Sunday worship online for March 15

March 15, 2020 Uncategorized

Dear friends,

Blessings to you on this third Sunday of Lent.

In this time of “social distancing”, I encourage you to take on a practice of spiritual embracing. No matter how physically distant we are from other human beings, God is always closer to us even than our own breath. There is never a moment in which we are not held in God’s loving embrace. And through our prayers and other practices, we can offer a much-needed spiritual embrace to others in this trying time: not only through prayers, but also through practices as simple as calling a friend, running an errand, writing a letter.

As promised, I am offering Sunday morning worship on our Facebook page. You can watch this morning’s service by clicking here. I hope you will do so. Click here for the Order of Worship

A few answers to some other questions you may have:

What if I need to reach the parish clergy or staff?

Marc and I and the parish staff are all still hard at work, and we are available. You can reach us by email or by phone. We hope you will do so! My email address is annekirchmier.saec@gmail.com, and Marc’s is marcvance.saec@gmail.com.

What if I have a pastoral emergency or know of someone else who is ill?

PLEASE call me at 804-687-5396!!

How often will St. Andrew’s online worship occur?

Beginning today, Marc or I will create and post an online worship video every day. We miss you, we want to stay in touch, and we are grateful for the privilege of being able to worship God together in this way!

Can the Toxic Charity Lenten study continue online?

Yes! On Wednesday, you will be able to access the next session of the Toxic Charity study via Facebook video as we cover chapters 5 and 6.

A Prayer:

Gracious God,

you assure us that your word is very near us;

and your beloved Son, our Savior,

has promised to be with us always,

even to the end of the age.

In this time of necessary social distancing,

help us to practice the discipline of spiritual embracing,

wrapping those around us in our love and prayer

and trusting in your mercy and compassion.

Within the safe embrace of your loving arms,

we pray.

Amen.

Blessings and peace. –Anne

Other resources for worship at home:

· Prayer Amid an Epidemic by Kerry Weber

· Live-stream worship at Washington National Cathedral (Sunday, 3/15 at 11 AM: Presiding Bishop Curry)

· Live-stream worship at Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta

· The Audio Office Listen to Morning and Evening Prayer

· Daily Office Morning, noonday, evening prayer and compline

· Daily Devotions for Individuals and Families

· Morning Prayer podcast

· Online Book of Common Prayer

· Prayer & Worship in Our Homes free online formation for Christians in quarantine from ChurchNext