Hi friends,

We have been worshiping online now for the last 5 Sundays.

Like so many of you, I deeply miss gathering in person. At the same time I am grateful for the meaningful ways in which technology connects us – as imperfect as it may be.

I know there is talk in some sectors of relaxing restrictions, in particular to encourage the return of commercial activities. And yet there is much that we do not yet know – and what we do know suggests that Beloved would be wise to continue to hold our gatherings online.

After consulting with our ad hoc Community Health & COVID Planning Ministry Team, I announced in church last night that we will continue to gather online rather than in person at least through Memorial Day. We will re-evaluate in mid-May to determine whether those restrictions would prudently be extended further.

It’s been a joy to see so many of you – and even some new folks – in our Zoom worship and prayer services and other meetings. There will be information about some additional methods of connection coming up in the days ahead.

I’ve also been in touch with many of you over this past week to ask about your prayer needs – and I know there’s a lot going on – some of it joyful, some of it painful, and for so many of us characterized by a sense of unease about both the present moment and what lies ahead. Please keep calling, texting, emailing or messagering me to let me know what’s going on with you – and I and the church as a whole appreciate your prayers as well.

None of this is easy. If it were a choice, we would choose a different way. But the certainty in all of it is that we go through each and every day surrounded by God’s love – and we continue to do our best to live lives of compassionate, engaged faith, wherever we are and whatever we are doing.

I’ll send out our weekly update later today, but first wanted to make sure that you heard about this decision directly. If you have questions or need further information, let me know.

We are all strengthened by our bonds of community – and strengthened always in the spirit of this Easter season. Let us continue this work of caring for one another and for the world.

peace and blessings,

Rev. Jennifer