March 17 Updates

I bind unto myself today
the virtues of the starlit heaven
the glorious sun’s life-giving ray,
the whiteness of the moon at even,
the flashing of the lightning free,
the whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks,
the stable earth, the deep salt sea,
around the old eternal rocks.

St. Patrick’s Breastplate – Hymnal 1982 #370

March 17, 2020
​
My Friends – 
 
A Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone! 
 
I am impressed and proud of all our parishioners who called to say that they were not coming to Church in order to self-isolate.  Thank you for your care for yourself and others.  
 
Our list of Volunteers to run errands, shop, go to the post office, etc. is growing.  Thank you for your willingness to serve others!
 
I remind all of us that this is a time to come together as the Parish of Grace Church.  
 
Following the example of the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE), and paraphrasing them, 
“[our current situation] may compel us to be dependent on the care of others.  This may conflict with our pride and challenge our notion of self-sufficiency.  We are called to let go and accept the service of others gracefully…Those who care for [others] should cherish this opportunity of service and realize that their caring may be the chief means by which [another] experiences the companionship and love of Christ.”                        
Adapted from the SSJE Rule of Life, Chapter 46
 
If you are self-isolating and there is something that you need, please call the Parish office at 508 693-0332 between 9am and 2pm to let us know.   We will put you in touch with a parishioner who will help.
 
These are the current updates from our Bishops and from the Parish:
 
Public Worship Services:  Effective immediately, all public worship services, Sunday School, and Coffee Hour are cancelled through April 5th, which is Palm Sunday.  It is unknown at this point whether Holy Week and Easter services will be affected.  
 
Sunday services at Grace Church:  There will be a streamed service of Morning Prayer on Sunday on our website https://www.graceepiscopalmv.org.  The intent is to offer a service in which everyone can participate at home.  A bulletin for the service will be prepared and posted on the website in advance.
 
Parish Meetings:  All in-person Parish meetings are cancelled effective immediately.  Plans are being developed for on-line meetings where appropriate.  The Men’s Group, Tea, Prayer, Healing, and Depression Groups are cancelled, as is the Burgess Book Group. 
 

• Plans are being made to hold the Adult Education Group online – stay tuned.

 
12 Step Groups:  The Vestry voted last night to continue to offer meeting space to 12 Step groups, subject to their following Governor Baker’s limit on the number of people in one place.
 
Daily Phone Call at 12pm noon:  In order to reduce isolation and loneliness, there will be a daily video teleconference phone call for parishioners at 12pm through Zoom.  To join the call, simply click the hyperlink in the invitation below.  To join by telephone, dial 1 929 205 6099 , and enter the meeting id, which is 925 898 479, and press the pound sign.  If directed, press the # sign again, and you will be in the meeting!
 
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/925898479
 
Meeting ID: 925 898 479
 
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,925898479# US (New York)
+13126266799,,925898479# US (Chicago)
 
OR
Dial by your location
        +1 929 205 6099 
Enter the Meeting ID: 925 898 479
Press the # sign and press it again if directed.
 
Telephone contact:    In order to stay connected as a Parish, a phone tree is being created for the Vestry.  We would also like to send you a copy of the Parish Directory so that we can stay in touch with each other.  

• If you do NOT want your contact information shared with the Parish, please let Maureen know this by emailing her at [email protected].

Finally, check out our website https://www.graceepiscopalmv.org!  There’s a new page with liturgical resources during covid-19, and we now have a YouTube channel:  Grace Church Vineyard Haven!  
 
I close with my prayers for you and your families, and with St. Patrick’s words:
 
I bind unto myself today
the power of God to hold and lead,
his eye to watch, his might to stay,
his ear to hearken, to my need;
the wisdom of my God to teach,
his hand to guide, his shield to ward;
the word of God to give me speech,
his heavenly host to be my guard.
 
God bless you all,
 
Stephen+