The Journey

The Journey - This meditation comes from Gates of Prayer - The New Union Prayerbook – Central Conference of Rabbis, New York, © 1975. It is number 43 on page 14. Lord, help us enjoy the journey. Amen.

For Knowledge of God’s Creation

For Knowledge of God’s Creation - One more prayer from the Prayers and Thanksgivings section of The Book of Common Prayer and in honor of the launch of the Mars Perseverance Rover this day. This is prayer number 40. For Knowledge of God’s Creation, on page 827. God help us to seek and find you in all places.

For Those Who Live Alone

For Those Who Live Alone - Another prayer from the Prayers and Thanksgivings section of The Book of Common Prayer. This is a prayer number 48. For Those Who Live Alone, on page 829.

God help us to see family as you do.

Zoom Evening Prayer and Bible Project Class

Zoom Evening Prayer and 
Bible Project Class - Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86781577595?pwd=VjNnZTZnUFFadkJPc3VOVTh3K21Idz09

Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595
Password: 530
or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

For Guidance

For Guidance - Another great prayer from the Prayers and Thanksgivings section of The Book of Common Prayer. This is a prayer number 58. For Guidance, on page 832.

God save us from false choices.

For the Future of the Human Race

For the Future of the Human Race - I found this hidden gem on page 828 in the Prayers and Thanksgivings section of The Book of Common Prayer. It is a prayer number 44. For the Future of the Human Race.

Sunday Worship

Join us for worship this Sunday, July 26, 2020, The Eight Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12, at St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, St. Thomas’, and La Esperanza de Familias Unidas. We will celebrate Holy Eucharist at our usual times. Please enter through the Main Front Doors.

St. Alban’s – 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*
St. Patrick’s – 1:30 p.m.*
St. Thomas’ – 10:00 a.m.*
La Esperanza de Familias Unidas – 5:00 p.m.

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Please contact the clergy if you wish to receive a home communion visit. Or join us for...

Sunday Zoom Compline

8:00 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09
Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Password: 800
or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 and +1 346 248 7799

The Feast Day of Saint James

The Feast Day of Saint James - The Feast Day of Saint James - Today is the feast day of Saint James. The collect of the day is found on page 242 of The Book of Common Prayer.



With this prayer, I remember and give thanks for all the Jameses and Jims in my life, and for all our St. James' churches.

Midday Prayer

Midday Prayer - There is a wonderful prayer in Midday Prayer in the New Zealand Prayer Book. It is prayer number 2.

A Litany of Thanksgiving

Today, we pray A Litany of Thanksgiving, found on page 836 and 837 of The Book of Common Prayer. Even in the midst of pandemic, it is right, and a good a joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to God.

Prayer and Fasting - Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has asked that we join him in fasting at lunch Monday through Wednesday this week, and praying for the people of Louisiana, especially the sick, their caretakers, and the families of those who have died from COVID-19.

Today as you fast at lunch, please join me in this prayer. We pray today for the people of Louisiana, especially the families of those who have died from COVID-19.

In-Person Worship Begins this Sunday

In accordance with Bishop Owensby's message to the Diocese (Return to Phase 2 Guidelines per Governor Edwards), we will return to in-person worship this Sunday.

Please Note: As all of you are aware - our best information and guidelines change often - We will abide by the direction of our Bishop, and do our best to keep you informed. Stay tuned!

Join us for worship this Sunday, July 26, 2020, The Eight Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 12, at St. Alban’s, St. Patrick’s, St. Thomas’, and La Esperanza de Familias Unidas. We will celebrate Holy Eucharist at our pre-COVID times. Please enter through the Main Front Doors.

St. Alban’s – 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.*

St. Patrick’s – 1:30 p.m.*

St. Thomas’ – 10:00 a.m.*

La Esperanza de Familias Unidas – 5:00 p.m.

* These liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook for those who choose to remain at home. Please contact the clergy if you wish to receive a home communion visit. Zoom Virtual Compline at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday evenings will continue, as will Zoom Virtual Evening Prayer and the Bible Project Class  at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings.

