Note: This letter was sent to the Clergy, Churches, and Missions of the Diocese of Western Lousiana on March 22 - The Fourth Sunday in Lent.
Most
of you are probably aware of the Governor’s stay-at-home order. And perhaps you
also heard that at once point our state was leading the world in per capita
infection rate. The moral and practical imperative to act swiftly and
decisively to flatten the curve could not be clearer. So, I am sending this
email as a pastoral direction to you all to comply with the Governor’s order
and to urge your people to do the same.
Here
are some specifics affecting our congregations:
1.
All worship services are to be suspended through Easter with the understanding
that a further extension of this suspension is possible. This includes
weddings. Funerals should be small (ten or less), private family services
without Eucharist and maintaining social distancing. If postponing the
service is pastorally feasible, then do so. A larger Requiem Mass or Memorial
Service may be planned for when measures can be prudently eased.
2.
If not already doing so, church staff should work from home and all meetings
should be held virtually.
3.
Continue to check on your people via telephone or virtually.
4. Make virtual worship available by offering it yourself or by directing people to my Morning Prayer Live (via FB) Sundays at 10:00 a.m. My services are also posted for later viewing.
4. Make virtual worship available by offering it yourself or by directing people to my Morning Prayer Live (via FB) Sundays at 10:00 a.m. My services are also posted for later viewing.
5.
Seek to continue classes, book groups, etc. virtually. This may require some
coaching of lay leaders on your part. Share with your people that I offer a
daily Live Meditation at 3:00 p.m. during the workweek. Again, these
meditations are posted for later viewing as well.
While
current circumstances make these measures prudent, I’m sure that you join me in
disappointment. Forgoing Eucharist on Sunday is unthinkable under normal
circumstances. Being unable to gather in our church buildings for Holy Week and
Easter is more than disappointing. It is a deep loss. Nevertheless, I am
confident that the Spirit will lead us to be the Church in worship in powerful,
innovative, creative ways.
Take
care of yourselves. Let’s all be there for each other. And don’t hesitate to
reach out to me and to colleagues for help, solace, a friendly ear, or a much-needed laugh.
Thank
you for being the loving pastors that you are. You inspire me. God bless you.
Peace,
+Jake
The
Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby, Ph.D., DD
Bishop
of The Episcopal Church in Western Louisiana
P.
O. Box 4330
Pineville,
LA 71361
318-442-1304
https://jakeowensby.com