We begin the dog days of summer crossing the 20th week of our coronavirus distancing measures that began back in March. We can give grateful thanks that after that first initial and tragic wave of sickness, including four covid-related deaths in the parish, no one has become gravely ill. As we look ahead to the coming months, here is an update on our current activities and our regathering plans.
Some parts of the church spaces are already open and active: the church grounds, including the labyrinth, memorial garden, churchyard, and lawns, have been open and well-used throughout the pandemic. We reopened the church building itself in early June, and many of us have been able to pray in the space again, though with the poignant sense of loss at our inability to fully regather for regular worship.
We are gathering live outdoors for several small-scale worship events: Sunday Compline now gathers on the labyrinth at 9pm each week (and is also available on Facebook livestream). In addition, a Thursday 7pm meditation/contemplative prayer group has formed on the labyrinth and will continue weekly into August. (Check the Wednesday weekly email for details).
Due to the current spiking of infections across the country, our bishops continue to follow the recommendations of the governor and strongly urge that we NOT regather until we progress into later phases of reopening. St. Paul’s will continue to offer Sunday worship online throughout the fall or until we move into Phase 4 and beyond. We will continue to invite readers and intercessors to join in person, and we will look for other ways to make worship as dynamic as possible. The vestry will continue to discern other formational, missional, and social ways beyond worship that we may continue to engage with one another as individuals and as church, and to engage with the world’s needs in this time.
Blessings on this continuing pilgrimage of learning, love, and growth!
Daniel +
Opening Hours
The St. Paul’s grounds and labyrinth are open daily during daylight hours.
The church is open on a limited schedule. Please bring a mask and follow posted guidelines to ensure a safe visit for all. Current hours for visitation are: