A Word from Laura: Experiment in Community
I’m excited to see Western in-person once again this month! Many thanks to all of you who helped make this possible through your gift towards hybrid worship.
What to Expect in August
“Start-Up Sunday” is just around the corner! August will be a time of transition and experimentation as we begin to integrate new technology to serve both in-person and online worshippers. From week to week, we will roll out new equipment and new improvements. It will be a process built in stages, particularly for those attending in person.
On August 8, we will begin with one basic camera and one screen in the Sanctuary, which will display most of the familiar Worship slides we’ve grown accustomed to on Zoom: prayers, Scripture, solo musical offerings, hymns, etc.
Worship Update
Many thanks to those who have already contributed to our efforts to update the sanctuary and technology for Hybrid worship! Any gift makes a big difference. If you have not given already, click here to give on-line.
We hope you’ll join us in-person for at least one “Start-up Sunday” beginning August 8 until Labor Day.
A Word from Laura: Update on Sterling
I write to share sad news, but with hope attached.
Our staff colleague and our church Building and Facilities Manager Sterling Thomas contacted me from Inova Fairfax on Tuesday morning. In the process of a planned medical procedure, he had suffered a partial stroke, limiting movement in his left leg, arm and hand. As you can imagine, it was a hard conversation. I assured him that his health and recovery were his number one work priority and that we as a church want to do all we can to support him. When I asked if I could share his news, he gave a straightforward yes, saying “this isn’t going away soon.”
Those of you who know Sterling also know his strength and spirit. Even when he’s sitting still, his mind and energy are going. It turns out this week is no different! He soon began work with a physical therapist and is already seeing some recovery in the use of his left hand. As of my writing this, he plans to be moved to a physical rehabilitation center tomorrow (Friday) where he will continue to work towards recovery for at least two weeks. He may be doing out-patient therapy for a few weeks thereafter.