Shut down again - Rector's Rambling for 11/22/2020

 As of this writing, we are once again facing being shut down for public worship by the Ecclesiastical Authorities of the four dioceses in Michigan.  This is happening despite the fact that we, and all the parishes that have opened the past 20 weeks for worship, have done so without a single outbreak of COVID-19 in any of our congregations.  Our Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Missouri Synod Lutheran Churches are now on their 25th week of COVID-free worship.

So we are making arrangements for as many people to be able to receive the Blessed Sacrament as possible within the “10 people at worship” limit prescribed to us.  We will announce soon what that will mean for worship on Sunday.  Weekday Masses will continue as scheduled, since attendance at those services does not breech the limited number level.  God willing, this curve will be quickly flattened, and the three-week “pause” announced by the governor for the state, will be only three weeks and will expire then, along with our latest diocesan directive.

As it is all sorted out, I need our parishioners to pray earnestly, fervently, and frequently for a quelling of the virus’ spread AND for a return to public worship before Christmas!!!!

Once again, here is a prayer for the parish, written by our Fr. Fredrick Faber, Rector of St. John’s from 1905 to 1914:

Almighty God, who feedest Thy flock and callest Thine own by name, look down in mercy upon our parish, that we may be cleansed from all our sins, and serve Thee with a quiet mind.  Hallow and bless to us the sacraments and services of Thy Church.  Inspire our clergy to show forth Thy truth by their preaching and living, and daily to minister according to Thy will.  Keep our communicants in singleness of heart, from unbelief and worldliness, giving them grace, both in their homes and callings, faithfully to confess Thy Holy Name.  May all our children be taught of Thee.  Bring back all such as have erred, and draw to the cross those who are hardened by sin.  And, we beseech Thee, heal the sick; comfort the sorrowing; relieve the distressed.  Move Thy people to give as Thou hast given to them; fill the workers with the Spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind; and while we plant and water do Thou give the continual increase, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.