Fall Worship Schedule and Survey Link
During the months of June, July, August, and September we have committed to one worship service at 9 AM. As you are likely aware, this was a change from the rhythm of an 8 AM and 10 AM service from many years prior. The Vestry’s decision to make this change was based on the observation and challenge of finding ministers of worship to serve on a regular basis at both services. Our liturgy is the work of the people, and if the people are not finding it life-giving, but burdensome, we have to honestly ask ourselves what is motivating these decisions.
Having one service throughout the summer months has given us the opportunity to worship together as one community. Additionally, it’s provided a respite for those who service in many different capacities, adding more names to the weekly rotation. It has been wonderful!
The question before us is what will best serve the community in this next chapter of life together. The pandemic changed patterns of behavior and routines which were once familiar. I think it’s important to speak aloud this reality as a part of our communal conversation. Church attendance looks different these days, not just at St. Michael’s, but across the Episcopal Church, as well as other denominations. I know there can be deep attachments to aspects of our communal life, and it’s important to be able to name those while holding present realities in conversation with those sacred feelings.
I hope coming to church on a weekly basis continues to be a part of your commitment to God, yourself, and this community. My intention is always to offer worship opportunities that are accessible and responsive to our community. Please take five minutes to complete this brief survey about your preference for schedule times, number of services, and COVID protocol over the next few months. Your input is vital as the vestry and I work to make sure our offerings are responsive to the needs of the community.
I also want to be really clear: our community is thriving. And, that thriving is necessarily going to look different than how it looked prior to the pandemic we’ve all endured. We have changed, and so of course our habits have changed. While parts of it may feel hard, I’m clear that it can also be beautiful. After all, we are a people who profess and witness to resurrection!
Beth