A Return to Online Worship
Earlier this week, as we celebrated the First Sunday of Advent, I preached that Advent means "coming" but could easily rebrand itself as "waiting." We are living the ever-evolving "already-and-not-yet" of the Kingdom of God that Christ calls us now and in the future to usher in. Paul challenges the Corinthians with continued personal growth and spiritual preparation — as well as reminding them (and us) of God's ever-present nature.
Yesterday, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) issued a Public Health Guidance advising people to avoid particular public and social gatherings. They include, among others, in-person church services (see attached). That same day, Bishop Seage, along with advice from medical and public health experts, issued a letter to clergy regarding worship in the diocese (see also attached).
I received this letter early this morning. I encourage you to read it. It says, "Effective immediately, all in-person worship in the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi is suspended until further notice. All other in-person gatherings in our churches (vestry meetings, Christian Education offerings, and the like) are also suspended."
For Redeemer, that means that our Sunday and Wednesday worship will move to online-only via YouTube and Facebook until directed otherwise. Our Christian Education offering "Episcopal 101," which had a great start last night, will also move to a Zoom format. Our Advent in Trinity Park music series is canceled. Other meetings of the church, including vestry, will be conducted online. Angel's Attic will operate on a day-by-day basis to serve those in greatest need. Likewise, our Friday Food Pantry will serve our community on a week-to-week basis.
For many, this is hard to hear, especially as many new programs at Redeemer were just underway or about to debut. I am incredibly thankful for Shaw Furlow and his work to make Advent in Trinity Park a wholly prepared music series. I trust we can make a joyful noise in the Park soon enough.
I am sensitive to those of us eagerly anticipating a festive Christmas Eve celebration. Right now, I do not know how long our hiatus from public worship will last. I choose to hope for the best and plan for the worst. If we can open the doors on December 24th, we will. If not, we will have prepared a joyous celebration for all to share from the comfort and safety of their living rooms.
And yet, amidst the darkness, there is light, and God provides! I am so thankful that our new broadcast capability in the nave came at precisely the right time. Many thanks to the Perkins and Said families who put in hours and hours of work across many days during the Thanksgiving holiday to make this possible. Their contributions are a game-changer for Redeemer. With our new capabilities, our worship and gatherings will be as familiar as they can be.
I encourage diligent observance of the guidelines attached so that numbers will decrease and people will be safe. I pray for all who are sick, all who care for them, and all who are in harm's way. Let never forget that our common life depends upon each other's toil.
If you have any questions or want to talk about what is going on, please contact me.
God bless,
Fr. Andrew+
Church: 601-833-7399. Pastoral Cell: 601-790-1559
Attachments