A Letter from Pastor Susie: Suspending Gatherings, but Bound By the Spirit
Dear Friends of St. John’s ,
In this season of Lent, we are focused on changing the habits and practices of our daily lives in order that we might draw closer to God, and live more fully into the greatest commandments to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength; and to love your neighbor as yourself.”
The rapid spread of the novel covid-19 coronavirus is an unfortunate circumstance that gives us the opportunity to think about what it means to love God, neighbor and self in the midst of anxiety, uncertainty and concern.
Love God
First, and always, we pray – for those who are facing disease; for those who search for treatments, and the health care workers who serve; for all those who are affected by the anxiety of this time; for all those who face economic hardships that are made more difficult during this time.
God has not given us a spirit of fear – and so, while we are bound by compassion and love to respond to this moment with sensible precaution, we are also called to avoid panic or the spreading of misinformation. As one example – hoarding a year’s supply of soap feeds panic – but washing hands regularly, for 20 full seconds, is wise.
Love Your Neighbor, Love Yourself
The best practices for preventing the spread of most viruses are to wash your hands regularly, cover your sneezes and cough, and stay home if you have any signs of illness.
As of March 13th, we are participating in the call to community distancing, and in-person worship and gatherings will be suspended through the end of the March.
Along with our Bishops Committee and ECW leadership, we are working to keep up our contact. I am looking into ways to gather through various forms of technology, including Facebook and conference calls. Use the links found on this page, as well as on our Facebook group for worship, prayer and learning. Follow us on Facebook at St. John's Church Clinton, MI if you don't already!
Finally, as members of the One Body in Christ, let us remember those who are deeply affected by various closures, work stoppages, and inadequate access to health care. If you have the means, offer extra support to local food banks, shelters or clinics, like I-82 Food Ministries, Share the Warmth, and our Clinton Food bank.
As our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry likes to say – God love you, God bless you, and may God hold all of us in those Almighty Hands.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Susie Shaefer
updated March 14th, 2020
In this season of Lent, we are focused on changing the habits and practices of our daily lives in order that we might draw closer to God, and live more fully into the greatest commandments to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength; and to love your neighbor as yourself.”
The rapid spread of the novel covid-19 coronavirus is an unfortunate circumstance that gives us the opportunity to think about what it means to love God, neighbor and self in the midst of anxiety, uncertainty and concern.
Love God
First, and always, we pray – for those who are facing disease; for those who search for treatments, and the health care workers who serve; for all those who are affected by the anxiety of this time; for all those who face economic hardships that are made more difficult during this time.
God has not given us a spirit of fear – and so, while we are bound by compassion and love to respond to this moment with sensible precaution, we are also called to avoid panic or the spreading of misinformation. As one example – hoarding a year’s supply of soap feeds panic – but washing hands regularly, for 20 full seconds, is wise.
Love Your Neighbor, Love Yourself
The best practices for preventing the spread of most viruses are to wash your hands regularly, cover your sneezes and cough, and stay home if you have any signs of illness.
As of March 13th, we are participating in the call to community distancing, and in-person worship and gatherings will be suspended through the end of the March.
Along with our Bishops Committee and ECW leadership, we are working to keep up our contact. I am looking into ways to gather through various forms of technology, including Facebook and conference calls. Use the links found on this page, as well as on our Facebook group for worship, prayer and learning. Follow us on Facebook at St. John's Church Clinton, MI if you don't already!
Finally, as members of the One Body in Christ, let us remember those who are deeply affected by various closures, work stoppages, and inadequate access to health care. If you have the means, offer extra support to local food banks, shelters or clinics, like I-82 Food Ministries, Share the Warmth, and our Clinton Food bank.
As our Presiding Bishop Michael Curry likes to say – God love you, God bless you, and may God hold all of us in those Almighty Hands.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Susie Shaefer
updated March 14th, 2020
A Message from Bishop Bonnie Perry |
Online Worship ResourcesMany congregations are utilizing technology to broadcast worship, which you can participate in from your home! Here are a few options for Sunday morning worship:
10 am Streaming worship on Facebook with The Rev. Andrea Morrow at St. Stephen's Wyandotte 10am Streaming Morning Prayer, with a bulletin to download from Saint Michael's, Cambridge Junction 10:30 am Streaming worship with St. Michael's, Lansing - info on their website to join by video or by phone 11 am Holy Eucharist, with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry Live streaming on the National Cathedral website 11am or 1:30 pm Morning Prayer with St. Paul's, Walla Walla, WA Join this community for Morning Prayer at this link |