The Weekly Announcement Page
Friday, June 26, 2020
Church closure status. Food Pantry traffic. Thirst-quenching fellowship. Abraham and Isaac go to Sunday School.
Here's what's happening this week.
Pastoral Message on our closure of buildings
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Over the course of the past month, our Reentry Planning Taskforce has been meeting to finalize our plan to re-open our buildings and resume public worship. Last week, the taskforce completed our proposed plan, which was then submitted to our diocesan leaders for approval. I am deeply grateful to the members of our Reentry Planning Taskforce for their excellent work and steadfast commitment to the safety of our congregation as we move forward in this process. 

It was our hope that we would be able to begin implementing our reentry plan in early July; however, our local area is currently experiencing a surge in the infection rate of COVID-19. Consequently, our Bishop, in consultation with diocesan clergy and local health officials, has made the difficult decision to extend the closure of our churches until the end of July. I know this news will come as a disappointment to many; however, it is imperative that we move forward cautiously for the safety of all our members.

These remain strange and uncertain times for all of us! I am praying for God’s peace that passes all understanding to be with each of you. Please know how much I miss each and every one of you. Never have I more keenly felt the deep need we have for Christian community. However, despite our physical distance from one another, we remain one Body in Christ. We remain God’s beloved community. We remain disciples of Jesus called to share his love and grace wherever we are. May the God of peace continually guard your hearts and minds now and always!

In Christ’s Love,
Doug+
Food Pantry is serving record numbers!
The economic impact of the pandemic has been strongly affecting our neighbors who are food insecure. We have seen a dramatic increase in families requesting food assistance. Our Food Pantry served about 30 families on Thursday , in a two hour period.

Because of your generous contributions of non-perishable food items we are able to support our neighbors in this way. We replenish items as needed with Food Pantry donations, but we love it when you bring actual food! Here's a list of what we need right now:

Canned veggies and fruits, tuna, canned ham or chicken, spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, and cereal. Publix gift cards in $5 or $10 amounts help folks supplement with milk and eggs, too.

The Food Pantry is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Noon - 2:00 p.m. Food Donations may be left with an attendant during those hours. Thank you for loving thy neighbor!
Virtual Coffee Hour this Sunday!
Coffee Hour on Zoom happens every Sunday of the summer at 11:15.
I t's hot out there! Quench your thirst for fellowship AND share a cool drink story or recipe on June 28.

Click to join on Sunday at 11:15AM.
Meeting ID: 834 8646 5111
One tap mobile
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Summer Sunday School is Here!
Summer Sunday School posts on Sunday morning on our virtual church website. We invite kids and families to watch the video and check out the resources, including a fun new interactive Bible app.

This week: Abraham and Isaac
The lesson will post on Sunday morning.

We've posted the dad drawings in a gallery, too!

Visit the Youth & Families page!
Church Online
Each Sunday, the worship service posts to our website by 9:00 a.m. and Facebook at 10:00 a.m. Visit our Virtual Church website at the link below. You can find weekly services, resources for daily prayer, service opportunities and other important updates about how we can stay connected during this time of social distance.

Daily Morning Prayer
We gather online every weekday for Morning Prayer on  Facebook . You can access an Order of Service for Morning Prayer on the Virtual Church website. Not on Facebook? Watch the recording on our You Tube channel.

Online Giving
Your continued giving during the pandemic allows us to bring church into your living room each week. We love you and miss you and can't wait to be together again, but until that happens we are still working to bring you digital content, community support, fellowship, and pastoral care. Even if you are not utilizing digital resources fully, know that in this uncertain time, people everywhere are hungry for spiritual connection and are visiting Good Shepherd from around the country and around the world. Please visit the Giving Page on our virtual website for ways you can be a beacon of faith, hope, and love.

Office Hours
Per the directive of our Bishop, all of our church buildings are closed to public use. The staff is fully equipped to work remotely from home and will continue to check phone messages daily.

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church and School
The Rev. Dr. Douglas F. Scharf, Rector

561-746-4674