“A congregate stood up, during service (Sunday), and declared that they had been exposed to COVID-19.”

3115 P Street, NW via Georgetown Presbyterian Church

Ed. Note: Georgetown Presbyterian Church is not to be confused with Christ Church Georgetown where “DC Health is recommending a temporarily pause of services at Christ Church Georgetown.”

A reader reports: “A family member was at this service this morning where another congregate stood up, during service, and declared that they had been exposed to COVID-19. This is the response from the church.”

“A Note about COVID-19 from GPC

Dear Church Family,

This morning during worship, a member of GPC publicly stated that she had been exposed to COVID-19. She was seated in the sanctuary and adjacent to a number of people.

First, If you are feeling ill, or suspect you may have been in contact with somebody who has contracted COVID-19, please contact a healthcare professional immediately and refrain from coming to any church events, or any gatherings with large groups.

Here’s what we know. We have twice confirmed that this member attended the Conservative Political Action Conference at National Harbor, where public reporting stated that an attendee has since been tested positive for COVID-19. She has no knowledge of any direct contact with a person showing signs of illness. Like many CPAC attendees, she greeted and shook hands with many others, including ACU Chair Matt Schlapp, who is known to have been in contact with the person who has become ill. Currently she is not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or any other illness, and bears a similar risk of having contracted COVID-19 as many other attendees.

Testing guidelines in the District of Columbia indicate that only those meeting certain strict criteria for COVID-19 will be tested. Therefore GPC is taking the steps we are able to at this moment. The sanctuary will be disinfected, we have encouraged the member in question to contact her healthcare provider, and we will be in regular contact with her in order to keep the congregation informed in the case she becomes symptomatic or tests positive for COVID-19.

We will continue to monitor the situation and respond with best practices as indicated by the CDC, the District of Columbia, and common sense. Please wash hands thoroughly, cover coughs and sneezes, and if you suspect you may be ill or have been exposed, care for others by staying away from large groups, including GPC. Your absence will be missed, and we will do all that we can to care for you.

We are taking active steps to be responsible, including cancelling lunch bunch for the next few weeks, giving to-go containers to the Sunday Dinner guests, and postponing the Glover Park Dinner Table event this evening until further notice. We will update you on any changes to Sunday services and other GPC programs as they arise.

In the midst of this, please be reminded that God is our Rock and our Redeemer, a sure foundation in the midst of the storms of life. You can turn to God in prayer for comfort and assurance. If any members of the congregation would like to speak to a pastor for pastoral counseling or prayer, we would be happy to speak with you. Please email one of the pastors to arrange a time.
Isaiah 41 – Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

In Christ’s love,
The Pastors, Staff, and Officers of GPC”