Christ Presbyterian Church
Statement on Racism
The Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA) consists of two parts: The Book of Confessions and the Book of Order. Within the Book of Confessions is the Confession of 1967 Art. 9.44a, which states:
“God has created the peoples of the earth to be one universal family. In his reconciling love, he overcomes the barriers between brothers and breaks down every form of discrimination based on racial or ethnic difference, real or imaginary. The church is called to bring all men to receive and uphold one another as persons in all relationships of life: in employment, housing, education, leisure, marriage, family, church, and the exercise of political rights. Therefore, the church labors for the abolition of all racial discrimination and ministers to those injured by it. Congregations, individuals, or groups of Christians who exclude, dominate, or patronize their fellowmen, however subtly, resist the Spirit of God and bring contempt on the faith which they profess.”
Similarly, the Mission Statement of the Presbytery states that we will “bear public witness to the love, truth, and justice of God in Jesus Christ specifically in the areas of racism and reconciliation.”
We, the community of Christ Presbyterian Church (CPC) of Fairfax, VA, a diverse Christian congregation, condemn the systemic racism and related violence in the United States that has oppressed and taken the lives of far too many of our human family. We condemn the persistent inequities in wealth, health, and opportunity between blacks, along with other peoples of color, and whites despite the economic prosperity of recent years. These disparities exist because of a long history of policies that have excluded and exploited Americans of color. Racial inequality has become so normalized in our society that it has become an expectation. This inequality could be considered a part of American culture. And when there are protests against this culture, some even consider it a protest against America. That’s the way it’s been for more than 400 years. It has gone on, unchecked, for far too long. It has to stop!
“Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – James Baldwin
We, the CPC community, pledge to the greater community to listen with empathy, to learn with open minds, and to act with purpose. We value and encourage diversity, and are united in our opposition to racism and bigotry wherever they exist. We commit to acting with intent to achieve justice, equality, and inclusivity for all. We further commit to protecting the civil rights of all individuals, without regard to race or ethnicity. We stand in solidarity with those actively working to end racial injustice, systemic or otherwise, with a vision of building a better America and world in general. We cannot and will not be silent.
Due to COVID-19, in-person gatherings have been suspended.
Join us for worship Sunday mornings on Zoom.
Check your email for the link.
Click on the Worship link in the menu above for videos
of previous worship services.
Worship August 2, 2020
March 13, 2020
We know that all things work together for good
for those who love God,
who are called according to his purpose.
(Romans 8:28)
Dear Members and Friends,
After careful consideration, the session voted last night to suspend all in-person meetings in the church building until April 1. This includes Sunday worship, small group gatherings, and committee meetings. The session and I will reassess the situation on April 1, and let you know what we decide.
You may have seen this graph from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which shows how early action reduces the incidence and intensity of infection in epidemics like the current one.
More people will still get sick, but by implementing protective measures early, we can decrease that number and slow the rate of infection. By suspending in-person gatherings at CPC, we are doing our part to flatten the infection curve. This is the most important thing we can do to help our healthcare system and our neighbor.
The one exception to this suspension is the dinner that we are scheduled to provide for the FACETS Hypothermia Shelter at Pender UMC next Friday, March 20. Those arrangements are proceeding as planned. Contact Elder Nyambi Nyambi with any questions.
To keep us connected through this period of social distance, we will use our website, our Facebook page (Christ Presbyterian Church, Fairfax), and our email list. Your deacon will also be calling you, so please note their name and number in case you have a pastoral need.
Please join me on Facebook Sunday mornings at 10:30, when I will live stream a scripture reading, reflection, and prayer. You will be able to contribute your own thoughts and prayers by commenting on the stream. Either click on the link that will be on www.CPCFairfax.org, or go straight to the Christ Presbyterian Church, Fairfax page in Facebook.
I can also schedule Zoom meetings so that people may meet virtually. If you would like to schedule a meeting for your group, please let me know.
We have never been through a crisis like this before, so we may need to experiment with different approaches to find what works best for our community. Please be flexible, and bear each other and me with grace and patience. Remember that we are assured that we can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).
In Him,
Pastor Megan
Email: pastor@cpcfairfax.org
