June 29 update: The Diocese of Upper South Carolina has suspended all services and gatherings at least through July 31. Please click here to read the guidelines.
March 13, 2020
Dear Advent Family,
After much prayerful consideration and discernment of the risks associated with the Coronavirus, review of the recommendations from the CDC, and much discussion, your leadership at the Advent, along with the support of our Bishop, have determined to suspend all church gatherings through Friday, March 27.
As a faith community we are charged to be good stewards of our people and the community around us. In this case, we believe that suspending worship services and all other church meetings, programs, classes, and offerings is prudent and responsible.
Some might suggest we wait to take this action, or that it is too drastic. The decision to cancel all gatherings at the church, including community-based groups (including AA, Al-Anon, and FAVOR) and ministries (including SPIHN and Spartanburg Shares) is intended to model the behavior health experts are recommending to help prevent further spread of what is now classified as a pandemic.
We have decided to take these steps to be preventative and proactive, cautious and responsible, rather than reactive, regretful, and neglectful. Your patience and understanding are appreciated.
In the meantime, we will offer:
Worship Resources
Although we do not presently have the capacity to live stream worship services, we encourage you to be consistent in prayer and to utilize the Daily Office and other devotional resources in the Book of Common Prayer.
Please see the links below that will take you to some excellent web-based tools for you to practice your faith.
https://www.bcponline.org/
http://www.lectionarypage.net/
http://bible.oremus.org/
https://www.missionstclare.com/english/index.html
https://episcopalchurch.org/
https://www.edusc.org/
Pastoral Care
Should you need pastoral care during this time, please reach out to one of the clergy or lay staff and we will be responsive to your needs. We will continue to visit the sick and those in the hospital or homebound as reason dictates. Of course, hospitals and nursing homes will make specific recommendations regarding their populations and we will certainly abide by their decisions. We will always call before a pastoral visit to determine if a visit is advisable.
Other Assistance
If you are aware of members of our parish family who need assistance, please let the clergy or lay staff know so we can reach out to them to determine how we might help.
Church Staff
Unless circumstances change, Satterlee Hall will remain open during normal business hours and the church staff will be available by phone or email to assist you.
In the coming weeks
We will continue to monitor the news and be attentive to guidelines and protocols recommended by the CDC and other agencies on how best to proceed. You can expect that we will continue to keep you informed of happenings at the church and our decisions regarding our corporate life.
My friend and colleague, the Reverend Harrison McLeod, has written the following reminder to the good people of Christ Episcopal Church, Greenville. I forward it to you with the same intention and sentiment:
It is important to always remember and confidently celebrate that our identity as the Body of Christ is not dependent on a finance committee meeting, a Bible study, a youth gathering, or even public worship. As Paul writes, “we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body.” We are indissolubly linked through our baptism in ways that no earthly challenge can break.
Perhaps this extraordinary break in our routine might be considered a Lenten Disciple of sorts. Let’s use this time of physical separation to reflect on our priorities, values and actions as faithful Christians. Continue to enjoy and pray the daily devotional Living Well Through Lent, and remember the Church, each other, and our wider community in your own prayers. Pray that as we approach Easter, we will be able to regather and truly celebrate the gift of our common life in Christ and each other. Please be assured of your remaining in my prayers.
Should you have any questions, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me either by phone or email.
With all hopefulness and trust in our Lord, Jesus Christ, I am yours.
Ned+
The Reverend J. Edward Morris
Rector
The Episcopal Church of the Advent
Spartanburg, SC
(864) 585-2268
(864) 504-3696
nmorris@churchofadvent.org
Pastoral Emergencies after hours: (864) 590-5602
Sunday Worship
864.585.2268
