Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
Many of you have seen the Archbishop’s message to the diocese directing that we suspend all worship services. Please see the archbishop’s full message here if you have not already read it. In obedience to his direction and out of care for our neighbors and the vulnerable among us, but with heavy hearts, we will be suspending all services and gatherings at Apostles until further notice. This includes Sunday and Wednesday services, Formation Hour classes, special services such as Stations of the Cross, and all other gatherings at Apostles.
These are unprecedented measures in unprecedented circumstances, and I would echo Fr. Jack’s call for us to be people of grace and patience in the days ahead. Just because we are not meeting in one place does not mean that we cease to be the church or that we cease to be a community. To that end, here are some plans for the week ahead.
What is the plan for Sunday (March 22)?
We invite you to worship as an Apostles family online this Sunday at 10am. At that time, we will be posting the recorded audio of the entire Eucharistic service, with the sermon but without the music, to our website and social media pages. We will also be posting the bulletins for both of our services so you can follow along at home. You may even pause the audio when it is time for the music and sing together as a family. The recording will follow the 8:45am service, but those of us who attend the 11:15am service will be able to follow along as well.
How can I receive Communion?
We will be consecrating bread on Sunday for the purpose of distributing it to the parish. Bread-only Communion will be available on Sunday (March 22) from 4pm-6pm and Wednesday (March 25) from 12pm-2pm at Apostles. Those who are well, who do not have flu symptoms (a fever or cough), are invited to receive Communion during these times. Those coming to receive Communion will be admitted one family at a time and should participate in the recorded Sunday service beforehand.
What if I am on a volunteer team?
If your volunteer role is for a Sunday morning task, we are temporarily suspending your team’s service until services resume. If you are on the meal team or the email prayer team, those teams are still active.
What about giving?
The Archbishop has reminded us in his letter of the importance of continuing to bring our tithes and offerings in this time. You may give online, by mail, or in-person when you come to receive Communion.
Will the church office stay open?
The church office will remain open, though office hours will be by appointment only for at least the next week. The office phone and email will be monitored regularly. One-on-one pastoral care and spiritual direction will continue, assuming both parties are symptom free and have not been exposed to COVID-19.
We will make more information available regarding future services as those dates approach or as we receive further direction from the Archbishop. If you have immediate concerns or needs, please contact the church office or a priest.
Peace,
Thomas+
Very prudent, Fr Thomas.
The Apostle’s community is being creative and pro-active in supporting and encouraging one another.
Blessings
Janice
Isn’t outdoor air and sunshine better than indoors?
Respecting wind and rain, you might watch for arrivals and meet either near the door or by the cars – even drive-thru style, if a lot come at once.
Thinking and praying for all of our Apostles family. Let us know if there is anything we can do.