March 19, 2020
Dear Ones of the Grace Church Community,
I come to you in the love of Christ who tells us not to be afraid—not because God does not see our suffering or understand our fear; not because God sees our fear as evil or weak—but because God is always near. Indeed, in a time of chaos, when so much is unknown, Jesus comes to us in the midst of life, reaches out his hand and says, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” God is with us. God gives us to be with each other. Do not be afraid, means I believe, together with God’s help, we will hold each other through the storm. (Matthew 14:22-33)
We continue to learn more about COVID-19. This virus is unique because while it is a coronavirus, which includes the common cold, this virus is “novel.” Which means that no one has any immunity to its effects. So we must be particularly vigilant in caring for ourselves and for caring for each other. You have heard many of the precautions: Wash your hands thoroughly and often (for more than 20 seconds). Stay at least 6 feet from each other. Avoid large gatherings. If you begin to feel symptomatic, stay home and call your doctor if the symptoms persist.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
In an effort to care for each other, we are closing the Grace Church office effective
March 18
. Gretchen, my administrative assistant, will work remotely from home. I am available by phone for any needs or to visit. (512-981-8211)
Email
is always a good way to reach me.
I will continue to lead Midweek Eucharist on Wednesday at noon and Centering Prayer at 5:00 PM on Thursdays at the Grace Church Chapel.
All of this is subject to daily notice. I will contact you if these services change.
For other meetings, classes, and our worship together on Sunday, we are learning rapidly to use Zoom. I am grateful for your willingness to generously join us in this unprecedented
and
God infused time.
This Sunday, March 22 at 10:00 AM we will again gather on Zoom. We will worship together using Morning Prayer: Rite II. (Book of Common Prayer pg. 75) You may join us by computer, smartphone, or landline. Following worship, we invite you to stay with us for a virtual coffee hour.
To join the 10:00 AM Worship each Sunday
:
by computer
(Meeting ID: 978 403 493)
One tap mobile for smart phone
+16465588656,,978403493# US (New York)
by landline
Dial by your location
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Our Thursday
Lenten Book Study
reflecting on Jake Owensby’s
A Resurrection-Shaped Life
will continue on the Zoom platform. This book about finding THE gift of Easter in our lives feels more relevant than ever! Even if you haven’t had a chance to read the book, please feel free to join in our conversation, which gathers folks from throughout the Episcopal and Lutheran Churches of the Southern Berkshires.
We offer the same program at two different times today, and through April 2:
To join the 6:30-7:30 PM discussion on March 19, 26, and April 2:
To join the Noon-1:00 PM discussion on March 26, and April 2:
Finally, our
Tuesday night Bible Study
of the Gospel of Matthew has moved online and we'd love to have you join in.
To join us on Tuesday nights at 7:00 PM.
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,667015870# US (Chicago)
+16465588656,,667015870# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) (Meeting ID: 667 015 870)
May the peace of God which passes all understanding hold you this day and always.
Janet
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to all
who wait or work in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.
—Adapted from New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 765
