A Message from Bishop Brian N. Prior

Dear Friends in Christ,
 
This afternoon, Governor Tim Walz announced an order that all Minnesotans are to stay at home beginning this Friday, March 27th. I encourage you to listen to the Governor's address in full.  

This measure is meant to slow the rate at which COVID-19 spreads here in Minnesota. We are not the first to be called to such measures, and we will not be the last.
 
 
In our context, those in 'critical sectors' like childcare workers, law enforcement, emergency responders, those in food production, manufacturing, and news media are exempt from the order, and the rest of us are still allowed to leave our homes for things like gas, groceries, emergency medical services, caring for family members and friends, and those finding emergency shelters. You can click here to read the executive order in full.
 
As your Bishop, I write to strongly encourage you to abide by these new restrictions.
 
I know it's hard. It's hard on so many levels. Yet as people who follow the Way of Jesus, who practice the way of love, we are always called to acknowledge one another's belovedness. We are called to make sacrifices for others. To give generously. To fast prayerfully.
 
As you fast from physical gathering, freedom of movement, and labor, all in the service of our neighbors, I encourage you to turn inwards, to accept the invitation to dive deeply into relationship, to recognize our inter-dependance, and to get curious about what God might be doing in this time.
 
This could be a good time to journey the Way of Love ,
using resources ECMN has curated from the Episcopal Church Find online courses, videos, and reflections that you can do on your own, or via zoom with those from your faith community. And, please  refer to the ECMN website page dedicated to COVID-19 response for even more resources and updates as we know more.
 
Let us be people of abundance, the heart and voice of Jesus in a time when the world so desperately needs it.
 
Blessings,
 
The Rt. Rev. Brian N. Prior
IX Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota

Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral | 612-870-7800 | Email | ourcathedral.org
STAY CONNECTED:
 Saint Mark's Cathedral uses a third-party vendor to send emails to parishioners, friends, and neighbors who have signed up to receive the weekly E-News. You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in Saint Mark's by completing a Connect Card at a service, attending an event, or asking to subscribe.

If you no longer wish to receive this weekly newsletter and other email updates, or would like to change which E-News you receive, please click "SafeUnsubscribe" at the bottom of this message. Your web browser will open at a page on our vendor's website, Constant Contact, and will give you the otions for some of our different E-News, and ask you to verify the address if you would like  to be removed from this list. Click the yellow button that says, "Unsubscribe" and our mailing list vendor will automatically remove your email address.

If you do want to receive this weekly email, but want it to be sent to a different email address, please click "SafeUnsubscribe" below, and then go to the  Saint Mark's website  to enter the email address at which you'd prefer to receive the E-News. 

The E-News is archived online  here