Dear Good Shepherd family,
As expected, our Bishops in Massachusetts have released new guidelines about worship given the increase of COVID-19 cases in our Commonwealth. Please read their Pastoral Letter by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.
For us at the Church of the Good Shepherd, these new guidelines make it clear that we will not be returning to in-person, indoor worship anytime soon. While anticipated, this decision is also a disappointment. I expect many of us had hoped there might be a way to safely return to indoor worship as the weather gets colder and the sacred seasons of Advent and Christmas approach. As the newest member of our parish family, I share your desire to experience worship with you all in person- the way we are meant to be together as a worshipping community of faith. I long to see your faces, to meet you in person, to sing and pray, and break bread together, and experience your renowned hospitality and fellowship.
Yet, we are called to be a "caring community of faith" and that means we are to care for one another in body, as well as in spirit. Caring for our health and safety in the midst of this pandemic is how we seek and serve Christ in one another. So we will continue to wear our masks, socially distance ourselves, and provide as many ways as we can to remain connected to one another through worship, outreach, pastoral care, Christian formation and fellowship, even while apart.
The Wardens, staff, Regathering Team and I will be in conversation over the next weeks about upcoming plans for worship in Advent and Christmastide. Please be patient and flexible as we seek to provide worship and holiday opportunities that are safe, beautiful and faithful to our love for another and to our God in these challenging and sacred times.
This Sunday, we will again hold an outdoor service of Holy Eucharist in the parking lot, and live-streamed on Zoom. Our current plans are within the guidelines set by the Bishops, so we will be able to hold in-person, outdoor worship as planned this week. I look forward to welcoming back Andy McMahon, from the Lowell Transitional Living Center, who will be joining us via Zoom.
Blessings,
Ellie+