Update on Coronavirus (Covid-19)
In light of the emergency facing all of us relative to this virus, Grace Anglican is proceeding out of caution.
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To ensure that we can continue to meet in person, Grace will be moving to Morning Prayer at 9:30 AM starting this Sunday and suspending food/coffee during fellowship time until further notice. We hope to have a full service on Palm Sunday and will let everyone know if anything changes going forward.
If you are sick or showing any symptoms of cold or flu, please stay home and take care of yourself - we want everyone to stay as healthy as they can.
All groups that meet in the church (excluding Vestry and Council meetings at their discretion) , including Friday morning Bible study, Art Group and Wednesday evening book study will all be suspended until further notice. Other arrangements should be made to meet outside of the church if these groups wish to meet. Please do not meet at the church until further notice. Questions can be directed to Leah, Chip our Senior Warden, or Dave. Thank you for your understanding.
Please make sure to check back often for updates. Also check out the Facebook page "Grace Anglican Church of Bridgewater" for updates. Thanks very much and God Bless.
Please refer to these helpful links:
Link to a message from Bishop Andrew (AD-NE.org website)
www.ad-ne.org/from-the-bishop/update-from-bishop-andrew-on-the-coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR2YZhWy8dSIEm514jiWmddOffMYJ1ZigcEBFntgU4_ogl0K209l3drwmkg
Center For Disease Control (CDC):
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
World Health Organization (WHO):
https://www.who.int/
Newest Update on Coronavirus (Covid-19) (3-21-20)
From Mother Leah:
March 18, 2020
Dear beloved in Christ,
Grace and peace to you and your families. In these challenging days, I want to first and foremost assure everyone that our Lord is near. He has been building us up as a church and a family so that we would not be taken unprepared for the times we find ourselves living in. He is still on the throne. He did not send this pandemic, but it is instead a result of the broken world. He is not punishing us, but he is giving us, as the body of Christ, a chance to show the world His love. One of the biggest differences between Christians and the world is how we respond to times of suffering. So, let us respond with love instead of hate, hope rather than fear, generosity instead of stinginess, and faith instead of disbelief. God has prepared us, and we are ready for the unique opportunities of the next weeks and months. Our God is with us and we have each other. We will never be alone.
The leadership and I met last Thursday to begin planning how we as a church will respond to the current recommended restrictions. While we love to meet together, it is the heartfelt desire of us all to set a Godly example during this time. Part of that example is to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to let their needs be as important as our own. With the meeting recommendations set at 25, we will be moving to online morning prayer. I will send out a communication on Saturday as to how this will be accomplished. I know communion is an important part of our worship, so in this time please use this prayer for spiritual communion:
106. FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul. And since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, together with all your faithful people [gathered around every altar of your Church], and I embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen. (ACNA BCP p. 677)
I will also be planning to do Sunday School online for the youth. I will send out the link so if you know anyone ages 12 and up that would like to participate, please pass it along. I will also be planning a Wednesday night bible study online. I will try to setup zoom calls for both studies. If people do not have a computer, they can also call in from a regular phone. I hope to send both links out by Saturday. Again, please feel free to pass this invitation to anyone who might enjoy participating.
We are planning a for a full Holy Week but please keep checking our website and Facebook page for changes. I will come to the church on Thursday mornings from 9-12. If you need to see me, please call for an appointment. I am also available by phone and text.
We are posting on our website links to reliable sources for updates on the current COVID-19 pandemic. I want to urge all of you to avoid posts that will increase fear, are only opinion pieces, and that would increase the division in our country. This is a time when we need to set aside all personal agendas and politics. We need to lead by example in full Christian charity.
The leadership will also be calling everyone in our church directory once a week. This is an opportunity to pray together and to see if there are any needs that we as a church can meet. Please keep in touch with neighbors and friends. If they are experiencing a need that we can help with, please let us know. If you can volunteer to drive to the store for someone or pick up prescriptions, please contact Maureen. We are trying to create a list of those available and willing to help during this time. If you or anyone you know tests positive for COVID-19 or are symptomatic please let me know so we can add you to our prayers and call your doctor immediately.
If at all possible, please keep up with your tithes to the church. We have a locked mailbox, so it is safe to mail checks or send online through your bank. This will allow us to continue to provide for the needs of our congregation, support those in need, and tithe to the diocese. I would also like us to consider sharing the resources we have with others. While there are currently no shortages, that could change. If you have an abundance of an item, and you hear of a need, please prayerfully consider sharing. Remember the Jesus commands us to give a coat to someone in need if we have two. The Lord will make known to you how you can help your neighbors and share with them the love of Jesus. God is always faithful to provide for us in times of need. Let us be faithful in our response to the needs of God’s people.
The Lord is very near right now. Be still, draw near to him, and be strengthened and sanctified during this Lenten season.
