Dear People of Christ Episcopal Church,
Due to the developing news about COVID-19, Bishop Doyle is asking parishioners to worship from home for the next two weeks and to suspend in person gatherings of more than 10 people.
For Sunday Worship
We are not canceling worship. We would like for you to praise God and hear God’s word with us from home. This Sunday, worship will be provided from the Cathedral online (http://www.christchurchcathedral.org/).
For families, we have provided lessons from Sermons 4 Kids that are free to download so you may continue to worship with your children at home:
Starting 3/22, we will have the full service sheets and recorded sermons provided for download on our website and Facebook page.
We have online donation via PayPal available on our website if you would like to make an offering or continue your pledge. https://www.cectx.org/giving
For Meetings and Fellowship this Week
Our office staff will be working from home the next 2 weeks. Please email them if you need to reach them.
All meetings and gatherings will be held virtually, including the Lenten Series. Please look for further information from your ministry heads this week.
What Can YOU Do Right Now?
Please spread the message with others who may not have internet access. Ministry heads, please contact those in your ministries. Friends, please contact your friends. We want to let as many people know as possible.
As We Move Forward
We do not want to stop being present. The way we connect and worship with each other may be different, but we are called to be there for others in Christ's love. It will be difficult in the upcoming weeks, but we will make it through together.
Deacon Jan sent me this last week that may provide comfort during this time:
Lura Steele fr ERD said she recently learned that the Prayer Book for the Armed Forces (1988) has a section entitled When You Cannot Attend Worship. It includes this prayer:
In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated. I desire to offer you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. And since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you, and you in me, in this life and the life to come. Amen.
We will continue to follow the recommendations of the Diocese, local health officials, and the CDC. Know that the safety and health of our congregation is extremely important to us, and we will continue to show God's love and presence in all that we do. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I am here to help you in any way I can.
Jenn Landreneau CEC Senior Warden
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