Daily Reflection
St. John's Church, Lafayette Square
March 13, 2020
Dear St. John's Community,

I have started the practice of writing down thoughts that are coming to me during this historic time in an actual, physical journal (pictured here). I thought it would be good to share some of these reflections with you as a way of staying connected. I'll do my best to keep it brief!

There is a lot to convey, and new information is coming every day, so I'll include pertinent updates at the bottom of each message.

***

Today I am struck by how with all that we have to give up in order to do the responsible thing, there is a blessing in appreciating those things we will be without. We take so much for granted every minute of every day in the regular course of our lives. Now is an opportunity to take stock in the beauty of life together with one another, in the warmth of handshakes, hugs, eye contact, and even the simple goodness of being gathered in one room at one time.

This moment is a time for waking up. In a sense there is an emptiness as we go through this period of being more isolated than usual. It shocks us into realizing what really matters. I am finding that in a surprising way my heart is especially full.

***

Worship on Sunday is happening! I hope you will tune in and participate from home.

We will put a link to our worship on the St. John's website ( link here ) in time for you to participate on Sunday morning. There will be music and preaching. This is our first time doing this, and we are learning new technologies, so please give us grace! Feedback will be helpful, too. I am optimistic and genuinely looking forward to it. You can experience worship virtually at any time, and you may choose to participate at your usual service time (7:45, 9:00 or 11:00).

The Forum, unfortunately, is cancelled for this week, but there will be a children's program and a Bible study by Zoom! (Contact here for more on the children's program, and here for the Bible study.)

A resource for daily prayer. Some of you have asked about resources for daily prayer. Here's a site that I love and use regularly. It's called Mission St. Clare, and it makes doing daily prayer in the Anglican tradition very easy. Click here for a calendar for Rite II services for each day in March.

Want to share these messages with a friend? Anybody can sign up to receive these emails, which will be sent to the same list as The Word, by clicking here .

Thank you all for all your are doing. I continue to be amazed by the spirit of this parish.

God's peace,
Rob+
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St. John's Church, Lafayette Square
1525 H Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 347-8766