Congregation-wide Announcement

March 14, 2020

The New Testament is clear about the high importance of our worship together and the fellowship and spiritual growth that go along with it. The elders firmly hold to these principles, believe that God is pleased when we worship, and perceive that God's people at Manassas benefit greatly from our meetings together.

Given the developing spread of the COVID-19 "coronavirus" around the world, however, many states around the country have issued guidance that large group gatherings should not be held in the next few weeks, in order to reduce the statistical likelihood of further spreading the disease.

The elders agree with this approach and believe it is most prudent to suspend our regular congregational worship at the church building and to encourage families to worship together at home. According to Jesus' own words, "wherever two or three are gathered in my name" is an approved setting for worship (Matthew 18:20), for he also said, "there I am with them."

Therefore:

Until further notice, all functions at the Manassas church building are suspended. This includes not only our worship services but other activities such as Bible classes, baby showers, children's programs such as Lads to Leaders, and any function of a group using the facility during the week.

We are able to participate together in worship using our Internet-based live streaming, led by a limited number of worship leaders at the building.

Unless someone in your family has been requested by the elders to help as a worship leader, please do not come to the building for worship. Instead, please refer to our e-bulletin or to the church website (www.manassaschurch.org) for instructions on accessing the live stream.

This will be an English-only service. The elders have contacted our Spanish-language brethren to provide guidance for their worship.

If you are a single member of the congregation (and are feeling well), please contact another member or family and make arrangements to meet together in one of your homes.

The worship leaders at the building will lead our thoughts for communion, but it is important that you gather the communion emblems so that you can participate at home. You need only grape juice and unleavened bread, which can be either purchased or made at home with a simple recipe (included below).

Donations: please send using the “Give Now” option on the Breeze app. Alternatively feel free to send your contributions by mail to the church building or our post office box (PO Box 190, Manassas, VA 20108), to the Attention of: Dale Langston or Dave Button.

For Bible classes, the elders encourage everyone to join us online as Barry Bryson brings us lessons for all ages from the Gospel of Luke at 9:30 am on Sundays and from the Book of Genesis at 7:30 pm on Wednesdays. The elders also encourage families to spend time in study together. Simple Bible reading and discussion of its meaning is an excellent place to start. 

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**Olive oil was the oil of the time. There was no extra processing at that time, so Extra Virgin Olive Oil was what they had.  Extra Virgin is from the 1^st pressing of olives.  We are to ALWAYS offer The Lord the 1^st and the Best!