You, our St. Paul’s members, are responding with such grace to the coronavirus outbreak, and I am proud of you. These are uncertain days, yet I am grateful for each of you for the confidence you are maintaining in our Lord and for the care you are showing for our parishioners and community members who feel vulnerable, isolated and afraid. We have an important witness to share in our community as we hold fast to Christ our Lord. As St. Paul said, even in times of hardship and distress, “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Because of Christ, and as we hold fast together, we have nothing to fear.
I want to take a few minutes today to update you about our plans for the next few weeks. The situation is changing daily, and we are staying flexible as we seek to worship our Lord, stay connected, and minister to one another in creative ways. Our church leaders continue to heed the counsel of our Bishop and national and state health authorities.
St. Paul's will cancel all in-person worship and gatherings for the next two weeks until Monday, March 30.
We will continue to host ministries which are essential for those most vulnerable: Alcoholics Anonymous, Coldest Nights, Nashville Cares, and the Connect Ministry.
WORSHIP
- We will worship together exclusively on-line on March 22 and March 29 at 10 a.m.. More information will follow about how to link to the service online.
- Evening prayer and stations of the cross will be cancelled through March 29.
PASTORAL CARE
- Please let us know if you are staying home or are ill. Our pastoral care team and clergy are committed to staying connected with you by phone, email, and text. You may contact Kathleen Herzog to get on our list or to volunteer to stay in touch with our members.
- Grocery and Prescription delivery: Please contact Anna Stewart if you need groceries or prescriptions delivered to your home or if you would like to volunteer to make deliveries.
ADULT EDUCATION
- Wednesday evening Lenten Class will be streamed at 6 p.m. Wednesdays. There will be no on-site gathering.
- Sunday morning class will be streamed at 8:30 a.m. Sundays. There will be no on-site gathering.
- Watch for Interactive online/telephone opportunities for Bible study and prayer throughout the week.
CHILDREN’S and YOUTH MINISTRY
Cindy Guevart and Michael Whitnah+ will share online resources that will help parents disciple their children at home. I am excited for this opportunity for parents to become even more empowered in their role as their children’s primary disciplers. We will not have Sunday school on March 22 or 29.
FINANCIAL HELP
Please contact
me
(Kristine) if you need assistance with rent, utility bills, or groceries in the coming months. Parishioners have been generous with funds to help. We will also increase our assistance to community members through our CONNECT ministry.
You all are in my prayers as we walk together through these difficult days. Especially in times of uncertainty and fear, we have a witness to share because of our trust in our risen Lord who has conquered death. We are able to lead in our community with confidence and grace as we care for one another and we care for our broader community. We will make it through this together. You are not alone.
Yours in Christ,
