From Fr. John
To the People of St. George
Like you I have found it very hard to keep up with the rapidly changing situation we face with COVID-19. The buzz and the fear remind me of the scary days of 9/11 or the confusion following the Kennedy Assassination. It seemed things ramped-up last Wednesday, and yet Friday took another turn when the President announced a National Emergency.
Attendance at St. George Episcopal Church was cut in half over the weekend. Our 10:00 AM service averages 230-240 worshipers during Lent. We welcomed 110 people yesterday. While so many of our saints were missing, it was a wonderful, jubilant service. It was a time for others, for health reasons, to play it safe. So many of our parishioners are “at risk.” In fact, most of The Villages and surrounding communities are at risk. Many people are of a certain age where they must keep safe. Others have an underlying medical condition which calls them to play it safe.
I was taken aback last evening when the CDC asked Americans to avoid any gathering of over 50 people. This request is being made for a period of eight weeks. As I write, the President is raising the bar- asking our nation to avoid, for the next 15 days, any gathering of more than 10 people. This may seem harsh, but the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.
In light of this health crisis, the Wardens (Tom Hayes and Sully Dade) and I have made the following decisions:
We are suspending all Worship Gatherings at St. George Church for the next four weeks. We will evaluate the situation at that point and decide whether we can resume services. This will be determined by a change in the CDC’s policy. An on-line 10:00 AM Sunday Service will be up and running by this Sunday. We are hard at work putting it together. As soon as we can give you information as to how to get on-line we will post it here.
Will this cancel Easter, that’s April 12th? No. We may schedule the St. George Easter according to the Orthodox Church date. The Orthodox follow the Julian calendar which is one week later. (Good to know that the original St. George was from Turkey.)
In the meantime, we have had to cancel many of our beloved Church activities. In the meantime, we are STILL St. George Church. Please keep in contact with St. George via our Facebook page. Watch the Sunday Service on line. Follow our Cablegram. I hope to post a few blogs a week. Care for your St. George Brothers and Sisters.
The Church Office will be closed for all activities beginning this Wednesday for two weeks beginning at noon. If you need to contact anyone or seek information, please call Jan. I will still be in the office and available to see people. Essential personnel will still be present. However, we want to make sure you are practicing social distancing during this important time.
Our Pastoral Care team will make every effort to be there when you need us. We will continue to make our regular calls. It is possible we may not be able to visit some nursing homes. There are a few that have already placed restrictions on visitations. If you need assistance, call me on my cell phone at (352) 446-5769.
Your financial gifts, tithes, and offerings are still important to us! There are bills still to be paid. Mortgage payments to be met. Your gracious giving keeps your Church going. We, literally, couldn’t do it without you. Any gift you wish to make may be sent via the mail or dropped off at the office.
These are trying times, but I have no doubt we will be stronger for it.
If you wish to contact me, email me at fjkelly55@gmail.com
To close:
God of the present moment,
God who in Jesus stills the storm
and soothes the frantic heart; bring
hope and courage to all
who wait or work in uncertainty.
Bring them courage to endure what cannot
be avoided,
for your will is health and wholeness;
you are God, and we need you. Amen
Fr. John+