March 11, 2020
Clergy colleagues,
Today we are considering some practical issues as the COVID-19 outbreak unfolds in the Commonwealth, and in our diocese. With the Executive Team, I am making the following adaptations for the health and well-being of our communities.
- Diocesan Council, Fresh Start, commissions and committees will meet via the ZOOM platform, as much as possible.
- I have given diocesan staff the option to work remotely.
- We are cancelling the gathering of clergy here on Tuesday, April 7 in favor of a virtual gathering for prayer and the blessing of oils. The oils will be shipped to our deans for local pick-up/distribution.
- Clergy Conference is "on" for now. We'll keep you posted.
Due to the pastoral nature of my visit with Worcester clergy on March 19, this event at All Saints' will take place, as planned. My own schedule of meetings will be adjusted as we go along, with my pastoral responsibilities as determinant.
We are facing a challenge for which the Church came into being. We have the opportunity to comfort and assure one another that God is God, and this epidemic will not go on forever. There are wonderful resources surfacing that confirm our pastoral role and help us all think outside the box in terms of communication, and what it means to worship "together." For now, finding ways to reach out, stay connected and preach the Good News is our work.
I realize that all of you are struggling with these same kinds of decisions. "Should the vestry meet?" "What about clericus?' "Is Coffee Hour a good idea right now?" "Should we be worshiping on Sunday at all?"
This is a rapidly evolving situation and we may not be able to keep up with the minute-by-minute advice from the Commonwealth, the CDC and the WHO. I want to be very clear. I believe in you and I have faith in your capacity to make the local decisions, as I have done at 37 Chestnut Street. Know that I will support you in whatever decision you make for the common good - even if you decide not to worship in person on Sunday. I am listening, learning and praying along with you in this. I am doubling-down on my prayers, too, for you and for the grace and wisdom these days require from us all.
