The Peace of the Lord




Good morning, beloved Sunday School class! It's my day in the pulpit, so what I really have to say won't be published until later. We have three worship services this morning, eight o'clock in the church building, nine-fifteen summer worship in the Pavilion, ten-thirty back in the church building. Just as our ten-thirty worship service ends, I'll press the Publish button that will post my sermon notes. 

We have learned about covid19, that a factor to be considered in our precautions is that the length of time that we are gathered in one place increases our exposure. So, in addition to our social distancing, and wearing facemasks, and other health safety measures, we are making our worship services shorter - for less exposure time. 

We are trying to take advantage of prayerbook rubrics that say we may omit some parts of the worship liturgy.

We are not necessarily reading and hearing all four Bible lessons (although they are all printed in the worship bulletin and online so that you may read them as part of your devotional time). 

Please read the Nicene Creed in case we don't stand and say it aloud together at all three services. 

We are not standing and exchanging our warm, welcoming, friendly Peace of the Lord. Please just wave or nod to other folks, and especially to anyone you don't recognize.

We are not singing, in fact it's likely that only the Gospel Hymn will be included in the worship bulletin. Just sit and listen to the music as you read the lyrics in the bulletin.

You may notice that sermons are shorter. In the Episcopal Church, our sermon length usually is about twelve to less than fifteen minutes: we are working toward maybe seven minutes, or even down to five minutes. Time me this morning if you like, and if I say less than you thought I could or should, count it as gift and blessing!

Happy Fathers Day and
the Peace of the Lord be always with you.

Fr Tom