In this moment of significant recovery from the pandemic, many of us are sensing that we have an opportunity to defy the recent pattern of collective anxiety. There is an emerging optimism shared by the wardens, vestry and your rector alike. At the vestry meeting on Tuesday night, decisions were made to make the wearing of masks in church optional and to gradually reintroduce congregational singing, starting next Sunday. Other Covid protocols will remain in place during this time of transition. Please review them here, as they will be subject to change over the coming weeks and months.
I am confident that we, as a congregation, will adapt and change, reaffirming our faith-filled lives in creative new ways. For example, last Sunday night, 20 youth members from St. B’s and IPC met for the kickoff of our brand-new youth program. Apart from the joy of gathering a significant number of our young people together, I am hopeful that the decline in the individual capacity of our respective churches gives us the perfect opportunity to let go of whatever held us back from this and other joint-church (ad)ventures in the past.
So, let us embrace the changes we need to make in this moment, knowing that the church will not be the same 10 years from now; and, at the same time, recognize that we are well positioned to live in the kind of thriving, faith community we would like to see in five, 10 or 15 years time.
Onward in Hope,
Gareth+
Gareth Evans serves as the rector of St. Barnabas. He is an inspirational leader who brings significant pastoral experience, a depth of reverence in worship, and a relatable preaching style.