May 8, 2020

Update on COVID-19 Isolation

I'm not sure if it's the weather or the duration, but I'm finding it more difficult to observe the stay at home order.  Perhaps it would be easier for us if we knew when the quarantine would be lifted, at what date we will return to church, and what those services will look like.  But the honest truth is that we don't.  No one does.  We can influence the outcome (by staying at home, washing hands, wearing masks, etc.), but we can't control it.  That lack of control is both frightening and frustrating.  We see it boiling over in the news, in our country, perhaps even in our own lives.
 
I'm reminded of something Scott Stoner wrote several weeks ago:  Keep the problem the problem.  It's an adage from his career of counseling couples and families.  If you're feeling angry with your spouse or your kids, your Governor or your Rector (gasp!), remember that the problem is this pandemic.  At the root of all of this suffering, fear, hardship, grief and frustration is a virus.  Dealing with that virus is where we should be focusing our energy and our attention, our prayers, and our concerns.  Keep the problem the problem.
 
We still do not know when we will be able to return for in-person worship.  The Diocese presented updated guidelines this week. You can find those along with guidelines from the Fire Marshall' s office at www.edola.org.  I can't tell you when we'll be back, but I can assure you that things will look dramatically different than the last worship experience we shared at St. Augustine's.  It's important to manage our expectations-both in terms of timing and substance.  
 
Until then, let us look for the Grace that is always present in our lives.  For now, there is Grace to be experienced in the solitude.

A Blessing of Solitude
May you recognize in your life the presence, power, and light
  of your soul.
May you realize that you are never alone,
that your soul in its brightness and belonging connects you 
  intimately with the rhythm of the universe. 
May you have respect for your own individuality and
  difference.
May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique, that
  you have a special destiny here,
that behind the facade of your life there is something 
  beautiful, good, and eternal happening.
May you learn to see yourself with the same delight, pride
  and expectation with which God sees you in every moment.
                                    - Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom by John O"Donahue

Peace,
AJ+

Worship for Sunday, May 10, 2020
We will stream our worship service live via FaceBook at 8:00 am.  The Spanish-language service is "live" at 9:30 am.  The link is: Www.facebook.com/staugmet/
The bulletin for the English service is attached.  Following the service at 9:30 am, we can have some "coffee talk."  See below. 

Please email if you need an invitation to the Zoom meeting.
 
Some tips from Catherine:
​When it is time for the meeting, you can click on the link above.  You will enter a "waiting room" and I will admit you to the meeting
In the bottom left corner of the screen you will be able to control if I hear you or see you.  The default I have set up is that I see you but you are muted.  
If you cannot hear me speak, you will need to go to the bottom right corner of your screen and click on your volume to turn it up.  This can also be done with your keyboard.  If you need to do something on your computer while zoom is on, you can click in the upper right hand corner just to the left of the red x.  That will minimize or maximize your screen.
 
If you call in from your phone, I don't know how it will look, but I know it is possible.  For educational purposes, you may want to sign in from both your computer and your phone to see how it looks, but then turn the sound off on one or the other or it will make a high pitched noise like a microphone next to a speaker.
 
NOTE!  Never take your computer into the bathroom with you and ALWAYS warn your family members that you are on zoom so they don't walk near the camera unaware.
 
See you Sunday! 

Call in for Sunday's Service
If you or someone you know does not have access to internet, they can listen to Sunday's service over their phone by using this access code:  839279657.  The phone number to call is:  1-888-958-7272
 
Forward day by Day
Copies of the most recent "Forward Day by Day" have been placed in the bin by the gates at the parking lot side of campus.  Please help yourself, but like my grandmother used to say at the "all-you-can-eat buffet: "take all you want, but need all you take."
 
Updating the Parish Database
Perhaps you've been wanting a parish telephone directory?  Or wondering how you could get a phone number for a parishioner you miss seeing on Sundays?  Or maybe you have some extra time on your hands and this would be the perfect time to update your information so that we can publish a directory at some point with up-to-date information?  If so, click on this link and register and then update your information.  If you've already registered but forgot your password, you can ask them to set up a new one.  Or, email Jamee at jgmeisner@bellsouth.net with your updated information. If we all take the time to register and update our information though, we'll all be able to contact one another. 
https://onrealm.org/StAugustinesEpiscopalChurch/Account/Register