monitoring closely developments related to the coronavirus pandemic. The CDC is our primary source of information. [https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/guidance-community-faith-organizations.html]
Currently, best practices include:
  • Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow
  • Stay home when sick
  • Older adults and persons with underlying conditions should avoid crowds, everyone else should stay six feet apart from others
At present, FPC has made two changes — weekly communion at the chapel service has been suspended as has coffee and cookie service in the Gathering Hall. If additional changes need to be made because of new developments, please look for information in your email, church’s group and business Facebook page, and you can check here, fpcwinc.org/coronavirus.
Let’s love our neighbor by helping to keep everyone healthy.
Peace, Dan

Serving Christ and Neighbor in the Heart of Winchester and Beyond

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The weather for Sunday, March 7, is shaping up to The weather for Sunday, March 7, is shaping up to be sunny! After online worship at 10 AM, have some lunch at home and join us on the trails at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley at 2 pm! We will meet in the parking lot before we "Walk and Wonder in the Word"--we will reflect upon the Psalm of the day, pray, and of course, walk the trails! Dress warmly, and we hope to see you Sunday afternoon.
This week's eNotice is here! - Weather permitting, This week's eNotice is here! - Weather permitting, come wander in the word on a walk on Sundays at the MSV... & CCAP Needs Help for Easter Boxes! 🌷 Click link in bio, click FPC News, then the most recent eNotice link.
Image description: CCAP logo shaped like a dove in Image description: CCAP logo shaped like a dove in blue and white. Teddy bear with a diaper in front of a painted, sky blue wall.
The Baby and Toddler Room at CCAP is expanding its hours. Peggy Clark is in charge of getting volunteers, and would love to have some new volunteers join her. The Baby and Toddler Room is open every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9 – 11:30. Two volunteers work per shift giving diapers and clothing to CCAP families. Clients are currently not entering the building, but instead fill out a form indicating what they need, and the volunteers make up a bag to fulfill their need. Volunteers typically work one or more shifts a month, with flexibility depending on your schedule. Volunteers are also needed for a few hours to sort clothing on March 22 & 23, March 30 & 31, April 1, and April 5 – 8 between 9 – 2.  Working in the Baby & Toddler Room is a fun and rewarding experience. If you have some daytime hours to volunteer, please give it a try. To volunteer please contact Peggy Clark at friendsofpeggyclark@verizon.net #winchesterva #ccap #volunteer #families #baby
Update: You may have already seen online that CCAP Update: You may have already seen online that CCAP also needs EMPTY, UNFILLED Easter Baskets for families to fill with goodies. We've added that request to our graphic. For Easter this year, CCAP will be giving out filled food boxes for an Easter meal as well as candy for Easter baskets, egg dye, and a dozen eggs. FPC—CCAP needs your help! Food items needed: pancake mix, syrup, and candied yams. For families to celebrate with their children we will need egg dye, bags of candy, wrapped chocolate, jelly beans, marshmallow peeps, etc. You can drop off donations at the church, no later than Thursday, March 18th. Call ahead for building access (reminder—church office is staffed most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays). You can also drop it directly off at CCAP (M-F, 9am-1pm). 350 boxes need to be made, so we thank you for your generosity. To volunteer with the Easter boxes giveaway (March 27), call CCAP 540.662.4318. #winchesterva #easter #lent #pcusa
Porch Visits: Would you like a visit? We've had a Porch Visits: Would you like a visit? We've had a lot to process over the past year and if you find yourself desiring some extra conversation and prayers, we are here to help. If you'd like a porch or drive way visit with Pastor Amanda, please feel free to email her amanda@fpcwinc.org or call the church office and leave her a message.
Worship at home with us this morning! Click the li Worship at home with us this morning! Click the link in bio to access our online worship platforms. Worship is online LIVE at 10 am.
eNotice - Weather permitting, come wander in the w eNotice - Weather permitting, come wander in the word on a walk on Sundays at the MSV... & Guardian Angels need cooks, or how about 🚘 drive for CCAP or donate items for their Easter Food Boxes giveaway? Click the link in bio, then click FPC News to see this week's eNotice! #winchesterva #lent #easter #pcusa
For Easter this year, CCAP will be giving out fill For Easter this year, CCAP will be giving out filled food boxes for an Easter meal as well as candy for Easter baskets, egg dye, and a dozen eggs. FPC—CCAP needs your help! Food items needed: pancake mix, syrup, and candied yams. For families to celebrate with their children we will need egg dye, bags of candy, wrapped chocolate, jelly beans, marshmallow peeps, etc. You can drop off donations at the church, no later than Thursday, March 18th. Call ahead for building access (reminder—church office is staffed most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays). You can also drop it directly off at CCAP (M-F, 9am-1pm). 350 boxes need to be made, so we thank you for your generosity. To volunteer with the Easter boxes giveaway (March 27), call CCAP 540.662.4318. #winchesterva #easter #lent #pcusa
Lenten Journey--Walk and Wonder in the Word: All a Lenten Journey--Walk and Wonder in the Word: All are welcome to join us every Sunday (unless raining) during Lent for Walk and Wonder in the Word. We will meet in the parking lot of the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley Sundays at 2PM to reflect on the Psalm for the day, walk the trails, and pray together. Hope to see you Sunday on the trails! #winchesterva #lent
Worship at home with us this morning (click link i Worship at home with us this morning (click link in bio) and active FPC members, please participate in the Annual Meeting after worship. If you are only able to vote online, that will still help us make quorum. Click the link in the bio. Zoom meeting is at 11 AM, and online voting period is from 11 AM through NOON only.
In this week's eNotice . . . Active members, your In this week's eNotice . . .  Active members, your participation is needed this Sunday, and COOKS! Join the Guardian Angels! If you can't cook, how about 🚘 drive for CCAP? Click the link in bio, then click the FPC News button to see this week's eNotice edition.
Today, Ash Wednesday, February 17 (click in link i Today, Ash Wednesday, February 17
(click in link in bio, then click FPC News for this linked message. Access our online worship from our YouTube channel, Facebook page, and website)

We invite you to join us in the celebration of Ash Wednesday and to begin the Season of Lent as it has begun for many centuries… You may participate in any of these ways, and we welcome you with open hearts and arms!
 
