Messages from the senior warden regarding inclement weather forecast for Jan 19th.
Jan 19th 8 am
Dear St. Margaret’s Parish,
Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to close the church today. The health and safety of the parish and the timing of the snowfall are the overriding reasons for this decision.
Stephen Daniels
Senior Warden
Jan 18th 5 pm
Greetings St. Margaret’s!
We are monitoring the snow and inclement weather forecast for tomorrow.
Out of an abundance of caution we are canceling the 9am Adult Education class.
We will make a decision regarding the 10:30am service, tomorrow morning (January 19) no later than 8am.
Stephen Daniels
Senior Warden
Jan 18th 2 pm
People of St. Margaret's,
Inclement weather is forecasted for tomorrow. While the forecast does not suggest we will receive a significant amount, less than two inches of snow, it looks like it will fall at an awkward time and likely our ability to clean the driveway and walkways may be hampered. Further challenging is of course the wild and frequently inaccurate forecasts...we could receive nothing or much more.
As of now, St. Margaret's plans to be open for the 10:30 service. Out of caution we are canceling the Adult Formation class. Despite St. Margaret's planning to be open for the 10:30am service, please use your own judgement as to whether conditions are safe for you to travel and your own ability to navigate what may be less than ideal conditions in the parking lot. The plan is for us to live stream, but in the event that is not possible, please consider attending the online service at the National Cathedral.
Safety first is the primary concern. Be smart in your decisions tomorrow.
Inclement Weather Policy
In case of inclement weather, check the St. Margaret's website and Facebook page for an announcement of office closing and worship service cancellation. If possible we will put an announcement on the church office voice mail (703-590-3990). Your safety is our primary concern. Weather conditions may be more or less severe where you live so use your judgment when deciding to drive.
Full guidelines are below
Inclement Weather & Emergency Closing Guidelines
Your safety is our primary concern. Keep in mind that weather conditions may be more or less severe where you live, so use your best judgement when deciding to drive. Congregants will be directed to check the website or call the church to find out status of closing and opening.
Purpose of Guidelines
The intent of this policy is to ensure the safety of Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church’s guests, members, volunteers and staff and to provide for effective communications regarding ministries and activities during severe or hazardous weather or other emergency situations such as power outages.
Please use your best judgement when deciding whether to attend services or view online services at home.
Saint Margaret’s Church will inform the staff, congregation and groups about any closings as soon as possible. Any decision to close the church or to cancel activities because of inclement weather or other adverse conditions will be made by the Senior Warden and Junior Warden, and Communications Vestry Member. Closures will be reported to the Elders at Seventh Day Adventist and their Pastor with a phone call. The building will be checked by Junior Warden to make about snow removal and/or closure decision. Junior Warden and Communications Vestry person Senior Warden will text vestry members to contact their Shepherd’s list about the church cancellation. Vestry members can use their discretion in contacting the congregation members on their list.
Information Sources
Once the decision is made, the following will be updated:
• Website –
• Facebook page –
• Church office voice mail – 703 590-3990
• Check your email, phone and text for updates
Sunday Severe Weather Schedule
• Morning classes are cancelled.
• Worship service will begin at 10:30 am if possible. Sunday morning services could be moved to earlier or later times depending upon the weather conditions.
• Ministry leaders will contact staff and participants.
Cancellation of service - bad weather conditions may necessitate cancelling all services based upon street conditions, sidewalks, parking lots and plowing schedules will be taken into consideration. If possible, Priest In Charge, Rev. JoAnn and Tara Hoban will present his message online. Go to the church website or Facebook.
Weekday Severe Weather Schedule
• Evening ministries will be cancelled by 3:00 pm if possible.
• Information will be posted on our website and social media.