Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 4:50pm
Hello everyone, thanks for taking the time to visit this page (dcchialpha.com/coronavirus). We understand that these are both troubling, interesting and unique times.
I want you to know that we are in close contact with university officials at both AU and GU, as well as key personnel at the National Chi Alpha Ministry Center.
Currently, we have are monitoring the situation at GU and are aware that the university recently cancelled all Spring Break Trips of the international variety. Below is information that is more specifically tailored to American University, as they have recently made a precautionary / preparatory decision similar to Harvard, OSU and UVA. You can read more via https://www.american.edu/coronavirus.
◆ I sent an email to Life Group Leaders at American University yesterday, after we all received this email from the university. If you haven’t read the email, please do. In short, it provided information on changes occurring to Spring Break (two day extension) and class format (going online/remote through April 3, at least).
→ We instructed Life Group Leaders that, if they wanted to and were able, that they should return (or stay) home during the three weeks of online-only classes. We’re receieving information and advice from a multitude of sources (Proverbs 11:14). We are striving to walk in wisdom and not fear, while pursuing a long-term perspective as well as taking adequately precautions.
Additionally, American University has asked us to suspend in-person programming and has closed down the Kay Spiritual Life Center for programming (including worship services) at this time.
We (as DC Chi Alpha and DC Chi Alpha Staff) are evaluating how best to move forward in our vision, mission and programming in light of all of these developments.
→ It seems that we are going to be leaning into creativity, use of video conferencing, one-to-one video calls and other means to ensure that we do our best to redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16) and continue to serve students, engage in disciple-making and care for our campuses. We are formulating a plan but are still asking questions and gathering info. My guess is that we will continue to ‘firm things up’ into next week,
This page will be the best place to get info on our operating status.
If you’re a current student at AU or GU and involved in DC Chi Alpha, we’d love to know how you’re processing all this and (specifically for AU students) what your plans will be in terms of travel (are you returning to campus after Spring Break or are you staying/returning home?). Email us (plans@dcchialpha.com) so we can stay connected!
We are also exploring ways to serve the most vulnerable groups on campus (international students and students unable to travel home) as well as how we can serve the vulnerable in our city amidst this outbreak.
May the Lord help us to be people of joy, light, hope and wisdom. And may we never forgot those that are currently infected or in an at-risk population group.
Sincerely,
Rev. Blane Young
