Grace Notes from Father Paul
June 1, 2023
May 25, 2023
May 18, 2023
May 11, 2023
May 4, 2023
April 20, 2023
April 13, 2023
April 6, 2023
March 30, 2023
March 23, 2023
March 16, 2023
March 9, 2023
March 2, 2023
February 23, 2023
February 16, 2023
February 9, 2023
February 2, 2023
January 26, 2023
January 19, 2023
January 12, 2023
January 5, 2023
December 22, 2022
December 15, 2022
December 8, 2022
December 1, 2022
November 24, 2022
November 17, 2022
November 10, 2022
November 3, 2022
October 27, 2022
October 20, 2022
October 6, 2022
September 29, 2022
September 22, 2022
September 15, 2022
September 8, 2022
September 1, 2022
August 25, 2022
August 17, 2022
August 11, 2022
July 7, 2022
June 30, 2022
June 23, 2022
June 16, 2022
June 9, 2022
June 2, 2022
May 26, 2022
May 12, 2022
May 5, 2022
April 28, 2022
April 21, 2022
April 14, 2022
April 7, 2022
March 31, 2022
March 23, 2022
March 17, 2022
March 10, 2022
March 4, 2022
February 23, 2022
February 17, 2022
February 10, 2022
February 3, 2022
January 27, 2022
Video Links for January 27 Grace Note:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAwvJ6qxaTg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_Is_xUD5d4
January 20, 2022
January 13, 2022
January 6, 2022
December 23, 2021
December 16, 2021
December 9, 2021
December 2, 2021
November 24, 2021
November 18, 2021
November 11, 2021
November 4, 2021
October 28, 2021
October 14, 2021
October 7, 2021
September 30,2021
September 23, 2021
September 16, 2021
September 9, 2021
September 2, 2021
August 26, 2021
August 22, 2021
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August 19, 2020
August 12, 2021
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August 5, 2021
July 29, 2021
July 22, 2021
June 23, 2021
June 17, 2021
June 10, 2021
June 3, 2021
May 27, 2021
May 19, 2021
May 13, 2021
May 6, 2021
April 29, 2021
April 22, 2021
April 15, 2021
April 1, 2020 - Maundy Thursday
March 25, 2021
March 18, 2021
March 11, 2021
March 4, 2021
February 25, 2021
February 12, 2021
February 5, 2021
January 22, 2021
Sunday, January 17, 2021
January 15, 2021
January 8, 2021
December 24, 2020
December 18, 2020
December 11, 2020
December 4, 2020
November 25, 2020
November 20, 2020
November 13, 2020
October 2, 2020
Dear Ones,
This morning, as I awoke to a bright silver-grey dawn, I knew that the seasons had well and truly changed. Floating around are three bits and pieces of seasonal thoughts.
The first is that the week-long Jewish festival of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths), begins at sundown today. Sukkot is a harvest festival, marking the end of the agricultural year. During Sukkot, people construct booths out of branches, commemorating the temporary shelters built in the fields during the harvest as well as the nomadic homes in which their ancestors lived during the forty years in the desert. Sukkot is a wonderful reminder to give thanks for God’s bounty and protection.
My second thought is about Francis of Assisi, whose feast day we celebrate on Sunday. In 1224 (we think), Francis wrote a long poem in the Umbrian dialect of Italian (not in Latin), perhaps the first example of Italian language literature. Often called The Canticle of the Sun, most of us know William Draper’s English paraphrase, “All Creatures of our God and King.”
With our focus on the Blessing of the Animals, we, naturally, tend to think of “creatures” as belonging to the animal kingdom (like our pets). But Francis’s poem lifts up the created order that surrounds us: Brother Sun & Sister Moon, Brother Wind & Sister Water, Brother Fire & Sister Mother Earth. In the words of Francis, Laudato sie, mi Signore cum tucte le Tue creature (Be praised, my Lord, through all your creatures).
Which leads me to my third thought, which is the infinite variety of of light that surrounds us, changing by the moment, and how rarely we take the time to notice or give thanks for them. Here’s the beginning of one of my favorite poems by e e cummings.
i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
Written in 1950, this wonderful poem is under copyright until 2045. I hope I may be forgiven the use of the opening lines to whet your appetite to read the poem in its entirety. It is a joyful thanks to God, the source of all that is infinite, and yes.
