Dear Church Family,
They say change is good for you. They say change is inevitable and growth is optional. They say true life is lived when tiny changes occur. All these things are true but sometimes change sucks.

Over the last few years we have seen a lot of change in the form of how we work, shop, travel, watch TV, etc. But this spring a tidal wave in the form of a virus has changed our world dramatically.

In the midst of all this we have heard, more than once, phrases like; “new normal” or “return to normal” to describe what life will be like when we are no longer “sheltering in place.” Even though I am sometimes guilty of using phrases like that, I’m not a big fan of those descriptions. Why? Because what we consider normal is in fact always changing. Whether it’s a gradual or sudden change, we will always experience a changing world. And as I said, sometimes that sucks.

You see, I don’t want to come back to church and not see Hardy Dunnington sitting towards the back of the sanctuary, usually attired in a very bright Hawaiian shirt. I know that there may be others I won’t see when we get back to church. Not because they are no longer here, but because their fear and uncertainty may keep them away. I don’t want to come back to church and not enjoy the fellowship of the BGBC Café, or potlucks, or the feeling you get from studying the word of God together in a bible study class or seeing the kids running around the church before and after Sunday School.

But, there is not much I can do to stop the changes. Change is inevitable and it is normal. I guess the real question is; How will I improve and grow from the change?” After all, it doesn’t matter how the world changes if we don’t change so we can thrive in it.

I like what C.S. Lewis said about change; “There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” I don’t know, but maybe that’s exactly what Hardy would be saying to us right now, if he could.

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Observance of the Lord’s Supper

I’ve heard from several people on how special our Lord’s Supper observance was this past Sunday. Many said, it was something they really needed. There is something in the remembrance of the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior and when we partake together, even when we are apart, that brings us closer to God and gives us comfort and hope. I hope you felt that. I know I did.

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Announcements:

1. Our prayer time continues on Sunday mornings at 11:30am and Wednesdays at 7pm. Call: 712-432-8399 and when prompted enter the following code:
279785#

2. Our office remains open on Mondays from 9am-1pm. Calls are to the office are being forwarded to Judy’s cell phone number. If she doesn’t answer, keep calling. You can also reach me at 703-405-7881 (cell). Or via email: [email protected]

3. We will continue our on-line services at 10am on Sundays until further notice. Clearly we will continue to abide by the protocols and guidance issued from the Commonwealth. Once that changes, then we will make an announcement.

4. Keep checking the church website, Facebook page and the church “Pathways” page. There is information that is relevant to most people. There are also devotionals, children’s ministry assistance, announcements, etc.

5. Many thanks to those who contributed to the “Senior Drive” this week. We took a car load of stuff to the CCPS offices.

6. Let’s continue to lift up in prayer those in our church family and others that are near and dear to us. Especially remember Lee Dunnington and the rest of the family in the days and weeks to come.

Submit your prayer requests via email or text to me (my contact information is listed above) or Judy at the church email address.

I love you all,
Pastor Frank