May 20, 2020

 

Dear friends in Christ:      

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On this eve of the feast of the Ascension I think of how much I miss seeing all of you in worship and in your visits to church throughout the week. What a gift to connect with you via phone, text, email and through ZOOM and Sunday worship (note: available anytime on our website!). Thank you for your participation in and support of these various media, though nothing can compare with seeing you in person. I grieve our separation and look forward to the day when we I can see you in person in worship. 

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Thank you for your faithfulness in holding one another in prayer, especially supporting the remarkable front-line workers who have labored courageously during the initial acute stage of COVID-19. For those who have provided and continue to provide essential services, we recall the words of Jesus, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40). Bless you. 

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On May 12 and since then our bishops have written the following about in-person worship: “We believe that parishes and worshipping communities in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut should not return to in-person worship during this initial phase of reopening, which is anticipated to last at least until June 20.” I will follow the protocols and directions of our bishops. 

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When we return to in-person worship, it will be different. These guidelines will include continuing to practice six feet social distancing, wearing of masks, washing of hands, wiping down of surfaces and, the hardest ones for me, no communion, choral music or coffee hour – for now. The decisions I make are always first and foremost for your safety and all who enter our doors. Gathering in person is not all the church does, and COVID-19 has poignantly reminded us of this fact. 

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I say these things not to discourage you, but rather to keep our expectations realistic in this phase of COVID-19. We are in uncharted waters in dealing with a pandemic. But we are not in uncharted waters in our faith and prayer, our perseverance and hope. In fact, I believe we are made for these times. My daily prayer for divine guidance is taken from the lyrics of Hymn 594, "God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power,... Grant us wisdom, grant us courage for the facing of this hour, for the living of these days.” 

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Many things have changed, some temporarily, some permanently. What remains is this community – which has grown deeper and wider in our COVID-19 time. It is a wonder to me to see how during COVID-19 we are living into our parish goals,* so let’s keeping growing together in our faith. 

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As we come down the final stretch of the 50 days of Easter, let us also be reminded of the Easter message that light breaks through darkness and death is never the final word. The final word is God’s love in Jesus Christ. How then shall we love? By caring for one another, staying connected, being safe, reaching out for help and praying for one another. Thank you for doing these things in love for one another. Please do not hesitate to call or contact me via email or phone. It is my deep honor and great joy to serve with you at this time.

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Faithfully, 

 Mother Anita

The Rev. Dr. Anita Louise Schell

Provisional Priest-in-Charge