Don’t forget the Daughters of the King’s Winter Sock Drive, going on until the end of October. Bring winter socks to the church on Sunday morning or Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10-12. You can also contact Jo Ann Beckley, who will come to you for your donations. The goal is 100 pairs of winter socks for the guests of Gathering Grace.
The Kitchen Project is leaping forward! Range and sinks of various descriptions have been installed and are being plumbed as I write!
Sunday, October 4 – Blessing of the Animals at 1pm on the church lawn (weather permitting). Rev. Robert Abner from Grace Village will be joining me in leading the service.
Sunday, October 18 – Bishop Jennifer will be with us for the Institution of a New Rector and Celebration of a New Ministry together. 9:30 on the lawn (weather permitting). A rain plan is being developed.
May God continue to open the eyes of your eyes,
Father Paul +
Email: rectorgracemuncie2@gmail.com
New local phone: 765-326-0353
September 25, 2020
On Tuesday, we in the northern hemisphere saw the arrival of the autumnal equinox; suddenly, it seems, fall has arrived. The light has changed, the air has begun to cool. Maybe it was going back to school, but autumn has always been my favorite season. The English Romantic poet John Keats evokes the season in his poem, To Autumn. Here are the opening two couplets…
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness,
Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;
Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run;
This is the season we prepare for the winter to come. Many of us feel that we’ve been in a long winter already. Nonetheless, even in this time of pandemic and social unrest, I invite you to see how God continues to load and bless the vines of our lives.
Thank you again to Dr. Deborah Mencias-McMillan for joining me in representing Grace Parish Church in Monday’s International Day of Prayer for Peace. It was a wonderful, hope-filled, event that we hope becomes a Muncie tradition every September 21st.
Remember Sunday’s Mertens Organ Concert featuring Damin Spritzer from Oklahoma University. The event will be at BSU’s Sursa Performance Hall at 3:00 pm. Ball State also is offering a live stream option. Online listeners can access the concert by going to this page (web link): https://www.bsu.edu/calendar/events/academics/school-of-music/2020/09/27/gar-damin-spritzer?date=2020-09-27. Close to performance time, people should simply click on the Concert Live Stream link on that page, found on the lower half of the page.
Officers for the Grace Parish Chapter of the Daughters of the King will be installed during the services this Sunday.
Don’t forget the Daughters’ Winter Sock Drive, going on until the end of October. Bring winter socks to the church on Sunday morning or Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10-12. You can also contact Jo Ann Beckley, who will come to you for your donations. The goal is 100 pair of winter socks for the guests of Gathering Grace.
The Kitchen Project is humming along. The sink is set to arrive today, the rest of the appliances next week. And, we have been notified by the Community Foundation that we are being awarded a $5000 grant from the Ross Family Fund to be applied to the purchase of those very appliances. God continues to be very good!
Sunday, October 4 – Blessing of the Animals at 1pm on the church lawn (weather permitting). Rev. Robert Abner from Grace Village will be joining me in leading the service.
Sunday, October 18 – Bishop Jennifer will be with us for the Institution of a New Rector and Celebration of a New Ministry together. 9:30 on the lawn (weather permitting). A rain plan is being developed.
Saturday, October 31 -there will be no service and party for All Hallows’ Eve this year. We hope for a renewed celebration in 2021!
May God continue to load and bless you and yours,
Father Paul +
Email: rectorgracemuncie2@gmail.com
New local phone: 765-326-0353
Grace Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 1732
300 S. Madison
Muncie, IN 47308
September 18, 2020
Next Sunday’s Mertens Organ Concert
Damin Spritzer, organ faculty, Oklahoma University
Sunday, September 27, 3:00 pm
Sursa Performance Hall, Ball State University
The School of Music will have ushers to assist the public exercise proper social distancing measures. Safe time allotments before a break is required to clear the air in the hall will be adhered to. Ball State also is offering a live stream option for those who are unable or not comfortable attending in person. Online listeners can access the concert by going to this page (web link): https://www.bsu.edu/calendar/events/academics/school-of-music/2020/09/27/gar-damin-spritzer?date=2020-09-27. Close to performance time, people should simply click on the Concert Live Stream link on that page, found on the lower half of the page.More information about Dr. Spritzer can be found at: https://www.daminspritzer.com/
Daughters of the King
Officers for the coming year will be installed at the services next Sunday, September 27.
