Worship Time to Change on October 9
I want to begin with a word of thanks to the many who took time to fill out the worship survey. The Vestry and I were deeply grateful for your thoughtful reflections. We carefully considered each piece of feedback, and spent time in prayer, as we sought a way forward. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, the question we have been wrestling with is what will best serve the community in this next chapter of life together. It is important to be able to name present realities of shifting attendance patterns, as well as sacred feelings about all aspects of communal life.
Beginning October 9, Sunday morning worship will take place at 9:30 AM on a weekly basis. We have made this decision for several reasons. We were grateful to learn how meaningful it has been to worship together at one service on Sunday mornings. As attendance continues to fluctuate in this season of life, we heard loud and clear a sense of relief from worship leaders to share weekly responsibilities more widely among the parish. We based our final decision on the comments from many lay leaders that a slightly earlier start time makes participation more accessible. Ultimately, there was a clear willingness among most respondents to move to a single service at an earlier time.
Whether you are delighted by the news of our service time moving forward, annoyed, or somewhere in between, I hope you will take time to connect with the “why” at the heart of your commitment to this community. I hope coming to church on a weekly basis continues to be a part of your faith life. God is up to something truly wonderful and holy in our midst! Thank you for making that reality shine through in our weekly worship, and countless other moments, as we gather together as a community. I look forward to worshiping with you all this Sunday, as we celebrate the Feast of St. Michael!
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness: Come let us adore him.
You are Loved. You were missed. You are a blessing.
Beth