Dear People of Grace,
I pray this letter finds you well, as we continue to settle into these new and disorienting days. Earlier today, Bishop Wright sent out an email to the clergy laying out a diocese-wide plan for our worship life. As of now, I can share with you that we will forgo in-person gatherings and continue worshiping and connecting online until May 24. This news hit me hard, as I am sure it does you. This disruption is deeply upsetting, but it is where we find ourselves, and we must be honest about our situation.
While so much feels uncertain, I must tell you that I have seen the essential aspects of our Christian life embodied every single day since this began: our intentional grounding in prayer and our commitment to compassion in times of suffering. These are the two pillars that I think hold up our lives as followers of Jesus: love God and love our neighbor as ourselves.
I write to you with a challenge and a request. My challenge is that we commit to lighting a candle at dinner each night as we gather in our homes. For those who are alone, this light is a sacramental sign of both God’s grace and our connection with each other. It will give us a rhythm to our days, which may be very meaningful. Cheryl will have resources on our Grace@Home site for prayers.
My request to you is that we all mail in our pledges or go online to make our monthly contributions. Our family set up online payments that are deducted directly, which makes it easier. Our contributions are another way that we contribute to our shared ministry. It allows us to continue our online formation and worship, as well as pay special attention to our community ministry partnerships during these days. If you have any questions, please contact Reba Page.
And, I must add here: if you find yourself struggling–financially, spiritually, emotionally, physically–please let us know. Cynthia and I are available to you, and we are working to form an even more robust compassion team. The staff and vestry are working hard to hold the many pieces of our common life so that we can continue in our practice of prayer and our compassion during these days. I must tell you I am deeply grateful for our combined parish and school. Deeply.
So, God’s blessings be with you this day, and always. I am including a video from Bishop Wright and myself, should you find that meaningful.
Stuart