Episcopal Church Foundation Vestry Papers - for leading congregations

This has been a trying year. The Church in 2020 has gone through major adjustments in light of the Pandemic. Even with Facebook Live services and Zoom Bible Studies, many miss participating in the Eucharist, the singing of hymns, coffee hour, and other rituals that bind communities of faith.

Yet, there is a bright side to the present circumstances. This is a great opportunity to strengthen our spiritual lives in ways that often come when our lives are still. Here are some practices we can implement as we also practice our social distancing and our quarantines.

1. Reading the Bible: Ok. Ready for this? Some of us attend churches where both Word and Sacrament are pillars of worship, but if we are honest, the actual practice is Sacrament over Word. We love the beauty of the Eucharistic rituals, yet there is not a bible to be found in the pews: only prayer books and hymnals. Some of us need to brush up on the Word of God and meditate on it day and night (Joshua 1:8).

2. Praying for the Health of the World: Try praying for health with the mindset of, “my neighbor on the earth” instead of “those people over there”.

3. Thankfulness: Thankfulness? Yes. You are alive reading this article. Take into account all that God has done in your life and in the lives of others.

4. Praying For The Needs Of Others: Store shelves are empty, people are hoarding. It’s an anxious time. But some of us don’t have the means to make substantial preparations for ourselves and our loved ones. However, we can put into practice what is written in Hebrews 4:16 which states, “Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

5. Fasting: Not a fun thing to do when you’re secluded in your home. Yet in such a time is this, some of us may feel called to deepen our prayer life and boldly pray for guidance and deliverance.

6. Reaching Out By Calling or Texting Someone: This can be a lonely time for many- even if they are surrounded by family and loved one’s. Even while we socially distance ourselves, we can still reach out and have relationships with one another. We can still operate as a community without congregating. Try it out.

7. Giving From Abundance: If you know of someone in need during this time and you have that particular thing to give; give it. God may be using you to be the answer to the prayer of the provision of someone.

May God save us, and give us peace.