FR. DAVID’S BLOG OF 5/15/2020 — I think it is fair to say that all of us have had to adapt to the new normal that we find ourselves in because of COVID-19. Parents and kids participate in on-line learning and are settling in for doing this for a long time. Many are working from home. Medical personnel are using tele-medicine during this time. Even Mother Earth is adapting. If you have noticed, the air is cleaner now.
The Church is also learning how to adapt during these extraordinary times. I wish I could tell you that we will all be back in church soon, but I am not confident that we will be back soon. We are all struggling with navigating what this new normal will be and my only advice is hang in there. Take this time to rest and pray, to take a walk and be kind to yourself and your loved ones. Take time to be grateful and see the love of God that surrounds you and will continue to surround you at this time.
Personally, I am grateful that Zoom and Facebook allows us to stay connected with one another. Last Sunday we had our first virtual coffee hour and it was wonderful to see the folks who joined us. A couple of weeks ago evening prayer began on Monday and Thursday evenings and it is a wonderful opportunity to pray with and see one another for a brief time. The annual meeting in June will be a zoom meeting as we still will not be able to gather in large groups. More information about the annual meeting will be forthcoming in the coming weeks.
So, my friends be kind and gentle, be loving and caring during this time. Take time for sabbath rest and breathe deeply the spirit of God that is in all of us.
Peace,
Fr. David
PHOTO: Courtesy of Ken Francis
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Prayer for People Critically Ill or Facing Great Uncertainty
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart;
bring hope and courage to all
who wait or work in uncertainty.
Bring hope that you will make them the equal
of whatever lies ahead.
Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you.
-Adapted from New Zealand Prayer Book, p. 765
