The Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent

Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.  

Beloved Community,

You've probably heard me say a time or two that sometimes it seems as if the lectionary for the day was intended for the specific Sunday in which we hear it.  The message we hear speaks directly to the circumstances in which we find ourselves, with no need for any mental or spiritual gymnastics to find the relevance.  The Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent, which is this Sunday, March 15th, certainly fits that bill.  It could not be any better a prayer to gather us than if it were written for how to respond to the novel coronavirus in March 2020.

We are a parish created from love and committed to sharing that love with each other, the community, and the world.  We have lots of customs and traditions, lots of ways of being Church, that help us to be who we are.  Our worship, our fellowship, our Christian formation, even our Vestry and Finance Committee meetings, are ways we live our faith.  

A huge question for me and I know for some, if not all of you, has been: what changes are in store for St. Stephen's because of this novel coronavirus?  I've spent most of my time this week in meetings,conversations, research, and in communication with your Vestry and church staff about what are the steps we need to take to ensure that we take the best care we can of each other in the safest ways possible.

Today Bishop Hughes met via Zoom with the clergy of the diocese.  She has some clear directives, which I will share in a moment but first let me say that our response to this virus is a response borne in and shaped by love - the love I have for you, the love we have for each other, and, most importantly, the love of God for all of us and all people.   As much as we cherish our time together and know it to be a crucial way we express this love, we must be willing to temporarily let go of some of our favorite, most familiar ways as we find new ways or expand on existing ways in this particular time.  

Even as we make some significant changes to our common life, know that we remain the Spirit-filled community of faith we are. The changes we are implementing are ways of expressing radical love and radical hospitality because they call us to continue to be our best selves in the midst of extraordinary, trying circumstances. We will get through this together.  We will get through this with the love of God.

Peace & Blessings,

Paula+

Worship

We will be fasting from all in-person worship for three weeks: March 15th, 22nd, and 29th.  On March 30th the Bishop will review the situation for April.  It is hoped that we will be able to resume our regular worship schedule on Palm Sunday (April 5th).

The one exception to this is funerals, though there will be restrictions in place.  Obviously, we hope there is not a need for this but, if there is, we will talk about the specifics.

We will be offering a Sunday service at 10:00 via Zoom beginning next Sunday, March 22nd.  We do not have the equipment to begin this Sunday though we will for the 22nd.  This likely will be Morning Prayer with homily.  I do hope you join us so that we are able to maintain our connection to each other even though we are unable to do it in person.

We will be using Zoom because it is accessible with video and audio for those who use computers and internet.  It does not require downloading of any software or app. For those of you who do not use computers, Zoom allows you to call in using a cell phone or land line.  The information about how to join will be sent via email and posted on the calendar on the website.  Click on the event and it will be in the notes section.  Check, too, for an online bulletin for the specific service.

I am looking into possibly using Facebook live as well, though this does require a computer and internet connection.  I'll keep you posted.

Christian Formation

Sunday School will not be in session until we resume in-person worship. I am going to look at ways we can provide some activities for the children during this time so that they remain connected.  This might also help with the anticipated boredom due to prolonged school closures.  Please check your inbox for special editions of the "Sunday School News."  And do check Facebook, as I'll post there as well.

The Lenten Series and Reading with the Rector will happen as scheduled, though via Zoom.  I will post the information on the calendar on the website.  Click on the event and it will be there in the notes section.

Third Thursday Theater is cancelled for March.

Hospitality

Coffee Hour will resume when in-person worship does.

"Shall We Dance?" is on hiatus and will resume when it is safe to do so.

AA meetings will continue.  The coordinators have been notified that the meetings need to move to the fellowship hall, with seating that is three feet apart to maintain safe distance.  They have also been asked to clean and disinfect chairs, counters, door knobs, bathrooms, etc. after each meeting.

Meetings

Vestry and Finance Committee Meetings will be held via Zoom.  As with worship and Christian Formation, the details of how to access the meeting will be posted on the calendar on the website in the notes section of the event.

Pastoral Care

I will continue to provide pastoral care as needed.  Together we will decide if this should be done via the phone or Zoom rather than in person.  Please do not let fear or concern keep you from calling me and asking for pastoral care.  In times like this, when we are prevented from spending time together in worship and fellowship, it may be more important than ever to have loving support during times of illness or other need.

We will offer additional opportunities to stay connected using our social media platforms.  We'll post prayers and news from the Diocese of Newark and The Episcopal Church, as well as other relevant information.  

I encourage all of you to stay connected as much as possible in as many different ways as possible. I've said many times to many people that the people of St. Stephen's take care of each other better than any place I've ever been.  This is the time to live the faith we live so well when we are together in new and different ways.