May 14, 2020

Dear Members and Friends of St. Mark’s,

Alleluia! Christ is risen!  The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

            It was so good to see some of you at the 10:00 am service last Sunday on Zoom.  We had a few glitches but as we continue to do this, we will improve.  I will be sending out the invitation for the service tomorrow with some instructions for you if you have not had the opportunity to be in a Zoom meeting yet.  Please join us.  You will have the opportunity to hear the organ, see the church and see faces you have not seen for a while.

            My understanding is that Cambria County will be moving to the yellow phase of the state guidelines tomorrow.  If you will remember from your driving classes in high school, yellow means to proceed with caution, not speed up to get through the intersection before the light turns red.  (Yes, I have seen this happen many times and may have even done it a time or two  myself.) The bishop and most of the clergy of the diocese expect to move cautiously and deliberately so that no one is exposed to the virus needlessly.  Many of us are in the most susceptible group although everyone is vulnerable.   The vestry and I will be putting together a plan for reopening but it will be weeks before it is implemented.  Please be patient.  It will happen.

            In the meantime, join us for Morning Prayer this Sunday.  Please keep Don and Lois Bender in your prayers.  A few weeks ago, Lois fell and broke her hip, had it repaired and returned to Arbutus.  Unfortunately, this has taken an extra toll on her health and she may transition to her next life soon. Don and her family are unable to be with her. We sent flowers from the church last week so she knows that we love her and are praying for her.

            I pray that you are all well and continuing to stay safe.

Love, In Christ,

Mother Nancy