Congratulations to all!
Winter Sock Drive
From now until the end of October, the Daughters of the King will be collecting socks for the guests of Gathering Grace. The goal is 100 pair of unisex socks for winter wear.
You can bring your donations to the side driveway entrance on Mondays from 10-noon, when Jo Ann Beckley will be at Grace, or Thursdays from 10-noon, when Fr. Paul will be at church. There will be a laundry basket marked “Sock Drive.” You can also bring them to the 8am service on Sundays. at the Welcome Table.
If necessary, Jo Ann is willing to pick your donation up from your home.
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 4 is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. At 1pm that day, we will convene on the lawn (weather permitting!) for the annual Blessing of the Animals and prayers for their human companions.
Put it in your calendar; more details next week.
Celebration of New Ministry
Bishop Jennifer will be with us on Sunday, October 18, for the institution of me as your new Rector, and a Celebration of a New Ministry together. The celebration will occur at the 9:30 service. Details are being worked out, and it is my fond hope that we will be able to hold the service on the lawn. (This means, of course, start praying no for good weather!)
The Reverend John T. Adams (1945-2020)
I learned yesterday of the June 18th death of the Reverend John T. Adams in Peterborough, NH. A Muncie native, Fr. Adams spent most of his life and ministry in New England and New York State, but was ordained to the priesthood at Grace Church in 1971. May he rest in peace.
Around the Church
The Kitchen Project continues to progress nicely. Remembering that mine is an amateur eye, I can tell you that the sheetrock walls have been sheathed with white PVC paneling, and the drop ceiling and lighting have been installed.
Also, we now have internet access from the nave and the parish hall. This is important as we look forward to being able to make gatherings in the church available online. It’s all very exciting!
Gathering Grace has received a donation of 1000+ plastic bags. This enables us to hand out meals to our guests for about 12 weeks! What a wonderful gift to this important ministry!
You may have noticed that I now have a new mobile number, with a 765 area code! You can leave a confidential voice mail on that line, and I’ll return your call as soon as I can.
While we still have some good weather, I would love to begin getting to know you all better. I am imagining a front porch, back deck, outdoor coffee shop – complete with social distancing and face coverings. Give me a call, and we’ll make a plan.
May God’s blessings be upon you,
Father Paul +
Email: rectorgracemuncie2@gmail.com
New local phone: 765-326-0353
September 11, 2020
Dear Ones,
As I write to you on this foggy Muncie morning, my heart and mind are filled with the images from a bright and sunny Tuesday morning nineteen years ago. I was in Bethesda, MD, a suburb of Washington DC, where I had recently started a new job at a girls’ day school. The first meeting of the day was just ending when the Head of School rushed in to say there had been a “terrible accident” in New York.
As we watched the events of the morning unfold in New York, Shanksville, PA, and right next door at the Pentagon, it became clear that “terrible” was completely inadequate, and that there had been no “accident.” The world was changed that day and, nineteen years later, we continue to deal with that day’s wounds.
Much of our public life has been altered in these days of COVID-19; public rituals for September 11 are no different. First, I ask you to give thanks to God for First Responders, fire, police, and medical professionals, and for the countless volunteers who reached out in the days and months to follow. These people are a powerful witness of light overcoming darkness, of love conquering hate.
Most importantly, so that we will never forget, this is a day to remember the names of those who perished. There are many lists on the internet, click here for one such list. As you read the names, you may choose to enfold them with the ancient words of the In paradisum.
May the angels lead you into paradise;
may the martyrs greet you at your arrival
and lead you into the holy City of Jerusalem.
May the choir of Angels greet you
and like Lazarus, who once was poor,
may you have eternal rest.
Conversation with Bishop Jennifer This Sunday
September 13 at 1 p.m. Eastern/Noon Central
Bishop Jennifer will host a video and phone conversation for members of the diocese this Sunday, September 13. Choose one of these ways to visit with Bishop Jennifer:
· To join by video, use this link and use password indydio.
· To join by phone, call 929-205-6099 and use meeting ID 792416181# and password 884330.
· To watch on Facebook, visit the IndyDio Virtual Abbey Facebook page.
