| | Weekly Dispatch, March 11th, 2020 |
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| |  | | Special Dates to Remember- Sunday, 3/15 - Bittaker Baby Shower after Church
- Monday, 3/16 - Eagle & Child at 6:30 pm
- Thursday, 4/9 - Maundy Thursday service at 6:30 pm
- Friday, 4/10 - Good Friday service at 6:30 pm
- Easter Sunday, 4/12 - Potluck & easter egg hunt after Church (at the Hollon's)
- Sunday, 4/19 - Confirmations and Visitation from Archbishop Foley Beach
- Check the bulletin for birthdays!
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| | Thanks to everyone who helped out this past Sunday in my absence, and thanks especially to Fr. Mark Engel for presiding and preaching. It is nice to know that I can get away for a weekend and that our service moves forward without the slightest interruption, as it certainly did.
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As you all know, news (and a certain amount of hysteria) about the corona virus is spreading. My head has been spinning as much as anyone's as I try to process what is happening and respond with wisdom. Those of us who teach and work at Malone University have already been affected, as all classes are being moved online through at least April 14th in order to slow the spread of the disease. It sounds like most other colleges and universities in Ohio are doing the same, including Ohio State. I don't believe this move is based on panic. Rather, it is just a precautionary measure intended to slow the spread of the illness and avoid overwhelming hospitals. In China, moves such as this have led, successfully, to declining rates of illness. That is good news.
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At St. John's we are going to do our part with some very simple precautionary measures, which have been recommended by the CDC, Governor Mike DeWine, and Anglican authorities. In addition to disinfecting our worship space, beginning this Sunday, we will:
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- Offer Communion in one kind only to all communicants. In other words, the priest (with carefully washed hands) will partake of the bread and wine, but everyone else will partake only of the consecrated bread. This is an ancient, approved, and legitimate way to celebrate the Lord's Supper.
- Suspend handshaking or other direct physical contact during the sharing of the peace.
- Suspend direct physical contact as part of a blessing or ‘laying on of hands,' in cases where we might normally do otherwise.
In addition to these steps that we will take together, every member of St. John's can take the following precautions, which are recommended by the CDC:
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- Frequently wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow.
- Clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when sick.
Having said all of this, and using precautions where we can, let's trust in God, have no fear, and be faithful, since this will certainly pass. Archbishop Foley Beach shared the following passage in a recent communication regarding the current situation, and it is fitting:
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| | | “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). |
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Regarding business as usual, our adult catechesis class will focus on questions 290-316, which cover the fourth through the sixth commandments. And don't forget that we will be celebrating the gift of new life with the Bittaker's Baby Shower just after church. Look for correspondence from Suzanne if you've not already seen it.
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I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday!
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| P.S. I was not able to get the sermon from this past Sunday recorded, so the link below is for the previous Sunday. |
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| | Letter from Archbishop Foley Beach | |
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| re COVID-19 |  | | | | “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). |
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
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| The global spread of COVID-19, the coronavirus, has become a focus of attention and concern for many of us. Many bishops, diocesan leaders, and experts in the field of medicine have consulted with the Province since this disease was first reported. |
| Drawing on their deep wisdom, I offer these points, which speak to both the physical and spiritual concerns that naturally occur at a time like this: |
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| | Listen to Sunday's Sermon Online | |
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| "The Temptations of Christ," by Bryan Hollon |  | | A message from the series "Sermons from Lectionary Texts." Fr. Bryan preaches on Matthew 4: 1-11 and the temptations of Christ. |
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| The Daily Office| Interested in a simple way to pray the daily office from the Book of Common Prayer? Follow this link for text and audio versions of morning, noon, and evening prayer. The site is hosted by our friend, Fr. Michael Jarrett. |
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Questions?| If you have questions about any of the content contained in this email or want to learn more about St. John's Anglican Church, please let us know. You can fill out a form at this link, and you will receive a response from Fr. Bryan. |
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