November 19 Massachusetts Bishops' Pastoral Message

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+

 November 19 Massachusetts Bishops' Pastoral Message

Pre-consecrated Communion hosts

Dear Friends,

I was delighted to be with you for my first worship service on Sunday and to celebrate Holy Communion. We hope to be able to do it again (weather dependent) this Sunday for All Saints' Day. For those of you planning to join us in person, please dress warmly!

For those who expect to worship with us on Zoom on November 1, pre-consecrated Communion hosts are available for you to pick up at church this week (see the times below). Please note that these are intended for your use during the service on Sunday morning so that you can participate in the sacrament from home at the same time as those worshipping in person.

The church will be open during the following days and times for you to pick up your pre-consecrated Communion hosts. They will be in a basket on the altar. All wafers are in individual baggies. We ask that you take just enough for your household for this week. Additional wafers will be consecrated this Sunday for future use.

Wednesday 9:30am-2:30pm
Thursday 9:30am-2:30pm
Friday 9:30am-2:30pm
Saturday 2:00pm-3:00pm

If you are unable to pick up Communion during the above times, please contact the church office before Friday so that we can make other arrangements to get Communion to you.

I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday.

Faithfully, Ellie+

Weekly Word from the Fold

Greetings Church of the Good Shepherd,

I am so delighted to be among you as your new Rector!  I am particularly grateful that we can gather for worship together outside (and on Zoom) this coming weekend.

 After consultation with our Re-gathering Team, we have decided that our worship this Sunday will be a Celebration of the Holy Eucharist.  Bishop Gates gave authorization back on August 6 for parishes to resume services of Holy Eucharist and it seems “a good and joyful thing” to be able to share this service together with you on my first Sunday.  As with everything these days, there are many protocols and guidelines in place to ensure we can celebrate this sacrament safely and with the dignity and faithfulness it requires.

You can find all of the Diocesan guidelines at www.diomass.org. To summarize, here are the precautions and procedures we will be following:

 Before the service, the Communion vessels will be thoroughly washed with soap and water.  An adequate number of hosts will be placed in a covered ciborium (container) and will remain covered throughout the service. I will wash my hands thoroughly before the service and will sanitize my hands again immediately before distribution.  At the time of distribution, I will carry the ciborium to each congregant at their seat and, standing at arm’s length, will drop a host into your opened palms using tongs. Hand sanitizer will be available to use before receiving the host.  Once I have moved to the next circle, you may briefly lower your mask to receive Communion.

A small amount of wine will be consecrated in the chalice but will not be distributed to the congregation, per the Bishop’s guidelines.  I will receive last and will consume the wine as a representative of all of you.

If you prefer not to receive Communion, you may cross your hands across your chest to indicate you prefer a blessing instead.

For those of you who will be participating on Zoom, we invite you to pray the prayer of Saint Alphonsus de Liguori (1696-1787)

My Jesus, I believe that you are truly present in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. I love you above all things, and long for you in my soul. Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though you have already come, I embrace you and unite myself entirely to you; never permit me to be separated from you. Amen.

This week, I will consecrate extra hosts that will be made available for those who intend to worship at home on November 1.  We are still working out the details for how we will distribute these, so watch for further details about this early next week.

I look forward to worshipping with you all on Sunday.

Faithfully,

Rev. Ellie+

Esperanza Academy COVID response

Esperanza Academy is a tuition-free independent middle school in the Episcopal tradition welcoming girls of diverse faiths, races, and cultures from Lawrence MA. Good Shepherd has had a long relationship with the school since its start 14 years ago.

Jadi Taveras, head of Esperanza Academy, gave an inspiring Zoom update on the school’s response to COVID-19. He shared the effects of COVID on students and families of color—the high risks, barriers, and the fact that COVID is magnifying the often invisible inequities. He highlighted three main focus areas for the school: Esperanza’s commitment and innovation in anti-racist teaching, the strength of their community partnerships, and an updated mission statement and core values. The school’s work with students and families using Restorative Justice Circles is an example at the local level of what Ibram X. Kendi’s book How to Be an Anti-Racist is all about.

Learning will be remote the first four weeks of school and then go hybrid with some on-line and some in-school learning. The school will be open for the most vulnerable learners and they are offering a daily pick-up lunch. The level of response and action at Esperanza goes beyond academic skills to embracing and supporting these students of color and their families. To quote Jadi, “Esperanza is a home and safe place for the girls.” We plan to share the recording of this update when it becomes available later this month. Meanwhile to learn more about Esperanza, go to esperanzaacademy.org.

Esperanza Mission for 2020-21 Academic year:

Through the 2020-21 academic year Esperanza will deliver a holistic program focused on addressing the academic and social disparities that impact our students and their families as a result of the covid 19 pandemic. We will continue to be a school that focuses on the growth of each student through culturally responsive teaching and prioritizing restorative justice practices. We will maintain our relationship-centric ethos and our commitment to our program that honors and celebrates the cultural, linguistic, familial and navigational capital of the families from Lawrence MA.

The Easter 2020 issue of the Shepherd's Staff!

A Word from the Fold

Easter 2020 edition of the Seasonal Shepherd's Staff

Alleluia!

Christ is Risen!

He is Risen indeed!

Alleluia!

Lately it’s been hard to to remember that we are still in in the Easter season and that it it lasts through the 50 days following the great celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord. Each day seems to f fold into the next and apart from the schedule of Zoom meetings, it’s sometimes a challenge to keep track of what day it actually is. And yet, somehow the heartbeat of life continues; the sun comes up each morning, the moon in the sky at night. Spring flowers push up out of the darkness of the winter soil, and trees that stood bare are showing signs of life in little green buds sprouting from their tender branches. This is indeed a time to consider the lilies of the field and all the precious signs of Spring, as the earth enjoys a chance to breathe again.