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

For the current COVID-19 Guidelines for our Diocese - see https://files.constantcontact.com/c07a86bc201/c4dd3568-e26f-4465-82ff-7f633226dbd2.pdf

Zoom Evening Prayer and Bible Project Class Tonight

Zoom Evening Prayer and
Bible Project Class Tonight Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86781577595?pwd=VjNnZTZnUFFadkJPc3VOVTh3K21Idz09 Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595 Password: 530 or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

From Bishop Owensby - July 21, 2020

Return to Phase 2 Guidelines per Governor Edwards

An Important Message from Bishop Owensby

Dear Friends, Per the Governor’s proclamation today, I am once again allowing indoor, in-person worship under the previously published diocesan guidelines. By doing so I recognize that this departs from CDC guidelines restricting public gatherings at our infection rate level to no more than 10. However, we will still cap attendance as was previously the case and maintain all previously published requirements for social distancing, mask-wearing, and sanitation. If priests, in consultation with lay leadership, are more comfortable restricting worship to outdoors or virtual, they have my permission. Stay safe. Be well. Remember that you are loved. Peace, +Jake

Click here to View the Updated COVID-19 Guidelines for Worship More information to follow regarding return to in-person worship at St. Alban's, St. Patrick's, St. Luke's, St. Thomas', and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas.

Prayer and Fasting - Tuesday

Prayer and Fasting - Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has asked that we join him in fasting at lunch Monday through Wednesday this week, and praying for the people of Louisiana, especially the sick, their caretakers, and the families of those who have died from COVID-19.

Today as you fast at lunch, please join me in this prayer. We pray today for the people of Louisiana, especially those who care for the sick.

Countless Ways

Backyard Rainbow - photo by Dawnell Smith Stodghill

Backyard rainbow at our house yesterday afternoon.

The sun was shining even as the rain fell and this rainbow appeared. My wife got this beautiful photo.

The sun always shines - even when the rain falls. God always keeps the promises God makes - light shines in the darkness, and we are surrounded by rainbows - outward and visible signs of inward and spiritual grace - sacraments.

From the section on sacraments in the Catechism, page 861, in The Book of Common Prayer.

Q. Is God’s activity limited to these rites?
A. God does not limit himself to these rites; they are patterns of countless ways by which God uses material things to reach out to us.

Prayer and Fasting - Monday

Prayer and Fasting - Monday, July 20, 2020

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has asked that we join him in fasting at lunch Monday through Wednesday this week, and praying for the people of Louisiana, especially the sick, their caretakers, and the families of those who have died from COVID-19.

Today as you fast at lunch, please join me in this prayer. We pray today for the people of Louisiana, especially those who are sick.

Prayer and Fasting

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards has asked that we join him in fasting at lunch Monday through Wednesday - July 20 - 22, and “praying for the people of Louisiana,” especially the sick, their caretakers, and the families of those who have died from COVID-19. “I’m going to call for three days of fasting and prayer for our state, for July 20 through the 22nd,” said Edwards, explaining that he received a request for the spiritual practice during a call with religious leaders from across the state. “So if you’re inclined, please join me and the First Lady and faith leaders of Louisiana, regardless of your denomination or your religion, and we would ask that you join us in prayerful reflection and fasting,” he said. I will post a prayer each day before or around lunch for your reflection and as a reminder to fast at lunch.

Sunday Night

Wow! For your Sunday night...

Virtual Worship Tomorrow - Adoración Virtual Mañana

Virtual Worship Tomorrow
Sunday, July 19, 2020
The Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Join us on Zoom - English Liturgies will be Live-Streamed on Facebook too.

Oración Matutina Diaria
Domingo, 9:30 a.m. 

Unirse a la reunión de Zoom  
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83651854249?pwd=V3hSVE54MG80aVRsRDZIaVBzRXplUT09

Meeting ID(Número de identificación de la reunión): 836 5185 4249
Password (contraseña): 930
or dial in at (o marcar en) +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

Sunday Zoom Morning Prayer: Rite Two
Sunday - 10:30 a.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83974085881?pwd=UUUvRkxqRHJUZzByaHkzWTJ2QWp5UT09

Meeting ID: 839 7408 5881
Password: 1030
or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

Description:Sunday Zoom Compline
8:00 p.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83861688528?pwd=WFdBcndxV3hzbUpETDNTSFFzc3Z0QT09

Meeting ID: 838 6168 8528
Password: 800
or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 and +1 346 248 7799

A Collect for Saturdays

A Collect for Saturdays - This prayer, A Collect for Saturdays, from Morning Prayer: Rite Two, can be found on page 99 in The Book of Common Prayer.