International Day of Prayer for Peace
An Interfaith Event
Monday, September 21, 2020 | 6:00pm
Canan Commons Park | 600 S. Walnut St. | Downtown Muncie
May God’s blessings be upon you,
Father Paul +
Email: rectorgracemuncie2@gmail.com
New local phone: 765-326-0353
September 4, 2020
Dear Ones,
Amongst the many matters that are vying for your attention this week, I want to lift up three things.
First of all, the Eucharist is returning to Grace! Last week’s first outdoor gathering was a success! This week, we will celebrate the Holy Eucharist for the first time in a long time; it will also be my first Eucharist with you all. As you would expect in these times, in keeping everyone’s health uppermost in our minds, there will be some differences in the liturgy, mostly around the distribution of communion. Nevertheless, it will be a wonderful way to give thanks to God!
Please note that the 9:30 service on Zoom will take place as usual.
I am sure that we will continue to learn things and adjust procedures as we move forward. Please review the safety protocols as you prepare for Sunday. Items that are new from last week are in bold italic type.
Safety protocols for the outdoor service of Holy Eucharist
There will be a welcome table at the red door, staffed by someone in both mask and gloves. The welcome table will hold the service bulletins, a recycling receptacle, hand sanitizer, gloves, extra masks and the collection plate.
- All are asked to bring lawn chairs from home.
- All will wear face coverings, removing them only when speaking liturgically, or when receiving Holy Communion.
- Readings and Intercessions will be offered by those performing those functions from their places. Readers and Intercessors will be recruited shortly before the start of the service.
- Hand sanitizer should be used upon entry, and during the preparation of the Altar. You may also opt to don a glove on the hand with which you will receive the host. You may wish to bring your own personal bottle of hand sanitizer. Gloves will be available.
- Physical distancing of at least six feet between those not living in the same household will be observed; please remember, no physical contact at the Peace.
- Offerings will be received by mail or in the collection plate at the welcome table.
- Service leaflets can be taken home or recycled.
Secondly, please mark your calendar for this important event; more information will follow.
International Day of Prayer for Peace
An Interfaith Event
Monday, September 21, 2020 | 6:00pm
Canan Commons Park | 600 S. Walnut St. | Downtown Muncie
Lastly, and perhaps most urgently, as we watch the rise of COVID-19 cases here in Delaware County, I ask your continued and fervent prayers that God may grant us release from this pandemic.
In Time of Great Sickness and Mortality (BCP 1928)
O most mighty and merciful God, in this time of grievous sickness, we flee unto thee for succour. Deliver us, we beseech thee, from our peril; give strength and skill to all those who minister to the sick; prosper the means made use of for their cure; and grant that, perceiving how frail and uncertain our life is, we may apply our hearts unto that heavenly wisdom which leadeth to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
I wish you and yours a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!
May God’s blessings be upon you,
Father Paul +
Email: rectorgracemuncie2@gmail.com
Phone: 203-889-7688
August 28, 2020
Dear Ones,
It gives me great joy to tell you that we have received approval to take the first step in our re-gathering plan! I received word only yesterday so, for the moment, I’ll stick to what’s involved for this week, with more information to follow in the coming weeks.
The 9:30 service on Zoom will continue as usual. In addition, as of this Sunday, weather permitting, we will hold an in-person service on the church lawn at 8am. This first week, the service will be Morning Prayer, as we have been used to. God willing, we will begin to celebrate the Eucharist the following week.
The thought of gathering in person is exciting! My prayer is that our excitement will not overwhelm the precautions we must take for our health and the health of others. (Please also remember that it will be early in the morning, and we have neighbors.)
Safety protocols for the outdoor service:
There will be a welcome table, staffed by someone in both mask and gloves. The welcome table will hold the service bulletins, a recycling receptacle, hand sanitizer, extra masks and the collection plate.
· All are asked to bring lawn chairs from home
· All will wear face coverings, removing them only when speaking liturgically
· Readings and Intercessions will be offered by those performing those functions from their places
· Hand sanitizer should be used upon entry
· Physical distancing of at least six feet between those not living in the same household will be observed; please remember, no physical contact at the Peace
· Offerings will be received by mail or in the collection plate at the welcome table
· Service leaflets can be taken home or recycled
So, my friends, we’re off to a start! I’m sure there are any number of things that we’ve not yet thought of, and we’ll make adjustments as we go. Please remember in your thanksgivings this week the hard work of the Regathering Committee: Mike Ashley, David Blakley, Mary Mordue, Connie Turner and Barb Wills. Further fruit of their labors will be evident in the coming weeks.
