We are back inside the building! Join us for Sunday morning services at 10:30 and Sunday night services at 6:00pm. We encourage you to wear a mask. We also encourage those who have a compromised immune system to stay home and continue to join us digitally on Sunday morning's at approx. 11:00 by clicking this link: http://rayofhopeharrisonburg.com/home .

Family,

     After consulting with Ray of Hope’s Church Advisory Council and after speaking with other Pastors in the region, we are cancelling all activities at Ray of Hope and shifting our Sunday Worship Services to our parking lot, and online streaming through January 23^rd. This is due to an increase of exposure to Covid19. On January 24, we will consider resuming weekly church activities, and worship times.

     This is not an easy decision, but it’s the right decision. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I’ve made it clear that we are constantly evaluating the circumstances. This week, the circumstances changed. A few members of our congregation reported recent direct exposure to the virus. Other members also reported having symptoms related to the virus, but have not been diagnosed. One member has been diagnosed this week.

     To put this in perspective, at no point over the past ten months have we received reports like this at one time. So, while we refrain from unscriptural fear, and paranoia, we choose to exercise an appropriate amount of caution.

I realize that the social interaction is extremely important. In fact, after reopening the sanctuary in May, we’ve done everything possible to keep the doors open while stressing the importance of social distancing, and being safe. Furthermore, we will always strive to maintain consistent service times, and to do everything possible to worship our Lord, Jesus Christ together.

Here is our plan:

1. Wednesday Night Facebook and YouTube Live- I will host a Facebook Live Bible Study and Chat on Wednesday night beginning at 6:30. Join us! Enjoy your dinner and let’s spend some time together! Beginning tonight!
2. Zoom! Next week, we will begin announcing zoom meetings. We’re not going to sit around waiting for the doors to open back up. We’re getting together online! More to come.
3. Sunday Parking Lot/Livestream- Information related to this is subject to change. For now, we’re planning to host a parking lot service and Livestream. However, it’s going to be a little different than this past Spring. First, we have an FM transmitter. That’ll be a big help. However, it’s winter. For additional safety, I’m not going to asking for any help for service preparation.

Let’s maintain a positive attitude and move forward with confidence. God is good, all the time, even during times like this!

¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ Therefore, all who are mature, let’s have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that to you as well; ¹⁶ however, let’s keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

Philippians 3:13-16

Pastor Bill Marion

Ray of Hope

We've reopened the sanctuary for our Sunday morning worship services. We will continue livestreaming the message on Facebook, at 10:45 for those of you who are not able to return at this time. Reopening the doors of the church is exciting, but we need to continue to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of the Covid-19 virus. 

We will operate at a 50% capacity, and maintain social distancing requirements. We’ll also continue waving instead of shaking hands. We’ve rearranged the seats in the sanctuary so that each row is six feet apart, and families must sit together on the same row. We’ve sanitized the sanctuary according to CDC guidelines with EPA-approved cleaners. Water fountains will not be available for use.

Our Children’s and Youth Ministries will join us in the sanctuary, but we are working on a plan to share their weekly bible lessons digitally. We will keep you posted as this develops.

We encourage you to wear a mask. We also encourage those who have a compromised immune system to stay home and continue to join us digitally. We love you, and we can’t wait to see you when you are ready.

Family,

Considering President Trump’s guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus, as well as measures taken by Governor Northam, I’m cancelling Wednesday and this coming Sunday service's as well. We will be livestreaming this Sunday. Details pertaining to the livestream will be provided soon. After this coming Sunday, any future cancellations will be made on a week by week basis.

Make no mistake, this was not an easy decision. After speaking with Bishop Mathena this past Monday night, consulting with Ray of Hope’s Church Advisory Council, speaking with some of our church leaders, and speaking with other pastors in our district, it became clear that it’s the right thing to do at this time. I also participated in a video conference with eight other pastors, and six of the eight pastors in our district who are making similar plans, and the other two pastors are still deciding.

While personal opinions concerning the Covid-19 virus vary, it’s important that we adhere to our President, and Governor’s current mandate to reduce public gatherings to fewer than ten, and for the elderly to remain at home. 

Romans 13

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there  is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. ² Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of  God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon  themselves.

We are actively monitoring information regarding the Coronavirus as it relates to the health and well-being of our members and community, and continuing close communication with local health and government authorities. We are also in constant communication with other local IPHC pastors.

Having church online is uncharted territory for Ray of Hope. But we can do it! We are planning to bring Ray of Hope’s Sunday morning worship service to you online. Be watching your emails, our website and our social media sites for more information.

As we recalibrate and prepare to meet crisis needs all over our city, please consider giving generously online at: http://rayofhopeharrisonburg.com/donate

But let us not forget the truth found in the Word of God:

We know God did not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and a sound mind.

 (1 Timothy 1:7)

This is the time for the church to show what we’re all about — sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and demonstrating the love of Christ. So, think of ways to encourage, pray for, and serve people online. Pray for our world, nation, city, and church. And, point people to the God who loves them and is in control through it all.  Let’s be the church through this challenging time, come out stronger than we were before, and bring hope to people around us.

Check back regularly on our website as we come up with new ideas and opportunities to make a difference in this season.

We will walk in faith, not fear.

Pastor Bill Marion