New, More Restrictive, Worship and Gathering Protocols

New, More Restrictive, Worship and Gathering Protocols

An Important Message From Bishop Owensby

Dear Friends, It is with regret that I email you to issue yet another—this time more restrictive—protocol for worship and all other gatherings (study groups, staff, etc.) of our congregations. Just this week we learned that many of our parishes and metro areas are now classified as red zones due to the increase in positive COVID cases. The updated diocesan guidelines follow the CDC guidelines for red areas. In short, you will see that indoor, in-person gatherings (worship and otherwise) are prohibited until further notice from me. Virtual gatherings are preferred. Outdoor worship is allowed and those in attendance must wear masks and practice social distancing. Morning Prayer is preferred but Eucharist is allowed under the restrictions outlined in the document. Our changing circumstances make these difficult times even more trying and exhausting. I understand how frustrating and disappointing this is. Hang in there. I am so impressed with and proud of the love and the devotion you are all showing in these trying times. Stay safe. Be well. Remember that you are loved. Peace, +Jake

View/print/download the Updated COVID-19 Guidelines

Loyalties Confirmed

Loyalties Confirmed - There is a beautiful prayer in Marriage liturgy. It is not for the newly weds, but for other couples attending the wedding. I’m always moved when I read it or hear it. I hope you are too.

A Liturgy for a Moment of Frustration at a Child

A Liturgy for a Moment of Frustration at a Child

This prayer is from Every Moment Holy. It is called A Liturgy for a Moment of Frustration at a Child. It is prayed as an apology and as an effort change my behavior when I am frustrated and take that out on my children. I’m sorry.

Thank You!

At our July vestry meeting, John Robinson's report had a big smiley face indicating that St. Alban's is doing well financially. This is due to you - the people of St. Alban's - and your endless generosity and faithfulness. Thank you all so much! We appreciate your checks sent via mail or delivered by hand, and your electronically delivered gifts via Tithe.ly or through the Diocesan Online Giving Program. 

As some you know, the church's hot water tank recently had a leak. Thanks to the generosity of one of our parishioner, the carpet has been dried and the church dehumidified. We are replacing the tank and installing a drain pan to run future leaks directly into an adjacent floor drain and changing the floor near the flower closet from wood to something more weather friendly. If you would like to help offset these repair costs - please designate checks or gifts for that purpose. 

Thank you all again!

A Collect for Protection

A Collect for Protection - Tonight, we prayed A Collect for Protection during Evening Prayer. It is worth repeating. It is on page 124 of The Book of Common Prayer.

Read the Bible in One Year

Dear All,

Tonight in our Bible Project Class following Evening Prayer, we watched a video about reading the entire Bible systematically over the course of a year.

This takes 51 weeks (I was mistaken when I said 36 weeks - SORRY!).

The Bible Project can be found at www.bibleproject.com

The pdf document about reading the Bible in a year - along with Bible Project videos can be found here -  https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/tbp-web/media/Quarterlies_Other%20Downloads/RS_Reading%20Plan_1YR.pdf 

Let us know how you like this challenge - and ask questions, please!

Whit+ and Dawnell+ 

Zoom Evening Prayer and Bible Project Class Tonight

Zoom Evening Prayer and
Bible Project Class Tonight Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86781577595?pwd=VjNnZTZnUFFadkJPc3VOVTh3K21Idz09 Meeting ID: 867 8157 7595 Password: 530 or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

Five Big Promises

We make five big promises when we are baptized or confirmed. Everyone present renews these promises when anyone is baptized or confirmed. To each of these questions, our response is “I will, with God’s help.” 

We spend our lives growing into living these promises. We certainly need God’s help.

The Parable of the Sower

"Thank God, that Jesus is such an extravagant, and wasteful farmer. He scatters seed without regard for where it falls. Some will surely fall our way. May each of us be open enough to let the seed that falls our way flourish, and may we become wasteful sowers of God’s seed ourselves! This very day, God’s seed is being scattered in places outside the walls of the Church, to others we’ve never met, in ways we never imagined! Who knows what growth may come from the seed being sown in these days?"