God is busy among us!
Father Paul +
August 21, 2020
Dear Ones,
This week’s note will be a flurry of updates. As it says on the website, the building may be closed, but the church is active. I’m still in the process of figuring out who does what and what goes where, and I’m sure that I will have left something out. Please feel free to let me know your questions.
The Commercial Kitchen project is moving along quickly. The walls are framed, and the drywall is up. I have taken some pictures this week, and hope we’ll see them on Sunday.
On another other long-term project, the Re-Gathering Committee has been hard at work. In early August, we submitted a plan to begin re-gathering to the Diocese. We were asked to make some revisions, particularly with a view to providing some type of outdoor gathering as a first step. After some intense work on the committee’s part, the revised plan has been resubmitted. More information will be forthcoming when the plan is approved.
As always, I ask your ongoing and fervent prayers for the end of the corona virus pandemic and, until that time, for the safety of us all.
Wednesday morning, Barb Wills and I welcomed Bob Kemper, the grandson of Edward Maitlen, on his first visit to Grace. He wanted to see his grandfather’s magnificent metalwork that adorns the church.
The Finance Committee met on Thursday to review the Treasurer’s reports in preparation for next week’s Vestry meeting.
Thursday evening, members of the Daughters of the King held a prayer service in memory of Kay Gillespie. We look forward to the time when we can gather as a parish family to give God thanks for Kay’s life and witness.,
Grace’s welcome video for the virtual Muncie PRIDE Festival (September 14-19) is in the works. Thank you to all who are offering their welcome.
I am serving on the local planning committee for a Muncie gathering on the International Day of Prayer for Peace. It will take place on September 21st, 6pm at Canan Commons. We hope to gather a variety of faith groups to lift up prayers for peace.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has written, “It is a Christian obligation to vote, and more than that, it is the church’s responsibility to help get souls to the polls.” The National Church has offered an election engagement toolkit called Vote Faithfully. If you have any interest in helping to get souls to the polls, please let me know.
Lastly, the date has been set for our Celebration of a New Ministry! It will take place during the Sunday morning service on October 18th. Mark your calendars, and stay tuned.
We’re a busy church; may God bless your prayers!
Blessings,
Father Paul +
Email: rectorgracemuncie2@gmail.com
August 7, 2020
As the summer rolls on, I sometimes fall prey to impatience at the world and its ills. I’m impatient with myself for not having more answers, or not handling the stress better. Perhaps you know what I mean. Then, just the thing appears to lift my spirits and remind me that we worship a God of life and hope.
In Tuesday’s edition of the StarPress, there was an article announcing an event on Saturday called “Pray on MLK.” This is an invitation to join me there.
What Pray on MLK Muncie
When Saturday, August 8, 2020
6:01 PM – 8:01 PM
Where MLK Jr. Blvd and Highland Ave., Muncie
From the organizers…We believe that the Church has the solution to the race tension in the U.S. and across the globe. To put feet to our faith we are forming multi-cultural human prayer chains across the world. As people of faith take their place on the walls of history we hear the chains of injustice breaking. It’s time to turn our tears into triumph, our weeping into worship, and leap forward into a new era of righteousness in united pursuit of God’s dream for all people.
Our cities are divided by streets that have chained us to inequity, created walls of division, and borders of fear that keep us apart. We're coming together to form a nationwide, multi-cultural human prayer chain to break the chains of injustice and leap forward into a new era of righteousness in the united pursuit of God’s dream for all people.
On August 8th, 2020, we will stand together as one before God to pray against racism and injustice and seek His righteousness in our land. Take your place side-by-side with brothers and sisters in Muncie. We will start at 6:01 pm in remembrance of the time of the shot that took the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in April 1968.
The first hour will be a time of silent prayer and lament. We will stand, socially distanced, along MLK Jr. Blvd. to cover the street, our city, and our nation in prayer. Come a few minutes early to check in at one of the tables on the corners of Highland and MLK. The second hour will be a time of worship, praise, and hope across the street at McCulloch Park.
Please wear masks and practice social distancing at all times. Feel free to bring lawn chairs for the prayer and praise times. You also are invited to pray in your car, if desired.
I hope to see you there as we pray for God’s Beloved Community.
Blessings,
Father Paul +
For more information on the national event, please visit: https://prayonmlk.org.
