In-person services suspended until May 31

In accordance with the directives of the Diocese of Massachusetts and State and local authorities to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 (or coronavirus), Church of the Good Shepherd has suspended all in-person worship and events at the church until May 31, 2020.

Though we are not gathering in person at this time, it is important to remember that wherever we are, together or apart, we are the Body of Christ. We share in the love of God for us and for each other.

As changes are being made to the way we worship, let us find creative ways to stay connected and in communication with each other.

1. The Vestry and several members of the congregation along with Rev. Melissa, are calling all CGS members to check in and share how to join in our online worship. We encourage you to think about our parish and hold one another in prayer during this difficult time. Feel free to check in with one another by phone or email, and if you have any pastoral needs, please contact the office or email Rev. Melissa.

2. Pray one or more of the Daily Office Prayers: Morning Prayer, Noon Prayer, Evening Prayer or Compline. These short prayer services keep us grounded in the assurances of God’s love and redemption in this time of uncertainty and angst. These prayers are available in a number of formats providing options for you and your household. You can find them in the Book of Common Prayer beginning on page 75. You can listen to the daily office online in a variety of ways.

   • Download the daily podcast of Morning Prayer led by Chip Lee of the Episcopal Church in Garrett County, Maryland.

   • A number of local congregations hold Daily Office prayers via livestream.

   • At CGS, we gather via Zoom for weekly prayer:

     • Morning Prayer on Sundays at 9:00 am

     • Morning Prayer on Wednesdays at 7:30 am

     • Compline (Night Prayer) on Thursdays at 8:00 pm

3. Throughout this time of online worship, please remember to make your financial offering to Good Shepherd.

As we navigate this new reality, please do your part and remain at home in accordance with the state and local guidelines. Practice social distancing and visit stores only on an as-needed basis. Wash your hands frequently and wipe down surfaces on a regular basis.

These are indeed challenging times and it is natural to react with fear and anxiety. But remember that we belong to God in the one Body of Christ. Let us walk this journey lifting one another in prayer, caring for our neighbors, and staying "connected" as best we can.

Here are two prayers for you to pray and reflect on as we remember those most impacted by COVID-19.

Prayer for a Pandemic

by Dr. Cameron Wiggins Bellm of Seattle, Washington

May we who are merely inconvenienced,
Remember those whose lives are at stake.

May we who have no risk factors,
Remember those most vulnerable.

May we who have the luxury of working from home,
Remember those who must choose between preserving their health or making their rent.

May we who have the flexibility to care for our children when their schools close,
Remember those who have no options.

May we who have had to cancel our trips,
Remember those that have no safe place to go.

May we who are losing our margin money in the tumult of the economic market,
Remember those who have no margin at all.

May we who settle in for a quarantine at home,
Remember those who have no home.

As fear grips our country,
Let us choose love.
During this time when we cannot physically wrap our arms around each other, Let us yet find ways to be the loving embrace of God to our neighbors. Amen.

A Prayer Amid an Epidemic

By Kerry Weber

Jesus Christ, you traveled through towns and villages “curing every disease and illness.” At your command, the sick were made well. Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.

Heal those who are sick with the virus. May they regain their strength and health through quality medical care.

Heal us from our fear, which prevents nations from working together and neighbors from helping one another.

Heal us from our pride, which can make us claim invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.

Jesus Christ, healer of all, stay by our side in this time of uncertainty and sorrow. Be with those who have died from the virus. May they be at rest with you in your eternal peace.

Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. May they know your peace.

Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. May they know your protection and peace.

Be with the leaders of all nations. Give them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Give them the wisdom to invest in long-term solutions that will help prepare for or prevent future outbreaks. May they know your peace, as they work together to achieve it on earth.

Whether we are home or abroad, surrounded by many people suffering from this illness or only a few, Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace.

Jesus Christ, heal us.

Kerry Weber is an executive editor of America. www.americamagazine.org