Ancient worship. Affirming Faith. Genuine love.
Thursday, March 13, 2020

Dear St. Mary's Family,

Bishop Field has issued new guidance related to the global COVID-19 pandemic which you can find here . Public diocesan events (not parish events) have been cancelled through the end of April. This has an immediate impact on these events:

  • The Installation of the Rector is being postponed to Wednesday, May 27th at 6:30 p.m
  • The Area Confirmation that was originally scheduled for April 18th will be rescheduled very soon.

In addition, Molly Bruner's benefit recital scheduled for Saturday evening will be postponed to a later date.

The Bishop is not planning to close the churches of the diocese unless a government authority requires us to close.  We will continue to have Sunday worship including the Reception (with significant modifications to reduce the risk of spreading germs), and will continue with daily Mass unless the clergy aren't able to be there due to illness or increased risk.  Please check our website before coming to any event at St. Mary's. All cancellations or changes in schedule will be listed on the front page.

If you feel sick in any way, please stay home . Please refer to CDC guidance on who is considered high risk for this disease. We are still working on live-streaming for those who cannot be here in person, and hope to have that up and running this Sunday or the next.

If you are leading a meeting at St. Mary's and are able to accomplish what you need to with a remote meeting instead of in-person, please email Raja Reed and he will help you with the calendar and credentials for our video/phone conferencing line.

The Vestry thanks all of our members for financially supporting St. Mary's. If you are unable to come to church, we ask that you consider paying your pledge online . You may also be in contact with Raja in the church office to make a payment via credit card over the phone (816-842-0975). You may also use your bank's bill pay service to send a check. Or, simply drop a check in the mail.

In times like these, I believe strongly that we should not succumb to fear. Yes, we should take every precaution, and some may not be able to come to church. If things get worse in Kansas City, we may have to worship together online for a season. But as long as are able, St. Mary's will not close.

Please be diligent in prayer for your fellow parishioners at St. Mary's, our city, state, nation, our leaders, and all healthcare workers. This is not a time for panic. It is a time for intercession, proactive decisions, caution, and perseverance. Let us "rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, and persevere in prayer!" (Rom. 12:12)

Peace,
Fr. Charles

O MOST mighty and merciful God, in this time of grievous sickness, we flee unto thee for succour. Deliver us, we beseech thee, from our peril; give strength and skill to all those who minister to the sick; prosper the means made use of for their cure; and grant that, perceiving how frail and uncertain our life is, we may apply our hearts unto that heavenly wisdom which leadeth to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
To the Glory of God and in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Saint Mary's Episcopal Church

1307 Holmes Street
​Kansas City, Missouri 64106
Telephone

(816) 842-0975