The Rev'd T. Whitfield Stodghill, III - Sermon for The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 12, 2020

Source of Art - Sower and the Seed, Author Aidan Hart, Donald Jackson & Sally Mae Joseph,

Year 2002, Source

http://www.saintjohnsbible.org/

Love Your Neighbor As Yourself

A Letter from Whit+ and Dawnell+

Dear Members and Friends of St. Alban’s, St. Luke’s, St. Patrick’s, St. Thomas’, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas,

We know and understand that many of you are disappointed with our decision to return to Virtual Worship beginning this Sunday, July 12 – The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost. As previously announced, Morning Prayer: Rite Two will begin at 10:30 a.m. A Zoom Invitation will be posted on our Facebook and websites/blogs. We also plan to live stream our worship on Facebook as well - sharable as a watch party.

Compline on Sunday evenings at 8:00 p.m. via Zoom, and Evening Prayer on Wednesday nights at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Bible Project Class via Zoom will continue as usual.

This decision is not mandated by Bishop Owensby, but is – in our prayerful judgement – in keeping with the Bishop’s recommendations given in the previously posted Updated Policy and Procedure for Gathering During the Pandemic. We believe it is advisable, and the best choice also based on Governor Edward’s press conference of this day (July 11, 2020 at 2:30 p.m.). Masks and proper distancing are now required by all (with a small group of exceptions) for our state. We urge you all to wear your masks whenever you are in public (indoors or outdoors), and be especially careful regarding private casual social gatherings.

Please know that we understand that many of you may not agree with our decision, and that for many this decision and these precautions are viewed as politically motivated. We are doing our best to protect you and all the other people that we love, and ask for your understanding. Please give us a call, if you want to discuss any aspect of this decision. Our home phone number is 318-340-0404. If we are unable to answer, we will return your call.

See you Sunday morning via Zoom,

With our love,

Whit+ & Dawnell+

Estimados miembros y amigos de St. Alban’s, St. Luke’s, St. Patrick’s, St. Thomas´ e Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas,

Sabemos y entendemos que muchos de ustedes están decepcionados con nuestra decisión de regresar a la adoración virtual a partir de este domingo 12 de julio, el sexto domingo después de Pentecostés. Como se anunció previamente, Morning Prayer: Rite Two comenzará a las 10:30 a.m. Se publicará una invitación de Zoom en nuestro Facebook y sitios web / blogs. También planeamos transmitir en vivo nuestra adoración en Facebook, compartible como una fiesta de observación.

Completa los domingos por la noche a las 8:00 p.m. a través de Zoom y la oración vespertina los miércoles a las 5:30 p.m. seguido de la clase de proyecto bíblico a través de Zoom continuará como de costumbre.

Esta decisión no es un mandato del Obispo Owensby, pero es, en nuestro juicio de oración, de acuerdo con las recomendaciones del Obispo dadas en la Política y el Procedimiento Actualizados previamente publicados para la Reunión durante la Pandemia. Creemos que es aconsejable, y la mejor opción también se basa en la conferencia de prensa del Gobernador Edward de este día (11 de julio de 2020 a las 2:30 p.m.). Ahora se requieren máscaras y distanciamiento adecuado para todos (con un pequeño grupo de excepciones) para nuestro estado. Les recomendamos a todos que usen sus máscaras cuando estén en público (en interiores o exteriores) y que tengan especial cuidado con las reuniones sociales informales privadas.

Tenga en cuenta que entendemos que muchos de ustedes pueden no estar de acuerdo con nuestra decisión, y que para muchos esta decisión y estas precauciones se consideran motivadas políticamente. Estamos haciendo todo lo posible para protegerlo a usted y a todas las demás personas que amamos, y solicitamos su comprensión. Llámenos si desea analizar cualquier aspecto de esta decisión. El número de teléfono de nuestra casa es 318-340-0404. Si no podemos responder, le devolveremos su llamada.

Nos vemos el domingo por la mañana a través de Zoom,

Con nuestro amor

Whit + y Dawnell +

Prayers for July 6 – 11

In the week following the Fourth of July, day by day, we will pray The Book of Common Prayer’s Prayers for National Life. Today’s prayer is 23 on page 822. La oración sigue en español.

