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21_after_penecost_pdf.docx |
St. Matthew's Anglican Church,Windsor, Ontario |
Curate: The Reverend Gilles Haché
Deacon: The Reverend Catherine MacKendrick ​Deacon: The Reverend Glenda Fisher |
Remember to self-assess before coming to St. Matthew's. If you are feeling unwell (i.e. cough, sore throat, sniffles), please stay at home and help keep everyone safe and healthy.
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Dear friends,
Many of us are deeply missing the opportunity to gather as church to worship God. Premier Ford’s statement today that worship services may resume in many parts of our province has been greeted with both hope and anxiety by many Anglicans. Ten days ago, together with the provincial House of Bishops, I decided that we would not be making any changes in how we use our church buildings for worship until after Labour Day, September 7. Nothing has changed: church buildings may be used to offer online worship (no more than five people present to lead the service, following all current church guidelines) and to provide essential ministries such as food sustainability ministries or 12-step programs. No indoor gatherings for worship will be held in churches in the Diocese of Huron until after Labour Day at the earliest. This will provide us with the opportunity to plan well for September, and to get some summer rest. Some parishes have been wondering about holding outside worship during this good weather. That is currently under consideration. I will have more to say about that in a week or two. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we prioritize the safety of all. Yours in Christ, +Todd The Right Reverend Todd Townshend Bishop of Huron For those of us who regularly gather for worship on Sunday mornings, life apart feels strangely different now that we've suspended corporate worship. As the world collectively strives to figure out life in this new reality, the Church continues doing what it has always done: we pray. This musical prayer was offered in an empty church this morning, and so it carries with it a certain degree of yearning in the midst of emptiness. The hymn Beauty for Brokenness comes from Graham Kendrick, and his words resonate powerfully with us this day: "Shelter for fragile lives, cures for their ills." We pray for our world community: for the dead and dying as well as those who watch and wait at bedsides. For those who have recovered and are recovering. For the wisdom and compassion shown in the medical community, especially those who have devoted their energies to finding effective treatment for this new virus. And for this new phase of being distanced.... that it may bring us closer together. "God of the poor, friend of the weak, give us compassion, we pray; melt our cold hearts, let tears fall like rain. Come, change our love from a spark to a flame." |
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June 2024
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