Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued an executive order last night limiting indoor public gatherings to 10 people. The executive order states places of worship, weddings and funerals are not considered public gatherings ( https://wreg.com/news/coronavirus/gov-lee-to-address-tennessees-covid-19-surge-sunday/ ). After speaking with Fr. Scott and several Mission Committee members, we agreed to have our Christmas Eve service. Masks are required during the service and we will not socialize in the basement either before or after services. We will follow the same plan on Sunday, Dec 27 with the addition of Sunday School in the Nave (masked & socially spaced).
Fr. Scott sent me these thoughts:
"In light of our Governor’s new mandate, I want to reaffirm a few things to everyone. First, staying home to protect yourself or someone you love, especially if there is an underlying condition, from this virus is never a wrong decision. In fact, staying home is the prudent decision if you do not feel safe.
Secondly, there are also people who do not feel as “at risk” or believe they can minimize the risk and wish to continue coming to Church. By having services, we can accommodate everyone. We always want everyone together but understand if some members can’t be with us. There is no judgement either way, come if you can and stay at home if you need to.
Lastly, know that the people that are at Church will being praying for the people that cannot be there physically. If you can not make it to the service we ask your prayers for the people that are there. We will get through this together."
Several people have expressed interest in resuming online Morning Prayer services for people unable to attend services. Please let me know if you are interested in this option.
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This past Sunday, the Fourth Sunday in Advent, Fr. Scott led our Holy Communion Service. His sermon discussed the Gospel lesson in which John the Baptist is questioned by the Levites and priests about who he is (the Christ, Elijah....). Why was this lesson chosen for the Christmas season? John the Baptist explains he is the one pointing to The One that will come and preparing His way. Fr. Scott challenged us to imitate John the Baptist by being the voice in the current secular wilderness and making straight the way for Christ. Also, don't let Santa dominate!
During Sunday School, Fr. Scott reviewed the New Testament lessons from the Lessons and Carol's Service. He discussed the audience each Gospel writer was trying to reach. He also reviewed the history behind Ember Days and Rogation Days. Thank you, Fr. Scott for all the information and the beautiful service.
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After services, the congregation gave Fr. Scott and Maryl a Christmas Gift Card Tree. We wish them a very Merry & Blessed Christmas! Thank you to everyone for your generous gifts.
After all the excitement we had a wonderful light lunch of chicken salad, fruit, and cookies! Thank you Diane for bringing such a wonderful lunch!
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I haven't figured out a good way to show what a wonderful job Sue does leading our online prayer group! So I thought I would show a screen shot from my discord server showing the people on St. Peter's Talk during our online meeting as well as some of the messages we sent as we figured out how to make Discord work for us!
Sue continues to lead our weekly online prayer group on Tuesday at 11:30. Thank you so much Sue for taking the time each week to lead our prayers! If you have a special prayer request but cannot join us, please send your request to Sue. Please contact me if you would like to join us but are not on Discord.
Also, a special 'Thank You' to Earl for keeping up the prayer list and for distributing it to all of us before each Prayer Group meeting.
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Many of us do our holiday shopping at Amazon. Please remember to go to:
smile.amazon.com
and select Saint Peter the Apostle Anglican Catholic Church as your charity to generate donations for Saint Peter's. There is no additional cost to you but we receive a small percentage of each purchase when we are selected!
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DECEMBER ACTIVITIES
Thur., Dec 24 - 2 pm Christmas Eve - Holy Communion Services
Fr. Scott
Sun., Dec 27 – 10 am Christian Ed (meet upstairs), Fr. Scott
Liturgical Practices
11 am Holy Communion, Fr. Scott
Tues., Dec 29 – 11:30 am Online Prayer Group