23. For Local Government

Almighty God our heavenly Father, send down upon those

who hold office in this State, and in the cities of Monroe and

West Monroe, the spirit of wisdom, charity, and justice;

that with steadfast purpose they may faithfully serve in their

offices to promote the well-being of all people; through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.

Oraciones por la Vida Nacional -  23 en la página 712 en El Libro de Oración Común.

23. Por el gobierno local

Dios todopoderoso, nuestro Padre celestial, derrama

sobre aquellos que ocupan cargos públicos en este estado, 

y en las ciudades de Monroe y West Monroe,

el espíritu de sabiduría, caridad y justicia; a fin de que

cumplir fielmente sus obligaciones con firmeza

propósito de promover el bienestar de todas las personas;

través de Jesucristo nuestro Señor. Amén.

Prayers for July 6 – 11

In the week following the Fourth of July, day by day, we will pray The Book of Common Prayer’s Prayers for National Life. Today’s prayer is 22 on pages 821 and 822. La oración sigue en español.

22. For Sound Government

O Lord our Governor, bless the leaders of our land, that we

may be a people at peace among ourselves and a blessing to

other nations of the earth.

Lord, keep this nation under your care.

To the President and members of the Cabinet, to Governors

of States, Mayors of Cities, and to all in administrative

authority, grant wisdom and grace in the exercise of their

duties.

Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To Senators and Representatives, and those who make our
laws in States, Cities, and Towns, give courage, wisdom, and
foresight to provide for the needs of all our people, and to
fulfill our obligations in the community of nations.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

To the Judges and officers of our Courts give understanding
and integrity, that human rights may be safeguarded and
justice served.
Give grace to your servants, O Lord.

And finally, teach our people to rely on your strength and to
accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they
may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for
the well-being of our society; that we may serve you
faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name.
For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as
head above all. Amen.

Oraciones por la Vida Nacional - Oración 23 en la páginas 711-712 en El Libro de Oración Común.

22. Por un gobierno justo

Oh Señor Soberano nuestro, bendice a los líderes de este

país, a fin de que tengamos paz entre nosotros y seamos

una bendición para las demás naciones de la tierra.

Oh Señor, guarda esta nación en tu cuidado.

Otorga sabiduría y gracia a todas las autoridades

administrativas en el ejercicio de sus funciones.

Oh Señor, da gracia a tus siervos.

Otorga valor, sabiduría y visión a

todos los que elaboran nuestras leyes, a fin de que

provean a las necesidades del pueblo y hagan cumplir

nuestras obligaciones ante la comunidad de naciones.

Oh Señor, da gracia a tus siervos.

Otorga integridad y comprensión a los jueces y

funcionarios de los tribunales para que los derechos

humanos sean protegidos y la justicia cumplida.

Oh Señor, da gracia a tus siervos.

Finalmente, enseña a nuestro pueblo a confiar en tu

poder y aceptar sus responsabilidades hacia los demás

ciudadanos, para que elijan líderes fidedignos, y tomen

decisiones prudentes en beneficio de nuestra sociedad; a

fin de que te sirvamos fielmente en nuestra generación y

honremos tu santo Nombre.

Porque, tuyo, oh Señor, es el reino, y tú eres excelso

como cabeza sobre todos. Amén.

Sunday Zoom Morning Prayer: Rite Two

Sunday Zoom Morning Prayer: Rite Two
Sunday - 10:30 a.m.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83974085881?pwd=UUUvRkxqRHJUZzByaHkzWTJ2QWp5UT09

Meeting ID: 839 7408 5881
Password: 1030
or dial in at +1 312 626 6799 or +1 346 248 7799

Return to Virtual Worship Begins this Sunday - July 12, 2020

Return to Virtual Worship Begins this Sunday - July 12, 2020 (abajo en español)

Dear Members of St. Alban’s, St. Luke’s, St. Patrick’s, St, Thomas’, and Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas,

We are writing you today from our vacation. We have posted Bishop Jake Owensby’s communication with the Diocese - Updated Policy and Procedure for Gathering During the Pandemic.

Mother Dawnell and I have carefully, and prayerfully considered the Bishop’s recommendations and have decided to return completely to Virtual Worship again beginning this Sunday, July 12, 2020 – The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost. Morning Prayer: Rite Two will begin at 10:30 a.m. – A Zoom Invitation will be posted on our Facebook and websites/blogs. We also plan to Livestream this on Facebook as well - sharable as a watch party.