In Christ’s love,
Leah+
Additional prayers you might find useful from our BCP
12. FOR THE LOCAL CONGREGATION
Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear our prayers, and grant that in this Congregation the pure Word of God may be preached and the Sacraments duly administered. Strengthen and confirm the faithful; protect and guide the children; visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked; arouse the careless; recover the fallen; restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of your truth; and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
25. IN TIME OF SCARCITY AND FAMINE
O God, our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son has taught us to seek our daily bread from you: Behold the affliction of your people, and send us swift aid in our time of need. Increase the fruits of the earth by your heavenly benediction; and grant that we, receiving your gifts with thankful hearts, may use them to your glory, for the relief of those in need, and for our own health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
26. IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER
Almighty God, by your Word you laid the foundations of the earth, set the bounds of the sea, and still the wind and waves. Surround us with your grace and peace, and preserve us through this storm [or ________]. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, strengthen those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
40. FOR ALL SORTS AND CONDITIONS OF MEN
O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for thy holy Church universal, that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate, [especially those for whom our prayers are desired]; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
45. FOR THOSE WHO SERVE OTHERS
O Lord our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served, but to serve: We ask you to bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others [especially _doctors, nurses, healthcare providers, and first responders_]; endue them with wisdom, patience, and courage, that they may strengthen the weak and raise up those who fall, and, being inspired by your love, may worthily minister to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the sake of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
59. FOR THE DISCOURAGED AND DOWNCAST
O God, almighty and merciful, you heal the broken-hearted, and turn the sadness of the sorrowful to joy, Let your fatherly goodness be upon all whom you have made. Remember in pity all those who are this day destitute, homeless, elderly, infirm, or forgotten. Bless the multitude of your poor. Lift up those who are cast down. Mightily befriend innocent sufferers, and sanctify to them the endurance of their wrongs. Cheer with hope all who are discouraged and downcast, and by your heavenly grace preserve from falling those whose poverty tempts them to sin. Though they be troubled on every side, suffer them not to be distressed; though they are perplexed, save them from despair. Grant this, O Lord, for the love of him who for our sakes became poor, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
62. FOR THOSE AFFLICTED WITH MENTAL SUFFERING
Almighty God, whose Son took upon himself the afflictions of your people: Regard with your tender compassion those suffering from anxiety, depression, or mental illness [especially _______]; bear their sorrows and their cares; supply all their needs; help them to put their whole trust and confidence in you; and restore them to strength of mind and cheerfulness of spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
73. A PRAYER OF SELF-DEDICATION William Temple
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
74. FOR DESIRING GOD Francis Xavier
O God, grant that we may desire you, and desiring you seek you, and seeking you find you, and finding you be satisfied in you for ever. Amen.
75. FOR HOLY THOUGHT
O God, without whose beauty and goodness our souls are unfed, without whose truth our reason withers: Consecrate our lives to your will, giving us such purity of heart, such depth of faith, and such steadfastness of purpose, that in time we may come to think your own thoughts after you; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
76. FOR GUIDANCE
Go before us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, through your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
80. FOR TRUSTFULNESS IN TIMES OF WORRY AND ANXIETY
Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on the One who cares for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For other prayers and resources, here is the link to the ACNA BCP online.
http://bcp2019.anglicanchurch.net/index.php/downloads/
From Mother Leah:
March 18, 2020
Dear beloved in Christ,
Grace and peace to you and your families. In these challenging days, I want to first and foremost assure everyone that our Lord is near. He has been building us up as a church and a family so that we would not be taken unprepared for the times we find ourselves living in. He is still on the throne. He did not send this pandemic, but it is instead a result of the broken world. He is not punishing us, but he is giving us, as the body of Christ, a chance to show the world His love. One of the biggest differences between Christians and the world is how we respond to times of suffering. So, let us respond with love instead of hate, hope rather than fear, generosity instead of stinginess, and faith instead of disbelief. God has prepared us, and we are ready for the unique opportunities of the next weeks and months. Our God is with us and we have each other. We will never be alone.
The leadership and I met last Thursday to begin planning how we as a church will respond to the current recommended restrictions. While we love to meet together, it is the heartfelt desire of us all to set a Godly example during this time. Part of that example is to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to let their needs be as important as our own. With the meeting recommendations set at 25, we will be moving to online morning prayer. I will send out a communication on Saturday as to how this will be accomplished. I know communion is an important part of our worship, so in this time please use this prayer for spiritual communion:
106. FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION
Dear Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Holy Sacrament. I love you above all things, and I desire to possess you within my soul. And since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. I unite myself to you, together with all your faithful people [gathered around every altar of your Church], and I embrace you with all the affections of my soul. Never permit me to be separated from you. Amen. (ACNA BCP p. 677)
I will also be planning to do Sunday School online for the youth. I will send out the link so if you know anyone ages 12 and up that would like to participate, please pass it along. I will also be planning a Wednesday night bible study online. I will try to setup zoom calls for both studies. If people do not have a computer, they can also call in from a regular phone. I hope to send both links out by Saturday. Again, please feel free to pass this invitation to anyone who might enjoy participating.
We are planning a for a full Holy Week but please keep checking our website and Facebook page for changes. I will come to the church on Thursday mornings from 9-12. If you need to see me, please call for an appointment. I am also available by phone and text.