Grace Note for July 31, 2020
As I look at the calendar for the coming weekend, I notice an agricultural confluence. Sunday’s gospel will be the feeding of the five thousand. And tomorrow, August 1, is Lammas Day, at least in the Northern Hemisphere!
In her book Seasons of Grace: Inspirational Resources for the Christian Year, Ann Lewin writes, “August begins with Lammas Day, Loaf Mass Day, the day in the Book of Common Prayer calendar when a loaf baked with flour from newly harvested grain would be brought into church and blessed. It's one of the oldest points of contact between the agricultural world and the Church. The others were Plough Sunday in early January, the Sunday after Epiphany and the day before work would begin again in the fields after Christmas festivities, when ploughs would be brought to church to be blessed; and Rogation days in May, the days before Ascension Day, when God's blessing would be sought on the growing crops.”
Lammas Day itself may not be familiar to many of us, but the idea of firstfruits is. Everything we have is a gift from God, and we recall that gift by returning the first portion in thanks to God. In Leviticus (23:9-14), we read of a feast at which firstfruits were dedicated to the Lord as an offering of thanksgiving. The feast reminded Israel of the Exodus, which confirmed their status among the nations as the firstborn of God.
All this is the background for Paul’s declaration: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20).
Although Lammas Day isn’t widely observed in this country, perhaps we who live in the midst of farms might revive the custom. Maybe next year, a feast of bread and other firstfruits (I’m thinking of jams and preserves, of course) to thank God for his abundance?
All good gifts around us are sent from heav'n above;
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all his love.
Until then, happy baking, everyone!
Grace Note for July 24, 2020
Dear Ones,
Last week, I received an invitation for us, as the people of Grace, to lean in to serving as beacons of Christ by offering a generous invitation and welcome to folks who are often vulnerable and marginalized.
Some of you may know that Muncie was going to host its first ever PRIDE event this September. As a result of COVID, the event will take place online. So, instead of having a welcome table or some such, we’re being invited to provide video message of affirmation and welcome to those participating in the event, as well as the lgbtqia+ community. The messages will be played during the online event September 14-19.
Would you be interested in joining me in offering a message of welcome and invitation as part of this very worthy event? A group of both community members and allies would be a wonderful thing. The specifics of when we do the taping will be worked out when we know who’s participating.
Please consider joining me in letting our siblings at PRIDE know they are seen, loved, and accepted as they are, and a welcome part of this place of Grace. I can think of no stronger affirmation of the final question of our Baptismal Covenant: Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
Please let me know directly (rectorgracemuncie2@gmail.com) there was an error in an earlier version, by next Friday, July 31st, if you’re interested.
Grace and peace,
Grace Note for July 17, 2020
As many of you know, a grace note is a musical embellishment, indicated by printing a note much smaller than the ordinary note that follows, sometimes with a slash through the note stem. It is my plan to write a short note to the parish each week, lifting up one or two (today, three) things that are on my mind and heart as we prepare for the coming weekend.
First, I want to thank everyone for your exquisitely warm welcome to Muncie and to Grace Church, culminating in the lovely welcome reception on Sunday. I was delighted to meet so many folks, to begin to put names and faces together, and to hear some initial stories. Even more, it was a joy to see how delighted you were to be with each other! I feel well and thoroughly welcomed, and you each have my deep thanks!
My second thought is about staying connected. These times are trying, yet they invite us to continue to seek out new ways to stay connected, not only as friends and neighbors, but also as the Body of Christ. You can already gather on Zoom for the Sunday morning service at 9:30 as well as Morning Prayer on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings at 9am. Please continue to reach out to each other. If you’re concerned that you haven’t heard from someone, please pick up the telephone and call them. I also want to invite any who are interested and able to join us at Gathering Grace on Sunday afternoons. Email me or Barbara Wills for details.
Lastly, a word about moving together into the future. There is a committee hard at work formulating a plan to send to the Bishop for gradually resuming in-person worship. There are a lot of variables in this process. Please keep this group, whose primary goal is the safety of each of you, in your prayers.
This has already pushed the boundaries of being a short note, so I will close with my firm conviction that, strengthened by the Holy Spirit through prayer in community, we shall be empowered to do the work that God has given us to do.
Blessings,
Paul+
Email: revgracemuncie2@gmail.com