Compline on Sunday evenings at 8:00 p.m. via Zoom, and Evening Prayer on Wednesday nights at 5:30 p.m. followed by the Bible Project Class via Zoom will continue as usual.

We will share more information when we return. Until then, please know of our prayers and concern for you all.

See you via Zoom on Sunday,

With our love,

Whit+ & Dawnell+

P.S. We have been extremely careful while on vacation, but must report that many people we have seen have not being practicing basic safety precautions.

El regreso a la adoración virtual comienza este domingo - 12 de julio de 2020

Estimados miembros de St. Alban’s, St. Luke’s, St. Patrick’s, St, Thomas ’e Iglesia Episcopal La Esperanza de Familias Unidas,

Te escribimos hoy desde nuestras vacaciones. Hemos publicado la comunicación del Obispo Jake Owensby con la Diócesis: Política y procedimiento actualizados para reunirse durante la pandemia.

La Madre Dawnell y yo hemos considerado cuidadosamente y con oración las recomendaciones del Obispo y hemos decidido regresar completamente a la Adoración Virtual nuevamente a partir de este domingo 12 de julio de 2020, el sexto domingo después de Pentecostés. Oración de la mañana: Rito Dos comenzará a las 10:30 a.m. - Se publicará una invitación de Zoom en nuestro Facebook y sitios web / blogs. También planeamos transmitir esto en vivo en Facebook, compartible como una fiesta de observación.

Completa los domingos por la noche a las 8:00 p.m. a través de Zoom y la oración vespertina los miércoles a las 5:30 p.m. seguido de la clase de proyecto bíblico a través de Zoom continuará como siempre.

Compartiremos más información cuando regresemos. Hasta entonces, sepan nuestras oraciones y preocupación por todos ustedes.

Nos vemos a través de Zoom el domingo,

Con nuestro amor

Whit + y Dawnell +

PD Hemos sido extremadamente cuidadosos durante las vacaciones, pero debemos informar que muchas personas que hemos visto no han estado practicando precauciones básicas de seguridad.

Updated Policy and Procedure for Gathering During the Pandemic

Updated Policy and Procedure for Gathering During the Pandemic

An Important Message From Bishop Owensby:

Dear Friends, I pray that you and yours are well. These are trying times, and I appreciate your calm, faithful leadership. As you know, the pandemic continues to change local circumstances, and prudence requires that we respond sensibly as needed. In his briefing today Governor Edwards reported that, with respect to the spread of the virus in our state, we have lost all the gains we had made in May. Infection and hospital rates are climbing to new heights. Now this spread is no longer contained within hot spots like Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Instead, the entire state is experiencing an increase in infection and hospitalization numbers. Accordingly, I am now reiterating and amplifying my current requirements in the following manner. 1. All previously published requirements for gatherings for worship or any other purpose as a congregation remain firmly in effect. This includes mandates regarding social distancing, the wearing of masks, the limits on attendance numbers, sanitation, and the like. Singing continues to be forbidden. For clergy these policies are a mandatory pastoral direction. 2. Given the increased incidence of infection, I strongly urge that all worship or other gatherings be outside or virtual. If your congregation is unable to provide virtual worship, please send members to my FB Morning Prayer (Sunday, 10:00 a.m. CDT or the saved video at a later time). I will continue to offer weekly worship as long as we are in pandemic conditions. 3. The safest form of worship during a time of increased contagion is Morning Prayer. Accordingly, I urge you to revert to Morning Prayer until we see significant improvement in the rate of infection. Neither #2 nor #3 are requirements at this stage. However, I will continue to monitor the metrics and will issue revised policies as needed. Remember, we take these measures to protect the most vulnerable among us and to flatten the curve of infection so as not to overwhelm our medical facilities while we develop, mass produce, and administer a vaccine. The vaccination process will take time. You all remain in my prayers. And to my delight and surprise, we are seeing a significant rise in the numbers of those seeking worship and learning opportunities because of our new virtual ministries. The love of Jesus finds a way! Stay safe. Be well. And remember that you are loved. Peace, +Jake