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Joy in the time of Coronavirus

What brought you joy this week?
 
It’s a question I’ve been trying to ask myself every day, where did I find joy today?  There’s been a lot of frustration in the midst of all of this…technology challenges, things that aren’t stocked at the grocery store, hours upon hours of working from home (and homeschooling at the same time for many of you).  So every day I try to remind myself of where the joy has been.  Many days it’s been reconnecting with friends and family, some of whom I haven’t talked with in a long time.  Some days it’s been revisiting TV shows that make me laugh or getting lost in a good book.  Last night it was a glorious lobster roll that I was able to (safely) pick up from a neighborhood restaurant.
 
So where are you finding joy?  I’d love to hear about it.  Comment on today’s Facebook post or send me an email with your stories of joy.  We’ll find a way to share them with one another.
 
As we progress through this pandemic, things are necessarily changing all the time.  This week Bishop Susan Goff shared with the clergy of the diocese that all public worship will be suspended through May 8, at the earliest.  As I said last week, it breaks my heart to think that we will not be celebrating Easter in person but I know that this is the right, responsible move.  We’re hard at work planning meaningful Holy Week experiences for you at home and designing what we will share online as well.  I’ve been so very grateful for the creativity and flexibility of so many of you in helping think through what this will look like.  And as I mentioned, we will have a great big joyous celebration on the first Sunday when we are allowed back in church.  (In my mind I’ve already dubbed that Hootenanny Sunday!)
 
Britton and I are mostly working from home, but you can always reach us via email or on my cell phone, 804-251-0363.  We’ll also be checking our office voicemails as much as possible.  Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns that you have.  Let me know about any pastoral concerns.  Or call if you just want to chat!
 
I miss being with you all.  Know that I am praying for you all, and ask that you hold Barbara and myself in your prayers as well.  Keep reaching out to one another, the care that this community demonstrates on a daily basis has been a real bright spot for me.  Amidst all the uncertainty of the world today, the one thing about which I have no doubt, is that God is with us now more than ever, offering us strength, peace, and love.  May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, be with you and those you love, now and always.
 
Grace & Peace,
 
Andrew+

COVID-19 and Worship

This week a friend of mine reminded me of a wonderful British greeting, “May you live in interesting times.” Personally, I’d settle for a whole heap of boring times right about now, but here we are.  These are certainly interesting times, unprecedented times, unsettling times.  But the compassion and creativity that have been evident already far outweigh for me the anxiety.  People in our community and around our country are thinking of ways to care for each other and help us all get through this pandemic. 

While we cannot gather to worship in person, we will continue to worship as a community.  This Sunday, we will have a service of Morning Prayer broadcast on our Facebook page at 11:00 a.m.  The feed will begin at 10:45 a.m. at www.facebook.com/standrewsrva.  The last two days I’ve been experimenting with Noonday Prayer via Facebook Live and have learned lessons each day that will help our worship on Sunday to be as smooth as possible.  Barbara and John Ambrose and I will be praying together in person and we invite you to join us virtually.  You can download a complete bulletin here and on our website.  Even if you are not able to join in the streaming worship, you can pray remotely with us on your own.  We will be evaluating other meetings and gatherings in the coming days and making decisions about whether to continue or reschedule.  We are also exploring other options for hosting meetings, bible studies, or even just conversations digitally.

I do not know what the coming days and weeks will hold but I am certain that God walks with us through this time, and that the community of St. Andrew’s will continue to lift one another up.  During this time, as we practice social distancing, I strongly encourage you to reach out to one another – make phone calls, write notes, be creative!  We will continue to pray for one another and for all those impacted directly by Covid-19.  This is an opportunity to work together to care for one another in new and creative ways.  We will coordinate meals for those who may have to self-quarantine in the coming days.  If you do become sick or find yourself in any need, please let me know, so that we can be there for you.  We will continue to be the Church to one another and to the world, sharing God’s love and grace during this time of fear and uncertainty.

I’m so incredibly grateful for the love, grace and flexibility that you show on a regular basis, and especially in challenging times.  Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions that you have.  I may not have the answers, but I will do the best to find them as we move forward together in the great tradition of St. Andrew’s.  May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, be with you and those you love, now and always.

Grace & Peace,

Andrew+

Holy and gracious God, give us the strength to meet the health crisis growing in our world.  Enlighten researchers that they may discover the right vaccine against this disease. Guide the doctors, nurses and all medical technicians working with those who are infected to take correct actions for their care.  Protect all medical staff and family or friends caring for those who are ill. Bring together the governments and governmental agencies around the world to work together to eradicate this health threat. All this we ask through Jesus Christ, our Savior.  Amen.