July 6, 2021 Parish Reacts With Awe, Thankfulness And Faithfulness During First Services In "New" Sanctuary July 4 was Independence Day by many definitions, starting with the commemoration of the founding of this great country. It also marked independence from most COVID-19 restrictions. For the members of our Parish, the Sanctuary Preservation and Readiness Project is nearly at an end and there is independence from construction workers spending month after month rebuilding and enhancing our beautiful Sanctuary. As much as we loved being able to worship from home by watching a taped service (and we can now watch live or delayed from home), we once again have independence to congregate with one another at our beloved All Saints-by-the-Sea. Fireworks, indeed! This past Sunday saw the first services since January 2019 held in our 121-year-old church. The morning was filled with applause, wonder at seeing all of the church mates we'd not seen in more than a year, and our shared love of God. Emotions were high, with tears by many at seeing their beloved sacred space intact and ready for in-person worship. Feel free to reply to this email with your comments and reactions! The newly rebuilt Chancel is ready for its debut at the 8 a.m. service. New flooring matches the previous Chancel. Listen to the Prelude before the 8 a.m. service - the first in our beloved Sanctuary since January 2019. You can appreciate our brand new organ in this clip! Watch the complete service by clicking here View additional photos taken on Sunday by clicking here COVID-19 worship protocols are available by clicking here Rev. Aimee greets parishioners prior to the 8 a.m. service to welcome everyone to the newly upgraded Sanctuary and to explain the COVID-19 precautions still in place for worship. Above and Below: The Gospel procession and reading during the 10:30 a.m. service.

Vestry member and long-time parishioner Tom Dietz reacts to the "new" Sanctuary.

The Lord's Prayer, COVID-19 style. Information about COVID-19 protocols are available at this link.

Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, our Honorary Campaign Chair, receives communion from Rev. Aimee at the 10:30 a.m. service. Susan Miles Gulbranson is at left.

Ken Jewesson gives his reaction to the newly opened Sanctuary.

The first Gospel reading at the 10:30 a.m. service in the remodeled Sanctuary.

Alice Scott received communion from Rev. Vickie: The first to be served at the new communion rail and in the newly rebuilt Sanctuary. Until our cleaned and expanded set of Communion cushions are ready and Communion COVID-19 protocols are updated, clergy will serve Communion from two stations at the front of the Chancel.

Here is a bird's eye view of the post-10:30 a.m. recession and greeting.

Rev. Aimee serves communion to her parents, Molly and Peter Delevett.

Robert Brown reacts to seeing the Sanctuary for the first time.