A Pastoral Message from Rev. Shirley

Friends in Christ, I am grateful for God’s faithfulness and yours in this time of dealing with COVID-19. The vestry and I appreciate your expressions of appreciation for how we’ve been able to continue doing the ministry of Jesus together. I know this has been an emotional roller coaster for everyone. Yet, I believe we are drawing more closely together and recognizing in a new way how important our church community is and how much the world needs the enduring ministry of God. As I mentioned in last week’s pastoral message, we will move toward re-entry and in-person gatherings and worship in step with the Diocese of Virginia. Exactly what in-person looks like and when it happens specifically will be decided in the future. However, Bishop Goff and the other regional Episcopal bishops have given us this helpful framework, so I wanted to get it to you right away. While the vestry and I are responsible for developing the specifics, and will do so in conjunction with staff and lay ministry leaders, I would like you to be thinking alongside of us. Only you know what your personal sense of caution and safety is, beyond the public health guidelines. Only you know how quickly you’re going to be ready to leave your homes and gather with others. Within our congregation, people are going to have different desires based on their own health factors. After you read the attached framework from the regional bishops, I would appreciate hearing from you. What I’m looking for is... ·     What do you need spiritually, emotionally, and physically as you deal with your own health factors? ·     Are you accessing worship, fellowship and spiritual growth opportunities online, or is that difficult for you? ·     How urgent is your desire to re-gather when you balance it against your health considerations? Are there any practices that feel particularly important to you as you consider gathering with others (like you’ll want to wear a mask even after it’s only advised, or you’ll be inclined to not take holy communion)? ·     Finally, thinking about now, please let me or another clergyperson know if you are struggling emotionally or find yourself in a tough place financially and would to know how the church can help. Thank you for taking the time to read my message today and that of Bishop Goff and the other bishops. They have been tremendously helpful to clergy and vestries while we have been busy pivoting the ministry of Jesus to do it differently. Despite the challenges, I hope you will feel similarly supported. Love, always. Reverend Shirley