Dear friends:

Just wanted to tell you a few things by way of updates, and provide some links for the week as well.

STREAMING OPTIONS

As you hopefully know by now, we have been live streaming a weekly service on Sundays at 10am, using facebook live on our page, which can be found HERE. You can get a brief outline of the service and a pdf of the hymns for this Sunday on our website at THIS link.

The goal is to also stream modified versions of our Holy Week services, which will include

4/9 Maundy Thursday, 7pm (materials HERE)

4/10 Good Friday, 7pm (materials HERE)

4/11 Easter Vigil, 9pm (materials HERE)

In the next day or so, you should be receiving the packet of materials I mentioned in my e-mail of last week, which includes ways for you to observe Holy Week in your own home, whether or not you are able to access the live streams.

As usual, all these streams will be uploaded to our youtbue channel as soon as I am able to do that, which can be found HERE.

In addition to all the above, on Wednesdays at 12:30pm, we have been streaming a short bit of live music along with a view of one of our beloved stained glass windows, like THIS.

FOOD PANTRY

While I did not overestimate the strain on our food pantry during these troubles, I certainly underestimated your generous response! There is so much food in our kitchen right now, thanks to your unbelievable generosity. Thank you so much to all who have contributed.

Of course, we have no idea how much need there will be in the weeks ahead, for now we have plenty to help everyone who has come to the door. In the weeks ahead, I will alert you to any shortages of specific items.

Yesterday, a mother came in for food, while her kids waited in the car. I asked, "So how's it going with the kids home from school?" She said, "We just went and picked up their homework packets, and I have no idea how I am supposed to teach them any of this!" I told her, "I'm sorry we can't help you with the teaching, but at least they'll have food to eat."

Not the most satisfying answer, I'm sure, but maybe one that eased her anxiety, even if only a little. For now, we just need to do our best to keep people safe and fed.

ELECTRONIC GIVING

With Vestry approval, I have signed us up with a company called Tithely so that folks can make contributions online. (You'll see a DONATE button in the upper right-hand corner of our website.)

With this service, you can make a one-time gift, or recurring contributions, and direct them to specific ministries within the parish.

Thank you to all who have been sending in pledges and contributions last month. It really makes a big difference in keeping things going.

CARES ACT LOAN

Through some diligent research by members of Vestry and at the Diocese, we have determined that we are eligible to apply for a loan through the recently passed CARES Act. The loans will be forgiven for non-profits who retain all employees for the next two months, which we most certainly intend to do. The applications are being accepted starting Friday morning (4/3/20), and our Treasurer has been gathering the information and forms we need in order to apply when the process starts.

FOR NOW

As we will read Maundy Thursday, Jesus said, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another."

And so I won't stop reminding you that the most faithfully Christian thing you can do is to check in on your neighbors and family and fellow parishioners. Make sure folks have food, medications, pet supplies, and personal hygiene products. If you know anyone who needs a little help with food (yourself included), have them call the church office. All assistance is completely anonymous, and we have folks who have offered to make deliveries.

I am so grateful to God to serve as your Rector.

Stay home,

Fr. George