Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Due to the current surge in Covid-19 Corona Virus Cases and Deaths, the Diocese of Maryland has suspended all In-Church public worship until at least January 1. This of course changes our plans for Advent and Christmas as previously announced. In addition, we have added services of Morning Prayer 2 to our regular schedule of Live Stream Services.
Sundays December 6 and 20 will be Morning Prayer; Sundays 13 and 27 will be Spiritual Holy Communion. These services will continue to begin with Music at 9:45am, Service at 10:00am. In addition, our Christmas Eve Service will be Spiritual Holy communion beginning with Music at 4:45pm, Service at 5:00pm. Christ Church Forest Hill, Rock Spring Parish, will be decorated for Christmas, and familiar carols will be included.
As sad as it is to suspend In-church Worship, we are experiencing in Maryland and across the nation levels of infection, hospitalizations and deaths in the highest numbers ever since the Pandemic arrived early in 2020. Prudence has traditionally been the Ruling Cardinal Virtue among Christians, and this certainly is a time for us all to remain prudent. As you know, we are asked to restrict travel outside the home, wear a mask, practice social distancing and continue to wash our hands with soap and water frequently. Stay Calm; Stay Connected; Stay Church. And Stay Safe.
In addition, as Christ Church continues to have weekly expenses of approximately $2000 per week, it is important to keep our pledges up to date, and make additional contributions whenever possible so that when this Pandemic is finally under control, we will have a church home to which we can finally return in safety.
Finally, our Vestry has been discussing what to do about the January Annual Meeting and election of new Vestry. In consultation with the Diocese of Maryland, our current plan is to suspend the meeting until we can come together in person. As vestry members remain on the vestry until they officially resign, the current vestry may, and has agreed to, continue to serve until we can have an in-person Annual Meeting. It was felt that any kind of Zoom or other Live Stream Annual meeting would not allow everyone who may want to be there to participate.
As with everything in this Time of the Corona Virus, plans will continue to evolve and change. This is, however, what we will be doing for Advent and Christmas. Always feel free to call the Wardens, a member of the Vestry, or me, with any questions you may have. The faithfulness of so many of you to be together with one another on Sundays and at our Monday through Friday Noonday Prayer services has been encouraging, and important for all of us to remain faithful in worship and prayer. It is an honor to serve the Christ Church community. Your care for one another and for me and my family means everything as we all do what we can to Stay Church during such a demanding and unpredictable time.
Yours in Christ,
Fr Kirk Kubicek
Leave a Reply