"For I know the plans I have for you," declares
the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you
hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)
Now that the Diocesan guidelines for re-gathering have been issued
and churches are submitting their plans for in-person worship, we are
confronted with the reality that this virus isn't doing what we thought
it would or wanted it to. Instead of continuing to decrease, the number
of new cases and percent positivity is increasing! Some areas of the
Commonwealth are seeing more of an increase in numbers - the Tidewater
area in particular. More and more we hear stories of people who know
people who have been sickened with COVID-19, whereas before perhaps they
knew of no one who had the illness. There is more confusion than
clarity as to whether or not it is safe for congregations to gather for
in-person worship. Our anxiety is at an all-time high!
In the face of such confusion, we hope that the following reminders will prove helpful:
There is no rush to re-gather for indoor worship
Even though churches are submitting their plans to re-gather, many
are stating that their congregations are waiting until the fall actually
to resume worship. This is entirely within the power of clergy and
vestries to decide. We encourage leadership to watch the numbers in
their area and to make decisions about worship accordingly. If you have
opened for worship, but have subsequently decided that the numbers are
heading in the wrong direction, you may temporarily decide to close
again. You may continue to offer virtual worship opportunities for those
who do not feel safe to come to church. Or you may gather for brief,
outdoor opportunities for worship and fellowship. The important thing is
to keep the lines of communication open with your parishes so that
everyone knows what is happening.
We are in a different place today than we were in March
In March when we made the sweeping decision to shut down worship,
we were completely unprepared to continue gathering safely. We didn't
understand then what we understand about the virus today. Today we know
more about how it is transmitted and about things we can do to protect
ourselves. Today we have guidelines that we can put in place for our
protection. We also understand more about numbers and trends that
indicate if the virus is contained or is spreading. All of this
information can help inform us as we make decision about worship and
other church activities. Vestries and clergy are of course capable of
making these decisions; however, the Diocesan staff also stands ready to
offer counsel and advice. Give us a call.
Our technological abilities are increasing
We have learned a lot through this pandemic, and one of the things
we have learned is how to stay connected and how to continue to be the
church through the use of technology - email, virtual worship, social
media, and other things. We now understand that God's church perseveres
in new, fresh ways that we didn't dream possible before.
GOD LOVES US!
In this Sunday's Gospel we hear the Kingdom of Heaven likened to a
small mustard seed that grows into a tree large enough to shelter birds
from all over. With even the smallest kernel of trust that we can
muster, we are welcomed into the protective branches of God's love. His
all-encompassing embrace will shelter us, protect us, guide us and lead
us into all truth. The day will come when the reality of this pandemic
will be behind us. We will boldly carry forward the lessons we have
learned from it. But no matter what, we will keep on being the Church of
God. So let us go forth, continuing in the apostles' teaching, in the
prayers, the fellowship and the breaking of bread. Pick up the phone and
call somebody. Pick up pen and paper and write a letter. Do not be
afraid to be the Church!
I will not forget you. Behold! I have carved you in the palm of my hand. (Isaiah 49:16)
