Dear People of Grace,
For three months, we have been able to offer outdoor Communion services, and our protocols have offered an appropriate and safe space for prayer. In these last several days, the case load in the community has increased drastically, leading us to consult with our medical advisory team. After that consultation, while paying attention to the enormous pressure our medical providers are under, we have decided to cancel all in-person gatherings for the time being. This pertains to both worship services and formation classes.
This was not an easy decision to make, since it means that we will cancel the two scheduled in-person Holy Eucharist services that were planned for Christmas Eve. We will, of course, have our two online Christmas Eve services: our family friendly Christmas Eve Service with Pageant will be held on Zoom at 4:00 PM and Midnight Mass will premiere on our website and on our Facebook page at 7:00 PM.
I made a short video that reflects on where we find ourselves as a parish, with the pressures from the pandemic, the disappointment of unusual schedules, the anxiety around budget and planning for 2021, and the deep call that we all share to listen to the Spirit’s guidance. I hope you will take the time to watch the video, and I continue to give thanks for the opportunity we all have to be here together at this time. The Spirit is very much present, of that I have no doubt.
Blessings, always,
The Rev. Dr. Stuart Higginbotham
Rector