Last night, our bishop sent an email to clergy in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago asking that in-person worship be suspended in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. Here's an excerpt from that email:
"As I am sure you are aware, the guidance from public health authorities about how to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, is changing by the hour. One thing, however, is certain: As Christian leaders, we have a clear responsibility to help slow the spread of the disease so that the health care system does not become too overwhelmed to care for the most vulnerable among us. This year, I believe this is among our most pressing Lenten disciplines.
Accordingly, I ask that you communicate with the people of your congregations as soon as possible and encourage them to stay home from church beginning this Sunday."
The full statement is
here.
Accordingly, we are complying and write to inform you that all in-person worship and meetings at Grace Church are suspended for the time being.
Many ministry group meetings were scheduled, and since they are now cancelled, we ask that those be rescheduled after we've been given clearance to meet in person again.
As of this writing, our service to those experiencing homelessness will continue as we offer our space in service to Housing Forward for their weekly PADS shelter.
Our schola and madrigal tour has been cancelled, and we are working to communicate with groups who use our space to inform them of these temporary measures.
We will be exploring options for offering online worship. In the meantime, Bishop Lee will offer online worship on Sundays. A link will be posted on various communication channels of the diocese:
