From the Rector – May 28, 2020

Dear friends,

The other day, I was thinking about how long it’s been since we shared Communion together. I think when we are able to do that again, I will probably cry. Perhaps I’ll cry tears of joy at being together in person around God’s Table again, but also I’m sure there will be sad tears for those who have died in this pandemic, those who have lost their jobs, and all those who have suffered from being separated from loved ones or the things and people they count on. It’s been a difficult time for all of us, in different ways.

It’s still a blessing to be able to worship with you virtually on Sunday. Every week I get lovely emails and phone calls from those who are watching the service on our website and whose hearts are lifted by the ways we pray together each week. The church is not closed – just our building is closed for now, while we are still together in worship and still doing our ministries of caring for each other and our community.

Nevertheless, it will be nice to get back into our building someday. To help guide us in that process, your vestry has appointed a Recovery Team. This wonderful group will be working over the coming weeks and months to implement the Bishop’s very detailed guidelines on how we can safely return to using our building. It is chaired by vestry member Paula Antonevich. Other members are Murray Daniels, representing the Worship Committee; Christopher Huggins, representing the Property Committee; Erica Brotschi, bringing her medical expertise as an MD; Lori Wright, representing our catechists and young families; and Cassie Bowlby, representing those in the “high risk” older demographic. This is a fabulous group of leaders who know our church well. Please keep them in your prayers as figuring out literally hundreds of details (from if we need to get lids for the toilets to how we may have to adjust Communion distribution) is not an easy task.

One of their first agenda items will be to find out what you are thinking and feeling about this process. Stay tuned for a survey that will ask you your comfort level about returning to worship in the sanctuary among other questions.

Meanwhile, know that your clergy and staff are preparing for every contingency for the fall – both virtual/at home and in person formation classes for children and youth, as well as both virtual and in person adult formation and worship. We don’t know what is going to happen, but no matter what happens, we will still be church and do church!

Thank you for being the church.

Peace,
Kate