Dear Christ Church Family,
As I mentioned in my email from yesterday, things can change at any time. After a lengthy discussion with many of the clergy of the diocese, Bishop Stokes has sent the following directive to all in the diocese of New Jersey:
"
Effective immediately, I am directing all churches in the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey to
suspend public worship services and all other non-essential public gatherings until further notice.
We will re-evaluate this decision as Holy Week approaches to determine whether it is safe and appropriate to re-open our buildings to our congregants and the wider public at that time.
You can read the full text of Bishop Stokes' letter
here
.
Just to be clear - this means no Sunday or Wednesday services and no in-person meetings or group studies that are outside of the scope of "essential services," such as the Food Pantry. The suspension of services is an act of love and care. We want you to be healthy, and we want, if possible, to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus which is best done by not gathering in large crowds.
In lieu of services on Sundays, we will be live-streaming Morning Prayer at 8a.m. and 10:30a.m. (times may change after this Sunday) on the Christ Church Facebook page
here
. If you do not have a Book of Common Prayer, you can find the BCP online at
bcponline.org
and click on "The Daily Office." Bishop Stokes will also be offering
Morning Prayer live at 10:00 a.m. this Sunday on Facebook
here
.
Other options for private Morning Prayer are here:
The Vestry will be in touch with folks who are not online. However, I encourage you also to reach out to your fellow parishioners out of your love and care for them.
The phrase I keep hearing about the COVID-19 virus is "unprecedented times." I can think of no other words that describe it adequately. Please know that I care about each and every one of you and that I am available via email, Facebook and phone. I will be working with our Pastoral Care Team to make sure we are connecting especially with the most vulnerable in our congregation. You will also be hearing from me over the next few days regarding ways you can engage in prayer and reflection throughout the week.
In the meantime, I ask that you take a pause, give God thanks for the blessings of your lives and join with me by saying this prayer:
