CORONA VIRUS UPDATE- MARCH 13

As we strive to focus on our walk with Jesus during this season, the reality is that the Coronavirus has taken over the news and now impacts our lives in many complex ways- including our church and worship life.

Our Bishop has written a pastoral letter recommending some modifications  to our worship services.  We will have a service at St. Thomas' this Sunday, but if you are hesitant to come, or you are sick, or you are in a high risk category, please stay home.  You can read the Scripture lessons appointed for Sunday here and you can read the morning prayer service at home by yourself or with your family.  You can find it in the Book of Common Prayer starting on page 75, or follow it on line at this link. And you can sing a hymn together!  Here are some Episcopal hymns on YouTube. If you want a copy of my sermon, let me know.  I have outlined a few things below that are from the Bishop's letter and also specific to our church.  These precautions will be in place until Easter, and then will be re-evaluated.

• We will practice social distancing with each other- keep at least 3 feet apart if possible and no touching or hugging.  We will wave during the Peace.
• During communion, consecrated wafers will be distributed.  I will consecrate a small amount of wine in the chalice, but we will not touch it.  The full benefit of communion is received in the bread as the  Body of Christ.  The chalice will remain on the altar as a reminder of Christ's sacrificial blood. 
• The offering plate will not be passed during the service- it will be at the front of the church for your offering.
• There is hand sanitizer in every pew, and at several other places in the church.
• There will be no coffee hour for the next two weeks.
• There will be no church school for the next two weeks.
• Our fellowship  dinner for March 27 has been cancelled.  Another dinner will be planned afterr Easter.
• The WARM meal will not be prepared on Sunday or served on Monday.   The WARM Center will be distributing sandwiches and "to go" meal bags.  You can learn more about that here.
• If you have a Lenten Prayer Pal- this is a perfect time to pray for that person and be in touch.  We need to encourage one another and keep communications open.  If you don't have a Prayer Pal, send the priest a message and you can be connected with one.
• For those of you are not in a high risk category for the virus, maybe you can be of help.  Some others in our church family may need help with shopping, or other jobs and may not be able to go out.  Perhaps you could volunteer to do some of those things.
• Please call and check on each other - this is a time to love one another and realize that we are all in this together.
• For more information, contact the Rhode Island Dept. Of Health at 401-444-5960 visit their website at here.