Well, it has been an interesting week to be sure. The speed at which things have unfolded has truly been remarkable, and it has rendered decision making a challenge. But after much prayer, discernment, and study, suspending services for this Sunday seems like the best and wisest course of action. We will reevaluate this decision on a week-by-week basis. I spent the week consulting with medical professionals, reading articles, talking with our diocesan leadership, as well as our own church leadership. We considered every possibility, but ultimately, like many other area churches, concluded the best option was to not meet together for worship in large groups this Sunday. Our Bishop has encouraged this course of action for all of his churches. To read his statement, please click here.

Instead, we will send out an email on Sunday morning that will provide a way for us hear God’s word, pray, and give thanks for his goodness to us in Jesus Christ. Clearly, the situation is fluid and we will gather as a staff on Monday morning, and the Parish Council that evening, to reassess the situation. So, you’ll be hearing more from us very soon.

And please remember this, because it often gets lost in what we are hearing – most people who contract the coronavirus will have no health risks or symptoms as our natural immunities will fight it off. For those who do get sick, the overwhelming majority will recover. Not having services this week is an attempt to minimize the number who will get sick and prevent some of the worst outcomes.  Please continue to pray for our community, our world, our leaders, and the most vulnerable among us.

Be at peace. God is good. We do this not out of self-preservation or fear. We do this to love our neighbors and to protect the most vulnerable among us. We must strive to remain calm and fight against our tendencies toward panic and fear, as these emotions never produce good fruit. During times of uncertainty, I go back to words I have heard from our Bishop many times: “We are always safe in God’s kingdom.” We are safe!

I pray that all us will be guided by this wonderful truth.

Blessings,
Patrick