We are posting on our website links to reliable sources for updates on the current COVID-19 pandemic. I want to urge all of you to avoid posts that will increase fear, are only opinion pieces, and that would increase the division in our country. This is a time when we need to set aside all personal agendas and politics. We need to lead by example in full Christian charity.
The leadership will also be calling everyone in our church directory once a week. This is an opportunity to pray together and to see if there are any needs that we as a church can meet. Please keep in touch with neighbors and friends. If they are experiencing a need that we can help with, please let us know. If you can volunteer to drive to the store for someone or pick up prescriptions, please contact Maureen. We are trying to create a list of those available and willing to help during this time. If you or anyone you know tests positive for COVID-19 or are symptomatic please let me know so we can add you to our prayers and call your doctor immediately.
If at all possible, please keep up with your tithes to the church. We have a locked mailbox, so it is safe to mail checks or send online through your bank. This will allow us to continue to provide for the needs of our congregation, support those in need, and tithe to the diocese. I would also like us to consider sharing the resources we have with others. While there are currently no shortages, that could change. If you have an abundance of an item, and you hear of a need, please prayerfully consider sharing. Remember the Jesus commands us to give a coat to someone in need if we have two. The Lord will make known to you how you can help your neighbors and share with them the love of Jesus. God is always faithful to provide for us in times of need. Let us be faithful in our response to the needs of God’s people.
The Lord is very near right now. Be still, draw near to him, and be strengthened and sanctified during this Lenten season.
In Christ’s love,
Leah+
Additional prayers you might find useful from our BCP
12. FOR THE LOCAL CONGREGATION
Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear our prayers, and grant that in this Congregation the pure Word of God may be preached and the Sacraments duly administered. Strengthen and confirm the faithful; protect and guide the children; visit and relieve the sick; turn and soften the wicked; arouse the careless; recover the fallen; restore the penitent; remove all hindrances to the advancement of your truth; and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
25. IN TIME OF SCARCITY AND FAMINE
O God, our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son has taught us to seek our daily bread from you: Behold the affliction of your people, and send us swift aid in our time of need. Increase the fruits of the earth by your heavenly benediction; and grant that we, receiving your gifts with thankful hearts, may use them to your glory, for the relief of those in need, and for our own health; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
26. IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER
Almighty God, by your Word you laid the foundations of the earth, set the bounds of the sea, and still the wind and waves. Surround us with your grace and peace, and preserve us through this storm [or ________]. By your Spirit, lift up those who have fallen, strengthen those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of your new creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
40. FOR ALL SORTS AND CONDITIONS OF MEN
O God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health unto all nations. More especially we pray for thy holy Church universal, that it may be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who are in any ways afflicted or distressed, in mind, body, or estate, [especially those for whom our prayers are desired]; that it may please thee to comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities, giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.
45. FOR THOSE WHO SERVE OTHERS
O Lord our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served, but to serve: We ask you to bless all who, following in his steps, give themselves to the service of others [especially _doctors, nurses, healthcare providers, and first responders_]; endue them with wisdom, patience, and courage, that they may strengthen the weak and raise up those who fall, and, being inspired by your love, may worthily minister to the suffering, the friendless, and the needy; for the sake of him who laid down his life for us, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
59. FOR THE DISCOURAGED AND DOWNCAST
O God, almighty and merciful, you heal the broken-hearted, and turn the sadness of the sorrowful to joy, Let your fatherly goodness be upon all whom you have made. Remember in pity all those who are this day destitute, homeless, elderly, infirm, or forgotten. Bless the multitude of your poor. Lift up those who are cast down. Mightily befriend innocent sufferers, and sanctify to them the endurance of their wrongs. Cheer with hope all who are discouraged and downcast, and by your heavenly grace preserve from falling those whose poverty tempts them to sin. Though they be troubled on every side, suffer them not to be distressed; though they are perplexed, save them from despair. Grant this, O Lord, for the love of him who for our sakes became poor, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
62. FOR THOSE AFFLICTED WITH MENTAL SUFFERING
Almighty God, whose Son took upon himself the afflictions of your people: Regard with your tender compassion those suffering from anxiety, depression, or mental illness [especially _______]; bear their sorrows and their cares; supply all their needs; help them to put their whole trust and confidence in you; and restore them to strength of mind and cheerfulness of spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
73. A PRAYER OF SELF-DEDICATION William Temple
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
74. FOR DESIRING GOD Francis Xavier
O God, grant that we may desire you, and desiring you seek you, and seeking you find you, and finding you be satisfied in you for ever. Amen.
75. FOR HOLY THOUGHT
O God, without whose beauty and goodness our souls are unfed, without whose truth our reason withers: Consecrate our lives to your will, giving us such purity of heart, such depth of faith, and such steadfastness of purpose, that in time we may come to think your own thoughts after you; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
76. FOR GUIDANCE
Go before us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, through your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
80. FOR TRUSTFULNESS IN TIMES OF WORRY AND ANXIETY
Most loving Father, you will us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on the One who cares for us. Preserve us from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from us the light of that love which is immortal, and which you have manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For other prayers and resources, here is the link to the ACNA BCP online.
http://bcp2019.anglicanchurch.net/index.php/downloads/