Looking ahead but staying grounded
As RI is beginning to discuss a phased reopening plan for state businesses, I want to let you know some of the conversations happening here at Epiphany. Our diocese is working on creating guidelines and we will abide by those as well as the state orders. In the last two months, we have proven that church is not closed nor is it dependent upon a building. We have successfully continued worship, formation and fellowship virtually with lots of creativity and adaptation on your part and mine. I never thought I'd be a televangelist or video producer, but this is what is needed right now and (as always!) God has given me and all of us the tools for the task.
I miss you all and I know how much you miss one another. Separation is hard. The reality of this virus and our physical distancing requirements means we will not be able to even entertain the possibility of inperson gatherings for worship before August (well into the state's Phase III of reopening when up to 50 people may be allowed to gather). That may come as a surprise to some and may seem even too early for others.
The Vestry's Reopening Advisory Committee has begun to meet. We are aiming to survey the congregation in early June so that we can better understand how to support your spiritual lives virtually over the longer-term, as well as hear your reflections on any future reopening options. Our members who are not connected virtually have been receiving bulletins and announcements as well as regular calls from myself and other parishioners. This is the very early stage of conversation, but we want you to have a picture of what to expect.
The office remains closed to the public at least through early to mid summer, though parish administration successfully continues thanks to Beth. We are talking with our 12 Step groups and with JDP Theatre, our main renters of the building, to balance their needs with safety once we get further into the summer.
Virtual worship will continue at 9:30am with Zoom Coffee Hour at 10am on Sunday mornings. Whenever we decide, according to state and diocesan guidelines, that we can more safely gather, it will need to look very different. Singing will not be allowed (as it has been proven to spread virus very effectively through respiratory droplets), masks will be worn at all times, a 6ft distance maintained, vulnerable populations possibly excluded, no coffee hour and no Eucharist for right now. That is a difficult picture and sounds little like the worship and community we know, love and need. Outdoor worship may be much more feasible in the late summer.
Several years ago, the Vestry and I presented these three values as our guide posts for our common life: creativity, compassion and connection. They are guiding us now more than ever.
I know some of us miss the Eucharist very much. At this moment, there is not a way to prevent a real risk of spreading the virus while celebrating or distributing the elements. Our prolonged absence from that table has me reconsidering how we think of our other tables and meals as holy spaces. Though the table of communion is a transcendent place of mystery, God's grace and action in our lives is not confined to the sacrament. We have always known that to be true. Right now we are being called upon to live it. Jesus broke bread and miracles happened in a lot of locations that were far from any semblance of an altar (think: feeding the 5,000 or a meal with Mary and Martha or fish on the shore with the disciples). The sacramental nature of ordinary life is available to us.
We are approaching Pentecost in the next two weeks. Jesus promises in this Sunday's Gospel that we will not be left orphaned, but will be given the Holy Spirit to guide, inspire, protect, empower and even dwell within and among us. Jesus trusts us with the holy work of love and service with the help of the Spirit. I am confident we will continue to have all the creativity, good humor, faith, courage, generosity and hope we need for this journey because those are gifts of God and God has enough for everyone for every day. We can always look with faithful hope to a future day, but we do well to remember Jesus’ admonition that today has enough worries of its own. Focusing on living well in the present moment may be a helpful way for you to frame this journey.
As you begin to venture out more, remember to wear your mask, wash your hands, keep physically distanced and only make the most necessary trips. I am also mindful that this experience is taking a toll on our mental health. The bad days are real, depression is more common and the stresses are many and varied for each person and household. Please reach out - call a friend or family member, have a driveway visit with a neighbor, take a walk and be in touch with me if you'd like to meet via Zoom or phone for support.
Yours in Christ, Rev’d Jen