For all the difficulties of this global shutdown - of which there are so many - it is impressive what the global community has done in its efforts to break the spread of COVID-19. Before this pandemic, I could not imagine that the roadways and skies would be so quiet and still; that the hustle and bustle of life would be brought to a virtual halt. Yes, I remember the Blizzard of ’78, the stalled out cars on the highways and the blanket of white that covered New England, but that now pales in comparison to the present state of affairs.

There are lessons to be learned from this experience and an opportunity to move forward with intention and care, so as not to simply jump back to the way things used to be. We have before us a moment to “consider the lilies of the field” and think about this as a metaphor for the bigger picture of life and the future we’d like to create. It’s an opportunity to think about what’s important in this life and grab on to the good will that many people have so creatively shown in this most difficult time. Think of restaurants, an industry hit particularly hard by this shutdown, how they have rallied to the cause providing meals to hospital employees and other essential workers. People teaming up, though socially distant, to make masks and shields with whatever items they can find to assist medical personnel. Teachers and educators who almost overnight have transformed their classrooms to an online learning program. The creative ways parents and teachers are finding to celebrate this year’s graduates who likely won’t make that memorable walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. We’ve seen birthday brigades organized by parents to bring some cheer to children having birthdays in this time of quarantine. The list goes on and on.

We as church also have much to consider as we think about what worship will look like when we come back together. How will we continue to reach those who for a variety of reasons may not be ready to come back to the building? What will church school look like in the future? Indeed these are the kinds of questions that the leaders of our churches and the Diocese are considering as we reimagine what it means to be church and how to celebrate the sacraments in this new reality? I look forward to exploring these topics with you in the weeks and months to come. In the meantime, continue to take good care of one another, offer prayers for all in need, and keep being the loving and generous community of faith that is a hallmark of the Church of the Good Shepherd.

In the peace of Christ,

Melissa

What is life like at Esperanza Academy during COVID-19?

An update from Kristina Dolce, English teacher at Esperanza Academy. For more about our relationship with Esperanza Academy, please see our Mission Outreach page.

Letters about the pandemic from El Ocotillo

In March we were touched to receive letters from six of the scholarship students in El Ocotillo sending prayers to us during this pandemic and updating us on their status in El Salvador. These letters are from Edith Martinez Rodriguez, a fourth-year agronomy student, and David Argueta Nolasco, a third-year English student.

Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Hello Friends of Good Shepherd,

I write to you to wish you good health in these difficult times for all that the whole world is going through. I wish that God blesses you and protects all of the members of the Good Shepherd community.

I am writing to tell you that at this moment our country finds itself on alert because of Covid 19, now no cases of infected people have been discovered.

Our community at the moment is well and in prayer, asking for the health and the wellness of the community and also for you, our sister community, and all the countries of the world who are confronted with this pandemic.

The government has taken prevention measures to avoid the contagion and has made the decision to put the country in a quarantine, suspending classes and avoiding gatherings of people. At this time the classes are online so that we are not affected by the suspension and we don’t lose the term. So far, for a period of 30 days we will not attend classes and we will be studying from our homes.

I leave you asking the Creator that you are well and in good health, and wait to know soon from you and from all of the sister community. I send you many greetings and hugs from me and my family.

Blessings to all,

With care,

Edith and Family

(age 20, university 4)

translated by BMagee

GOOD SHEPHERD Boston, Massachusetts

Elvin David Argueta Nolasco Ocotillo,

Morazán, El Salvador.

I am honored to be part of this wonderful distance-family. May the lord bless you all and care in this painful situation.

It is hard to say that we are well in these moments when the entire world is shocked about what is happening with COVID-19 pandemic. I really hope you are good and safe. As community, we are all well even though we have around two weeks quarantine waiting to overcome to this situation. Thanks God we don’t have any positive case near to this place. For now, everything is closed such as companies, markets, and even the schools and universities. Therefore, we as student are receiving the classes online.

This is quite difficult because; as you know, here in this area is very difficult to have internet access; however, all of us are doing our best in order to keep on learning and improving our knowledge.

I have noticed that in the United Stated the spread number of infested people is increasing quickly. That is so sad, but in the middle of this, God will make the way and solve this problem. We really need to trust in his promises.

I want to share with you that as a family we are well. We are also praying for the sister community. I wish you the best. God bless you.

Ocotillo, Morazán, El Salvador March 21, 2018

Best regards,

Elvin David Argueta Nolasco

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

COVID-19 epidemic prayer requests

Church of the Good Shepherd has a long history of prayer and action for those in need. During this time of the COVID-19 outbreak, our Prayer Chain members invite you to submit the name(s) of anyone in need of prayer, whether they’ve been exposed to the virus, or they have symptoms or have tested positive, or have a job that puts them in danger of being exposed, and if they are struggling emotionally.

If you would like to add someone to our Prayer List, submit your prayer request online. Our Prayer Chain will keep all prayer requests strictly confidential. If their situation changes, or they no longer need prayer, please use the same link to update us on their status.

Please find below A Prayer Amid an Epidemic for your own use during these difficult times. You are invited to pray it anytime on your own. If you would like to pray it with others, please pause daily at noon wherever you are to pray the words on behalf of all the world.

Let us recall the words of the Apostle Paul to the believers at Philippi: Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God. And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

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.