18 March 2020

Re., Pastoral Letter to St. James

Dear St. James,

I write to you today in order to keep you informed as to the worship, Christian Ed offerings, and general status of the parish. I have many things to cover. However, the most important is to let you know that the staff and I are praying for you daily. We continue to ask for God’s provision for you as well as all those affected by Covid-19.

The landscape continues to shift and change almost daily. Bsp. Sumner continues to send updated Pastoral Directives to his parishes. I received the latest update yesterday evening. He urges us all to pray! He has also suspended in-person services through Easter Day. All in-person meetings and gathers are also suspended. This includes ministry meetings, Christian Ed, Lenten programs, Vestry meetings and fellowship groups (dinner clubs and small groups).

I want to encourage you and remind us all that in-person services may be suspended, however, the ministry continues! St. James will continue to offer online services, Christian Ed and meetings. We have several options such as Zoom, Google Hangout, and teleconferencing to continue to connect us while observing safe social distancing. If you desire more information about these free services you can reach out to Jared, Fr. DJ or me. We would love to help you set-up a meeting or post your offering to the website. The staff is dedicated to bringing you quality programming and worship electronically.

During these times of isolation, know that the clergy are available to talk, hear confessions or pray with you when need arises. Further, let me encourage you to continue to send in your pledges. This can be done by simply writing a check and dropping it in the mail, auto-drafting your bank account, or giving online via our website (www.stjamesdalls.org). The act of giving connects us to each other and is a response of faith to God.

I will continue to offer regular updates as need arises. Join us Sunday, 22 March at 9:00 am for Morning Prayer with sermon. We will live stream on the St. James Facebook page.

Blessings,

Fr. Michael+