Dear Ones,
This shutdown is hard for many in our congregation and community. Federal employees, government contractors, family members, and others are feeling the strain. Some of you have told me that, even though you’ve lived through government shutdowns in the past, this time feels particularly scary. Others have told me that you’re scrambling to figure out your finances, calculating the toll on your savings in the absence of a paycheck. This is a time to come together, to take care of one another, and to take care of our neighbors.
Since the earliest days of the church, the followers of Christ “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.”
ACTS 2:42 & 44
St. Columba’s clergy and staff met, prayed, and identified several things we can do for one another ~
All affected by the shutdown are in our Sunday and daily prayers. Please pray for one another.
- Gather for scripture, prayer, and fellowship
~ We gather for a simple service of Morning Prayer each weekday morning at 8:30 am in St. Aidan’s Chapel, in the Church Nave (enter through the 42nd Street door or the parish office door on Albemarle).
~ Furlough Bible Study for those with unexpected time in your day and a desire to gather with fellow sojourners. Led by Amy and David on Wednesday mornings, beginning January 16, 11am-12 noon in the Azzi Lounge.
- Meet financial need with financial support
If you need financial help,
please let me know
. If you have enough to help someone else,
please let me know
. I will keep all in strict confidence – those who need and those who provide.
- Create a list of available resources
Many may be facing hardship for the first time and not know where assistance is available for food or other necessities. If you’d like to assist with crowdsourcing and identifying resources, contact
Susan Laing
.
St. Columba’s Mother’s Group will host a professionally led conversation with practical advice about how to manage anxiety and its impact. Open to all mothers. Wed., Jan. 16, 10 -11:30 am in Room 203. Free childcare provided.
What other needs or opportunities can we address together? Please let me know.
Trusting in the abundance of God, let us take care of one another. “Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever.”
EPHESIANS 3:20, 21
