Link to Bishop Sutton’s webinar:
https://www3.thedatabank.com/dpg/543/pm.asp?id=79289&aacwc=371565435665206079289261353119%20target=
Dear Parish Family, 12 March 2020
Following the directive of Bishop Sutton, we will be discontinuing all activities, including the Sunday services, at least through to March 27. The Bishop has asked us to follow the lead of the state government; for example, if the public schools are to be closed, so, too, should the parishes.
Above all else, we want the Church, its building and community, to be a safe place, one of comfort, encouragement, and joy. In the present circumstances of the COVID-19 coronavirus, the best way for us to be a safe community is to practice social and parish-building distance for the time being. Given the mature age of our congregation, this is especially important.
Of course, while we are going to be “distant” physically, please know that we are and will be very united with one another through our wonderful bonds in the body of Christ. Grace – that is the healing and loving gift of Jesus’ risen presence in the Spirit, through which we are all one – will be even more abundant!
The National Cathedral livestreams the Sunday eucharist at 11:00 a.m. Go to cathedral.org and click on webcasts. I recommend viewing this on Sunday.
Meanwhile, please regularly pray the following prayer written by our Bishop. Prayer is the most direct way to be in contact with our family in the body of Christ.
A Prayer for Those Affected by the Coronavirus
O God of compassion, giver of life and health, we pray your healing mercies upon all who are in any way affected by the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Comfort and sustain those who have been stricken; relieve their pain, and restore to them your gifts of gladness and strength. Grant to all in authority the courage to make wise decisions that are essential for the common good, and strengthen them to lead institutions that care for those whom they serve. Watch over all first responders and those in the medical professions whose duty it is to care for the sick; guard them from all danger, and keep them safe in the knowledge that it is through their sacrifice and service that the health of the whole community is promoted. Mercifully accept these our prayers, O God of all comfort, and our only help in time of need. Amen.
The Right Reverend Eugene Taylor Sutton
“All will be well, all will be well, all manner of things shall be well” (Julian of Norwich).
Very blessed be+,
Father Bill
(Stay Tuned! Community Easter Egg Hunt will be postponed to a later date)