Well, we have some good news (at least for most of you).  Today, we were notified that the LCPS mask mandate for community events and churches has been lifted!

Here's the official statement from their website: 

"Even though transmission rates for COVID in Loudoun County are high, they continue to decrease.  To that end, LCPS has changed safety protocols to permit persons utilizing Loudoun County Public Schools facilities and grounds to opt out from the mandatory wearing of a mask beginning Thursday, February 17, 2022.  Other COVID-19 mitigation measures will remain in place.

Though masks are no longer mandatory while utilizing LCPS facilities, LCPS encourages the continued wearing of masks while community transmission rates remain high.  The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Administration and LCPS suggests non-vaccinated persons wear a mask while transmission levels are high.  The community use of facilities at Loudoun County Public Schools is valued.  Your cooperation is appreciated as efforts continue to provide a safe and enjoyable experience."

So, the wearing of masks on Sunday morning is now optional.  If you would like to continue wearing a mask, that’s fine, we encourage you then to wear it.  Several people have indicated they’ll continue to wear their mask because they feel safer, and that’s okay.

Thank you for being gracious throughout this long ordeal.  We have tried very hard to emphasize church unity throughout the pandemic.  Sometimes we have done that well, other times it’s been more of a challenge.  A lot of that emphasis has come through the different sermon series.  Over the last year, we have spent time with Joshua and his emphasis on trusting God.  Last Summer we went through the One Another Commands of the New Testament, focusing in on the community aspects of those commands.  Then in the Fall, we were in Philippians, looking at what it means to be worthy of the gospel.  And now we’re back in the wilderness (surely a metaphor for our modern times), spending time with Moses in the Book of Deuteronomy. 

I thought of all that since this coming Sunday we’ll be in Deuteronomy 8:1-20.  And this passage will focus us in on two things.  First, the need to remember what we’ve been through and how God has blessed us in the midst of our “wilderness” experience.  And second, the need for humility, knowing that God is the One who has brought us safely through and we have no reason to give ourselves any of the credit.  But how do we do that?  Why should we do that?  When do we do that?  Where do we do that?  That’s a lot of basic questions about the need to remember and the need for humility.  But they’re so important because they lead us in “Knowing God."

I look forward to seeing your face this Sunday (It’s easier to preach when you can see how people respond).  But more importantly, we remember, and we exercise humility because we look forward to seeing the face of Christ.  AS the Apostle Paul has said, in words that are apt for our times …

2 Corinthians 3:18, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.  For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

2 Corinthians 4:6, “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Such Good News!  I’ll see you Sunday, Dr. Dave