5:00pm-6:15pm in the Cameron St parking lot of First Presbyterian Church drive-through distribution of crosses, cards, verses and ashes

6:15pm in the Cameron St parking lot of First Presbyterian Church . . .
short Communion Service, masked and socially distanced

7:00pm Online Lenten Service

For the online worship, if we encounter technological issues or if you are unable to connect online with the worship stream, upon video processing completion it will be posted online (to view at any time on our usual platforms: YouTube channel, Facebook page, and our Virtual Church webpage).
Worship at home with us this morning! Worship at home with us this morning!
eNotice - Don't forget our Annual Congregational M eNotice - Don't forget our Annual Congregational Meeting over ZOOM is this Sunday, & safe, Ash Wednesday worship opportunities 2/17. Click the link in bio to read the latest FPC news.
5th Edition of Epiphany Newsletter- The following 5th Edition of Epiphany Newsletter- The following is a clip from the newsletter. Links to articles, videos, and sounds linked in the original newsletter. Click link in bio, then FPC News button.

When Dan spoke to our Epiphany team about Fannie Lou Hamer, (1917-1977) I realized I knew nothing about her. I learned that she was a woman of tremendous courage and faith, and her trust in God was undaunted. If ever there were a person who believed that God is with us, it was Mrs. Hamer. She endured countless humiliations, appalling violence to her person while unjustly imprisoned, and years of poverty and grueling labor.

Despite these hardships, Fannie Lou Hamer found the courage to become a champion of voting rights for all Black people. She and Dr. Martin Luther King formed the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party when Black voters trying to register to vote were thwarted at every turn. Fannie Lou Hamer worked to help establish the Head Start program in 1965. She founded the Freedom Farm Cooperative in 1969 with a goal of creating self sufficiency for rural Black sharecroppers and farmers.

Along with Dr. King, and several members of SNCC, Student Nonviolent Coord. Comm, Mrs. Hamer spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City, N.J. in 1964. She was a powerful speaker who would not be deterred by unfair voter registration tests, nor threats from white supremacist groups. How The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party started (includes Fannie Lou Hamer's famous speech)

President Johnson, trying to deflect attention from her speech, called an impromptu press conference, but news stations later aired Mrs. Hamer’s speech on the evening news. The Voting Rights Act was signed by Pres. Johnson in 1965.

Ms. Hamilton has given life to Fannie Lou Hamer’s spirit and convictions, and through her interviews we gain insight into how much Mrs. Hamer influenced civil rights activists, theologians, and politicians.

As seen in interviews in Robin Hamilton’s documentary, Fannie Lou Hamer was a uniting and uplifting voice to small and large gatherings alike. With her powerful voice she brought inspiration to those striving for equality singing her favorite hymns.
Worship at home with us this morning! We will begi Worship at home with us this morning! We will begin online worship at 10 am on our YouTube channel, website, and Facebook page. Click link in bio to worship online with us on your preferred platform.
Happy Friday! Today's eNotice is here! Click link Happy Friday! Today's eNotice is here! Click link in bio, then click FPC News button. Congrats to Christen, our WDS director . . . Annual report (revised) and meeting on 2/14 ... thank you for donating to take care of our health workers...submit your family's or your individual video to Mr. Todd to premiere during Sunday 2/14 worship...Ash Wednesday worship details, and more!
4th Edition of Epiphany Newsletter (corrected). Th 4th Edition of Epiphany Newsletter (corrected). This is a revised edition from the email posted this morning. -  Clip from today's edition: Jim Wallis and Sojourners . . .Jim Wallis, founder and editor of Sojourner Magazine, has long been an advocate for social justice and peace. In his years as evangelical theologian and political activist, Wallis has argued for the Church’s need to reach out and show God’s love to victims of poverty, racism, and other forms of discrimination. He advises that “it is imperative that faith communities come together to protect the vulnerable and afraid, speak the truth to power, act in prayer and discernment, and stand up in solidarity and support for those who are most in danger. As a youth, Wallis found his questions about race inequality led to no answers from his white community. Not to be denied, he set out to build bridges to the blacks in the Detroit area. “Of course, there were many moments that became great eye openers for me, what in the faith community are sometimes called ‘epiphanies’.” “I always tell young people to trust and follow their questions until they get to places where they will find the answers to them.” Now nearing 50 Sojourners, founded in the early 1970’s by Trinity Evangelical Divinity School students, is a “committed group of Christians who work together to live a gospel life that integrates spiritual renewal and social justice.” . . . 
Click link in bio, then click the FPC News button for the most recent link for the full newsletter edition.
Worship at home with us this morning! Worship at home with us this morning!
eNotice - Link in bio! Click the link, then click eNotice - Link in bio! Click the link, then click the FPC news button to read the latest eNotice edition. We have announced the date of our Annual Congregational Meeting over Zoom...
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First Presbyterian Church of Winchester | 116 South Loudoun Street | Winchester, Virginia, USA, 22601

Tele. No.: 540-662-3824 | Fax: 540-662-8498