03/15/2020
Dear St. Peter's Family:
We are faced with increasing concerns for the safety and wellness of our parish family during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is uncertain what the near future will hold for us; however, it is our faith and trust in God that will see us through. Our imperative is to keep our parish family safe by abiding by the recommendations of the Diocese of Newark and the CDC. The following measures are being imposed by the Diocese:
-All parishes will refrain from public worship for the next three weeks. After such time, we will consider whether or not services for Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter may be held
-We intend to provide a streaming worship service at 10AM on Sundays that you can join from this page.
-All Lenten services, dinners and programs will be discontinued
-Mid-week worship services will not be held
-The Church will remain open for personal prayers during the week
-The Annual Parish Meeting will be postponed
-The Church Office will be open from 9am to noon every weekday
-The Encore shop will be closed until worship is restored in the Church
-No non-essential meetings will be held
-All meetings require approval of the Interim Rector or the wardens
These actions may sound draconian, but they are being taken to safeguard the good health and safety of all. Please know that you may call me with any concerns or questions. The wardens are also available to the parish family for support and information.
Please remember that your gifts and offerings have never been more needed by St. Peter's. You may mail your check to the Church or you can give online on the Church website. We appreciate your care and devotion to our parish family.
Here is a prayer that may help in this crisis:
Out of Your infinite love for us, dear Jesus, we ask you to minister to our needs. Give us mastery over our fears and those parts of life we cannot control. Give us the courage to smile even on our worst days, the stamina to persevere when we cannot see the finish, the courage to resume life and to be alone when necessary, the faith to believe that a grand design exists even when we cannot see it, the grace to acknowledge when we fall short and the humility to ask for your help in our lives. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Faithfully,
Fr. Bob
