The Rev. Drew Foisie, Vicar
In early March of this year the scope of the Coronavirus started to sink into our minds and experiences and shared realities. Baptismal fonts across the Diocese were emptied of their water, the common cup at the Eucharist was restricted, and Purell hand sanitizer was placed throughout the church for repeated and frequent use. The governor issued a two week stay at home order and many of us (including me) very naively thought it would all blow over by May at the very latest. It all seems so quaint now that we’re six months into this thing. We collectively blinked and suddenly here we are at the end of July ready to step into the month of August still balancing all the pieces of this “new normal.”
There have, however, been some important learnings along the way on which one might reflect and, per- haps, give thanks. Some ‘learnings’ have been direct adaptations and some have been more oblique take- aways. For example, most have adapted surprisingly well to wearing a mask everywhere they go in public. There are still far too many stragglers in this area, but the overwhelming number of people of good will who want to protect themselves and others is enough to bring one to tears. Tangibly seeing this collective act of care tends to renew the sense within each of us that we truly are connected to one another in profound and meaningful ways. This is not just some romantic notion of a touchy-feely type, but I think a deep and essen- tial truth that is at the core of what it means to be human. As we’ve worked with technologies that we never previously bothered with we have discovered that a bridge of connection can be formed in ways we never knew possible and at the same time see that that bridge has limitations as great as its benefits. This is also a gift. It reminds one of the incarnational nature of the Christian faith tradition that worships God who, not satisfied with separation, came among us enfleshed in human form. As one choir member pointed out, this period feels like Advent. It has all of the marks of a season of waiting and hope and expectation for the com- ing of Jesus, in this case in the form of the Body of Christ reunited in the flesh. It seems entirely reasonable at this time to sing regularly and often that beautiful hymn “While We Are Waiting, Come.” If one wonders, however, what Jesus would look like if he were to literally come right now one would be safe to assume he’s wearing a face mask.
As we each consider the right “phase” for us to return to church for in person worship with our friends and neighbors we do so with an abundance of care and compassion for ourselves and others. With that in mind the ushers and service assistants teams have helped me write a set of protocols for keeping St Aidan’s safe as we slowly welcome people back to church. This is not only a diocesan requirement for us, but an essen- tial expression of our faith at this time. Know that if and when you come back to church for worship all nec- essary steps will be taken to keep you and others safe. We are still very much on this “Advent” journey and will be guided by God as we go, sustained by the Holy Spirit burning in our hearts, and renewed day after day by the Son who meets us where we are.
Grace and Peace.
Yours In Christ,
Drew+
There have, however, been some important learnings along the way on which one might reflect and, per- haps, give thanks. Some ‘learnings’ have been direct adaptations and some have been more oblique take- aways. For example, most have adapted surprisingly well to wearing a mask everywhere they go in public. There are still far too many stragglers in this area, but the overwhelming number of people of good will who want to protect themselves and others is enough to bring one to tears. Tangibly seeing this collective act of care tends to renew the sense within each of us that we truly are connected to one another in profound and meaningful ways. This is not just some romantic notion of a touchy-feely type, but I think a deep and essen- tial truth that is at the core of what it means to be human. As we’ve worked with technologies that we never previously bothered with we have discovered that a bridge of connection can be formed in ways we never knew possible and at the same time see that that bridge has limitations as great as its benefits. This is also a gift. It reminds one of the incarnational nature of the Christian faith tradition that worships God who, not satisfied with separation, came among us enfleshed in human form. As one choir member pointed out, this period feels like Advent. It has all of the marks of a season of waiting and hope and expectation for the com- ing of Jesus, in this case in the form of the Body of Christ reunited in the flesh. It seems entirely reasonable at this time to sing regularly and often that beautiful hymn “While We Are Waiting, Come.” If one wonders, however, what Jesus would look like if he were to literally come right now one would be safe to assume he’s wearing a face mask.
As we each consider the right “phase” for us to return to church for in person worship with our friends and neighbors we do so with an abundance of care and compassion for ourselves and others. With that in mind the ushers and service assistants teams have helped me write a set of protocols for keeping St Aidan’s safe as we slowly welcome people back to church. This is not only a diocesan requirement for us, but an essen- tial expression of our faith at this time. Know that if and when you come back to church for worship all nec- essary steps will be taken to keep you and others safe. We are still very much on this “Advent” journey and will be guided by God as we go, sustained by the Holy Spirit burning in our hearts, and renewed day after day by the Son who meets us where we are.
Grace and Peace.
Yours In Christ,
Drew+
St Aidan's Episcopal Church
1318 SR532, Camano Island, WA 98282
PO Box 145, Stanwood, WA 98292
Office@StAidansCI.org
(360) 629-3969 ~ Like us on Facebook
Copyright © All rights reserved.
1318 SR532, Camano Island, WA 98282
PO Box 145, Stanwood, WA 98292
Office@StAidansCI.org
(360) 629-3969 ~ Like us on Facebook
Copyright © All rights reserved.