From the Rector
|
March 19, 2020
The Feast of St. Joseph, Guardian and Spouse “We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you,
because by your holy cross you have redeemed the world” |
|
Dear Parish Family,
The Coronavirus infection rate in the United States is soaring upward. It is difficult to grapple with the rapid succession of information each day while trying to predict what the outcome of this pandemic will mean to St. John’s. We live in unprecedented times and it is impossible for us to know what the future holds in the wake of this pandemic. While local, state and national governments construct plans to combat COVID-19, the parish must also envision what it means to be Church at this time.
The following is a summary of Bishop Gunter’s directives and some faith practices we can take up while we watch and wait.
Public Gatherings Halted Indefinitely
Our bishop is the “chief pastor” and “guardian of the faith.” I am thankful for his prayerful deliberation and prudent leadership. For now, he has directed that all public gatherings and worship halt in the Diocese of Fond du Lac. This means that St. John’s doors are closed indefinitely until we are directed to reopen them. While God has asked his Church to erect holy buildings dedicated to His glory, the Church is more than walls and doors. The Church, also known as the Body of Christ, is built with living stones, which means you and me. Through water and the anointing of the Holy Spirit we are initiated into the Body of Christ and charged with serving one another with our unique gifts and talents (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). This is to demonstrate that our union with God and one another is indissoluble. So, whether we’re gathered in the shelter of the nave at 330 McClellan Street, or praying individually at home, the Body of Christ labors unified as the Church no matter where we are geographically.
Throughout history, the Church has confronted seemingly insurmountable peril. But, with God’s help, the Church has overcome tribulation. Jesus knows us individually and lived as one of us. Our Lord can empathize with our hardship and pain (Hebrews 4:15-17). Even with firsthand knowledge of our earthly travail, Jesus is recorded in the Gospels--on more than one occasion—saying, “do not be afraid!” (Matthew 10:29-31). Just like he calmed the stormy sea, he can calm our afflicted souls. We can trust his promise of peace, but it does not give us license to be cavalier in face of this rising pandemic. Our God-given ability to reason should compel us to heed scientific wisdom with the quiet confidence that all will be well.
The Church Right Now
I admonish everyone to remain vigilant, informed and to follow the directions of medical professionals. As advised, it is paramount for each of us to obtain adequate provisions and refrain from all unnecessary social interactions, regardless of one’s age. For those of you seeking spiritual nourishment in the absence of the Sacrament, I would encourage you to take up a faith discipline if you have not already. Lent is a time to take up, or increase, holy habits. I hope that a portion of your time in elective sequestration may be dedicated to an increase of holiness and acknowledgement of our dependence on our Creator.
Here are some suggestions to take up at this time:
The Weeks and Months Forward
I’m afraid that it will take a lot more time than we realize to get this infectious disease under control. Currently, I am not planning for Holy Week or Easter services. As things progress, I will remain in contact with you. Please feel free to access the many recorded and livestream celebrations of Holy Eucharist on YouTube or Facebook. The Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Fond du Lac will broadcast their Sunday celebrations (https://www.facebook.com/FondyCathedral/), as will Grace Church in Sheboygan (http://www.gracesheboygan.com/index.php/grace-abounds). With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will discern other ways in which we can be Church.
The office will be shuttered for now, as well. I will be working from home, so you may email or call the office if you need assistance and we will respond to you at our earliest opportunity.
In Christ,
Copeland+
The Coronavirus infection rate in the United States is soaring upward. It is difficult to grapple with the rapid succession of information each day while trying to predict what the outcome of this pandemic will mean to St. John’s. We live in unprecedented times and it is impossible for us to know what the future holds in the wake of this pandemic. While local, state and national governments construct plans to combat COVID-19, the parish must also envision what it means to be Church at this time.
The following is a summary of Bishop Gunter’s directives and some faith practices we can take up while we watch and wait.
Public Gatherings Halted Indefinitely
Our bishop is the “chief pastor” and “guardian of the faith.” I am thankful for his prayerful deliberation and prudent leadership. For now, he has directed that all public gatherings and worship halt in the Diocese of Fond du Lac. This means that St. John’s doors are closed indefinitely until we are directed to reopen them. While God has asked his Church to erect holy buildings dedicated to His glory, the Church is more than walls and doors. The Church, also known as the Body of Christ, is built with living stones, which means you and me. Through water and the anointing of the Holy Spirit we are initiated into the Body of Christ and charged with serving one another with our unique gifts and talents (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). This is to demonstrate that our union with God and one another is indissoluble. So, whether we’re gathered in the shelter of the nave at 330 McClellan Street, or praying individually at home, the Body of Christ labors unified as the Church no matter where we are geographically.
Throughout history, the Church has confronted seemingly insurmountable peril. But, with God’s help, the Church has overcome tribulation. Jesus knows us individually and lived as one of us. Our Lord can empathize with our hardship and pain (Hebrews 4:15-17). Even with firsthand knowledge of our earthly travail, Jesus is recorded in the Gospels--on more than one occasion—saying, “do not be afraid!” (Matthew 10:29-31). Just like he calmed the stormy sea, he can calm our afflicted souls. We can trust his promise of peace, but it does not give us license to be cavalier in face of this rising pandemic. Our God-given ability to reason should compel us to heed scientific wisdom with the quiet confidence that all will be well.
The Church Right Now
I admonish everyone to remain vigilant, informed and to follow the directions of medical professionals. As advised, it is paramount for each of us to obtain adequate provisions and refrain from all unnecessary social interactions, regardless of one’s age. For those of you seeking spiritual nourishment in the absence of the Sacrament, I would encourage you to take up a faith discipline if you have not already. Lent is a time to take up, or increase, holy habits. I hope that a portion of your time in elective sequestration may be dedicated to an increase of holiness and acknowledgement of our dependence on our Creator.
Here are some suggestions to take up at this time:
- The Daily Office. The Offices are in the Book of Common Prayer. Follow the rubrics as you make your way through the prayers. If that is too complicated, you may recall that I include in our weekly e-newsletter a link to an app called “St. Claire Mission.” This app can be accessed on your smartphone or computer and is a convenient tool to help you incorporate the Daily Office into your prayer life.
- Forward Day by Day. I have provided links to Forward Day by Day, which is a rich resource for Christian devotion.
- Lectio Divina. If the above seems too structured, I recommend spending the day with a passage or chapter of scripture. Simply read a passage of scripture and meditate on its meaning, pray for understanding, or include it in a conversation with your family and friends.
- The Book of Common Prayer. I also invite you to explore the Book of Common Prayer and her treasure-trove of rites and prayers.
The Weeks and Months Forward
I’m afraid that it will take a lot more time than we realize to get this infectious disease under control. Currently, I am not planning for Holy Week or Easter services. As things progress, I will remain in contact with you. Please feel free to access the many recorded and livestream celebrations of Holy Eucharist on YouTube or Facebook. The Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Fond du Lac will broadcast their Sunday celebrations (https://www.facebook.com/FondyCathedral/), as will Grace Church in Sheboygan (http://www.gracesheboygan.com/index.php/grace-abounds). With the help of the Holy Spirit, we will discern other ways in which we can be Church.
The office will be shuttered for now, as well. I will be working from home, so you may email or call the office if you need assistance and we will respond to you at our earliest opportunity.
In Christ,
Copeland+