Dear KirkWood,

As many of you may know, I have been dealing with clinical symptoms of COVID-19 for the last two weeks. I want you to know that I am feeling much better now! I am still having to take it slow, but I no longer have a fever, and I can function much better now. I want to thank you for all the love you have expressed to Melissa and me over the last many days. Your thoughts, prayers, and expressions of love have been a great blessing to us. Thank you so much!

Being so sick has driven home the point that what was once a perceived threat is very real. The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is nothing to be trifled with. Because of that and our governor’s order to stay at home, worship and activities at KirkWood will continue to be canceled at least through the end of April. This is likely to extend until June 10, but it is our hope and prayer to resume just as soon as restrictions are lifted.

KirkWood’s session continues to believe that these cancellations are in the best interest of our members, friends, and community. We continue to encourage you to seek other ways to maintain contact. Phone calls, Facetime/Skype, and Zoom are a few ways that KirkWood members are maintaining contact with one another. Please also know that prayer requests can be called in to the church office or sent via email. You can leave a message and know that it will be retrieved and lifted up as soon as possible. Please also remember that KirkWood continues to have bills to pay even though there are limited activities. Any gifts you would like to give can be mailed to KirkWood. Leaders are checking the mail daily, so nothing is sitting in the mailbox for extended periods of time.

Over the next several Sundays, the weekly message will continue to be posted on KirkWood’s website. We are trying to transition to video messages so please stay tuned. As you may know, next week is Holy Week and next Sunday is Easter. We did have special Holy Week services (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunrise) planned. Unfortunately, those services will not take place. In lieu of that, daily meditations will be available on KirkWood’s website. We invite you to make them a part of your Holy Week observances.

KirkWood elders will continue to stay in touch with you to provide updated information and to answer any questions you may have.

Please call (757) 766-0343 or email (office@kirkwoodpcusa.org) the KirkWood office if you have any special needs or prayer requests during this time. And remember that even though we are observing social distancing, we are still the Church. God is with us. Jesus is Lord. The Holy Spirit is a very present help.

God bless you, and I look forward to seeing you soon!

In Christ,
Charles