Dearly Beloved,
As things are constantly changing in our society regarding the COVID-19 crisis, I would like to give you some “food for thought” as our country attempts to re-open in face of this pandemic. My message about this is recorded in a video taken this past Wednesday evening at Holy Communion. Please watch this and consider how we might express the “righteousness of God” (James 1:20).
Limited Attendance Continues…for now!
Two weeks ago, we made the decision to open public worship in a limited way by offering the opportunity for you to come and worship and receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. My letter to you two weeks ago explains how we do this (Click here). If you have not been here during the past two weeks, I encourage you to contact Deaconess Cynthia to schedule a time to come in.
We will continue with this limited worship schedule for two more weeks. We await Governor Cooper’s update to his executive orders next Friday, May 22, and then plan for the future. As I said, though, we will continue the limited schedule for 2 more weeks, until May 27.
Sunday live-stream will continue for the foreseeable future (at 11:00 a.m.) as I know many are still remaining home. Remember, to watch our live-stream, just go to our website and click the “Join Us Live” button on the front page or pick the feed up on Facebook. We have also been continuing to broadcast the Wednesday evening Holy Communion.
Update on our Bells
We received some very good news last week. Our bells are being completed as I write. They are all tuned and are going through their final testing in the shop up in Ohio. Ohio presently has some very tough travel restrictions on businesses but they are anticipated to be removed shortly. Once the bell company workers are allowed to travel again, they will come and install our bells. We are first on the list! If the Ohio restrictions are removed, the bells should be installed in June. Now this is some very good “re-opening” news!
Many Thanks
A special thank you to all of you for your faithful and generous support of our local food banks during these difficult times. We will be continuing our weekly food drive deliveries for the foreseeable future. Here is a list of needed items.
Two weeks ago, we made the decision to open public worship in a limited way by offering the opportunity for you to come and worship and receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. My letter to you two weeks ago explains how we do this (Click here). If you have not been here during the past two weeks, I encourage you to contact Deaconess Cynthia to schedule a time to come in.
We will continue with this limited worship schedule for two more weeks. We await Governor Cooper’s update to his executive orders next Friday, May 22, and then plan for the future. As I said, though, we will continue the limited schedule for 2 more weeks, until May 27.
Sunday live-stream will continue for the foreseeable future (at 11:00 a.m.) as I know many are still remaining home. Remember, to watch our live-stream, just go to our website and click the “Join Us Live” button on the front page or pick the feed up on Facebook. We have also been continuing to broadcast the Wednesday evening Holy Communion.
Update on our Bells
We received some very good news last week. Our bells are being completed as I write. They are all tuned and are going through their final testing in the shop up in Ohio. Ohio presently has some very tough travel restrictions on businesses but they are anticipated to be removed shortly. Once the bell company workers are allowed to travel again, they will come and install our bells. We are first on the list! If the Ohio restrictions are removed, the bells should be installed in June. Now this is some very good “re-opening” news!
Many Thanks
A special thank you to all of you for your faithful and generous support of our local food banks during these difficult times. We will be continuing our weekly food drive deliveries for the foreseeable future. Here is a list of needed items.
- Non-perishable food items—canned meats, pasta, pasta sauce, cereals, peanut butter, canned beans, etc.
- Fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Baked goods, cookies, brownies, etc.
- Personal items—soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes (adult and child), deodorant, and shampoo.
Your Support of this Parish
Thanks to all of you for continuing to support All Saints in your giving. Despite the fact we have not been together for two months, your continued, faithful support has still allowed us to receive approximately 90% of our needed monthly income. Please keep up the good work so we can continue with our faithful Gospel ministry here in this place. You can drop your offerings off at the church. There is always an offering plate on a small table right where you come into the church. Of course, mailing in your support works very well, as does donating online. There is a “Donate” button on the upper right corner of the front page of our website.
One small consideration: When Kathy and I received our stimulus money from the federal government, we really viewed this as “found money” and are using it to support our local restaurants and such. But the first thing we did is cut a check to the church for 10% of what we received. Won’t you consider doing the same? Biblically, we are required to do so and, pandemic or not, supporting God’s work is still expected.
Annie Rork, Rest in Peace
We are sad to report that Annie Rork died on Saturday, May 2. Annie was longtime member here at All Saints. She was living at Carolina Village in the CareCenter for the last several years and has been unable to with us for quite some time. She was 95. There are no arrangements presently planned by the family. It is my understanding that it will be a small family affair. If we learn more, we will let you know. May Annie, along with the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace. And let light perpetual shine upon her. Amen.
Ascension Day
We will live-stream our celebration of the Ascension of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at 12:00 Noon on Ascension Day, May 21.
Finally, please remember we have always been open during this difficult time and will continue to be here. This is your home and you may come by at ANY time!
Blessings,
Fr. Erich
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