The Rev. Drew Foisie, Vicar
“May you live in interesting times” is that ancient Chinese “blessing” that’s seeming to ring true more and more frequently. These are indeed “interesting” times. I don’t believe there has ever been anything quite like it in recent modern memory. In a conversation a few days ago a near centenarian recalled her mother’s stories of surviving the 1918 Spanish Flu, but naturally had no direct experience or memory of the pandemic herself. No, this is new territory for just about all of us. It’s a time chock full of new normals like face masks and social distancing, terms like PPE and PPP, and “virtual” worship. Also, the earth and the air is getting a bit of a reprieve with fewer cars on the road, victory gardens are making a comeback, and neighborliness is on the rise. These are very interesting times.
Movers and shakers holding political office have been known to quip, “Don’t let a good crisis go to waste.” A self-serving sentiment delivered with a wink for some, but an honest-to-goodness piece of wisdom for more well intentioned souls too. On Bishop Greg Rickel’s weekly Zoom conference call with the clergy the question very often at the forefront, spoken or unspoken, is “How will we be different in one month, two months or one year’s time?” Or perhaps more to the point, we’ve been pressed into learning, adapting, changing, and growing in some surprisingly positive (if not stressful) ways, how do we not let that go to waste? We’re really only at the beginning of being able to answer that question. We’ll know much more as we continue to walk the path in faith week by week and month by month. But I believe there are promising signs of hope, new life, and possibility all around.
With the arrival of May comes, perhaps, the sense that when the Stay At Home, Stay Healthy order is lifted things just might all go back to the way they were before. Most (including me) would say in an unfiltered moment, “Bring it on!” But the truth is that this current stay-at-home arrangement will likely stretch into June, and that a slow, phased-in approach will proceed from there. If and when limited size gatherings are permitted by health officials and the bishop we will begin to meet again for in-person worship. If group sizes are limited to 50 or less we may likely adjust Sunday mornings to accommodate three services so everyone that wants to worship can do so in an environment that’s safe and congruent with safety guidelines. During this phase coffee hour will remain on “pause.” Perhaps the loss of St Aidan’s tremendous coffee hour and fellowship has been the hardest thing of all!
Through it all, the most important thing has been, and will continue to be, the protection of the most vulnerable among the St Aidan’s family, our neighbors, and our community. And to keep in prayer those who are ill and those who labor among the sick, putting themselves at risk. Thanks be to God that (to my knowledge) no one at St Aidan’s has contracted the Coronavirus. May God continue to keep us safe, preserve us from harm, and strengthen us in the time ahead.
Yours In Christ,
Drew+
Movers and shakers holding political office have been known to quip, “Don’t let a good crisis go to waste.” A self-serving sentiment delivered with a wink for some, but an honest-to-goodness piece of wisdom for more well intentioned souls too. On Bishop Greg Rickel’s weekly Zoom conference call with the clergy the question very often at the forefront, spoken or unspoken, is “How will we be different in one month, two months or one year’s time?” Or perhaps more to the point, we’ve been pressed into learning, adapting, changing, and growing in some surprisingly positive (if not stressful) ways, how do we not let that go to waste? We’re really only at the beginning of being able to answer that question. We’ll know much more as we continue to walk the path in faith week by week and month by month. But I believe there are promising signs of hope, new life, and possibility all around.
With the arrival of May comes, perhaps, the sense that when the Stay At Home, Stay Healthy order is lifted things just might all go back to the way they were before. Most (including me) would say in an unfiltered moment, “Bring it on!” But the truth is that this current stay-at-home arrangement will likely stretch into June, and that a slow, phased-in approach will proceed from there. If and when limited size gatherings are permitted by health officials and the bishop we will begin to meet again for in-person worship. If group sizes are limited to 50 or less we may likely adjust Sunday mornings to accommodate three services so everyone that wants to worship can do so in an environment that’s safe and congruent with safety guidelines. During this phase coffee hour will remain on “pause.” Perhaps the loss of St Aidan’s tremendous coffee hour and fellowship has been the hardest thing of all!
Through it all, the most important thing has been, and will continue to be, the protection of the most vulnerable among the St Aidan’s family, our neighbors, and our community. And to keep in prayer those who are ill and those who labor among the sick, putting themselves at risk. Thanks be to God that (to my knowledge) no one at St Aidan’s has contracted the Coronavirus. May God continue to keep us safe, preserve us from harm, and strengthen us in the time ahead.
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.