Image by 8aKs_phOtOs8 from 8Pixabay
The last time I wrote a blog for this section of our website we were ten months into the pandemic. Who imagined that 26 months after our churches were first closed, we would only now be carefully coming out of that situation? During that time most of us had to learn very quickly how to stay connected despite the different stages of lock down we experienced in those two years. At the church, we all learned how to connect via Zoom and for our services, we learned how to operate camera software and other equipment that would permit us to live-stream on our YouTube channel. I began to send monthly pastoral messages to all parishioners, including the intercessions for each week and the lectionary (the readings for each of the Sunday services). It was an adjustment for everyone. Looking back at all we did to stay connected and continue on as a parish, I come out of this long time of distance and isolation with gratitude for our ability to rally and adapt when things became difficult. And, our desire to stay connected as a parish family even when we couldn’t come together, and our continued prayer for one another has made me hopeful for our future together as a parish family. We have continued to support one another and the community in so many ways and I am so grateful for that. Looking ahead, just a few days after Mother’s Day, 2022, the sun has begun to shine, the breeze has been warmer and the recent long winter and cool early spring are now in the past. We are beginning to come out of our long isolation. It is appropriate, I think, that this coincides with the season of Easter; a season of resurrection and new life; a joyful season. It has been a real joy for me, in recent Sundays, to see so many of you again – and I am looking forward to seeing more of you return as the risk to health continues to decrease. It is my hope, that we will once again begin to update this area of our website seasonally, as was my intention when we first launched our new website. For now, enjoy the sunshine and the warmer temperatures and may God bless you with happy, peaceful, joyful and loving hearts.