This is our fourth Sunday without Sunday Church Services due to COVID-19. Not being able to gather for Palm Sunday, Holy Week or Easter and this unexpected eucharistic fast will make our Lent seem very long this year.

Everyone is finding new ways to do the things and to try to keep some normality, admist this pandemic. It is stressful and not easy, yet absolutely necessary for everyones well-being.

Virtual Palm Crosses

I am grateful to Janet Armstrong for making and sending Virtual Palm Crosses. Some of you will have received yours by email already. This is one of those new ways I was talking about. For Easter, Janet is planning to gather all the crosses she has made together for a photo that we will send out on Easter Day. Please email Janet as soon as possible so you can get your virtual palm cross.

Prayers and Message

Another new way of being church, has been the Sunday video prayers and message. I am very thankful for the encouragement that folks have been giving me. This week’s video of prayers and a short message is here:

The readings for this Sunday can be read here and the message is based on a verse from the account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Matthew 21:1-11.

I Am Self-isolating

Earlier this week I began experiencing mild flu/cold symptoms and Tracy and I started self isolating. (Check out this handy document from Ontario Public Health) We are well stocked up with all we need here at home, and I certainly ask for your continued prayers. I will be continuing to make calls and answer emails but, I will be getting my rest as well. Also my videos will be shot at home for the next few weeks.

Loving your Neighbour

I do want to say something about the conversations I am having with people throughout the week. These are anxious and uncertain times, but I am uplifted by the stories I hear from folks who are calling and emailing others or are being called and emailed. Those calls and emails mean a great deal to people. The cares, concerns, troubles, laughter, and stories all shared together through these connections are expressions of God’s love for us and each other. Thank you Wendy Lovely for coordinating our informal list of “Called to Care.”

Lastly, God Bless our Diocesan Bishop, Susan Bell, as she continues to live stream on Facebook a service this morning at 10am. You are welcome to join with Anglican’s across our diocese who will be tuning in.

Have a blessed Sunday and be well.

Yours in Christ,

The Rev’d Canon Rob Park

Note:
For further information about our Diocesan response to the COVID-19 outbreak visit the Diocesan Resource Hub