Last Wednesday the Anglican Bishops across all Dioceses in NSW and the ACT determined that all public services should stop for the time being, so that we can pastorally care for each other better, protect the more vulnerable among us, and help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This distressing decision has not been taken lightly, but in a considered and prayerful way.
As of this Sunday 22nd March, all public celebration of the Mass at All Saints will be suspended until further notice. In the meantime, we will find creative ways to continue to be community, to encourage one another in our faith during these difficult times and to worship and pray together, not in person, but online. To do this we will be using social media, posting sermons, prayers and reflections to our website, and even livestreaming the Mass.
In the meantime, All Saints Church will stay open each day as a place of prayer and reflection. Drop by when you can, light a candle, sit quietly for a few minutes, pray for one another, and for the world and our leaders during this time of global crisis.
If you are feeling isolated, afraid or alone, or you know someone who is, please let us know by calling or emailing either the Parish Office (02 6248 7420) or the Rector (0403 769 991). As Parish Council met last night to discuss our best way forward as a parish, we determined that the key priority was to care for one another. If you need material, practical help such as shopping we can help you. If you’d simply like a phone call or a visit, please let us know. If you’d like to be part of this important pastoral ministry of care in the coming months, please let the Rector know, because we’d love to have you on board. If you have technical IT or web-streaming skills we’d love to hear from you!
The Psalms are often called the Prayer Book of the Bible, and they are full of the cries of people struggling for faith in difficult circumstances. In Psalm 46 we read:
‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling……The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress, Selah.’
In peace, Mother Lynda