Update after Directive from Bishop Sloan

Friends,

I write to share with you the news that Bishop Sloan, after consulting with many of the clergy of the diocese and experts in public health, has asked all Episcopal Churches in the Diocese to suspend face-to-face gatherings for public worship. Our governor, Kay Ivy, has also designated a public health state of emergency which has caused schools around the state to close.  So much of our formation is face-to-face with our dynamic Sunday morning and Wednesday evening programs. At this time, we will suspend all programming through March 29, 2020. This applies to Sunday formation, worship, and Wednesday night programs. Bible Studies and small groups will also be asked not to meet in person. We are working to be able to support outreach groups such as AA, or other 12-Step groups, our ministry to Family Promise, and programs that are necessary for the care and wellbeing of others. We should always arise to take care of people in need.

Our 28 pilgrims from Saint Stephen’s have all arrived back in the United States. We have been traveling today which is why you are receiving this notice so late. Managing a communication plan from a European airport is a new skill! We are all grateful for your prayers. In Saturday morning’s Daily Lectionary reading, Joseph is finally reunited with his brother Benjamin and is overwhelmed with joy (Gen. 43:29-30). It is a beautiful passage of Scripture that reminds us that even after a long season of being apart, God works to reunite us. I feel that is going to be this season we are in these next three weeks or longer, but it will not be forever. May we long for the joy that will come.

Our staff and vestry are getting creative. Here is what I am very hopeful for: Crises often can lead to innovation. Katherine and I will be teaching virtually. We will be live streaming Morning and Evening Prayer frequently. We will be creating groups that can reflect at home. Jennifer is putting together family faith formation resources. More than ever, a commitment to our faith in the Lord, will help guide us through these days. We are working to build a webpage to host devotionals, online streaming, classes, and reflections. Church is going to shift a bit, so get ready, as we grow into a new way of being church during this time. 

Earlier this day, we flew directly over the Greek town of Thessalonika. In Book of Acts, Chapter 17, Paul and Silas gather in this city. They gathered each day of rest for 3 weeks for in the words of the author, "to teach the teachings," starting a new church. Maybe these three weeks, we get to be like Paul and Silas, finding new ways of teaching and preaching, and providing care, and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us find our hope renewed with the way we rise in Glory with the faith that has been passed down to us. While our physical campus will be closed, our digital doors will be open, and we can still respond in need in situations that arise. 

Faithfully,

The Rev. John B. Burruss