“The BUILDING is closed.
But the CHURCH is open!”
During these days of the “Pandemic,” the doors of St. Margaret’s are closed. But there is always God’s continual presence, and the faithful and loving presence of the hearts of the people of this community.
The building is checked almost daily, the Sanctuary lamp burns brightly, the grounds are manicured with care (the TLC of Mack West), and your gifts and pledges continually arrive.
Our Allport family calendar marks the “77th day” of social distancing. In that time Jane, myself, Kathy, George, Andy, Ken (the finance gentlemen) have continued to be in communication. Mother Laura is faithfully and lovingly on the journey with us. Your Vestry has been meeting on Zoom, and there have been Zoom conversations with Bishop Kevin and his staff.
Now the country will be taking on the “opening” of life. You will be kept informed if and when there is a change for the community of St. Margaret’s. At this time there is no stated time and date. We do want you to know that we want to be prepared. Your leadership is in the research and planning mode.On this day, may I ask you to reflect on these prayers from our Book of Common Prayer:
Thanksgiving for National Life (page 838)
For the Nation
Almighty God, giver of all good things:
We thank you for the natural majesty and beauty of this land.
They restore us, though we often destroy them. Heal us.
We thank you for the great resources of this nation. They make us rich, though we often exploit them. Forgive us.
We thank you for the men and women who have made this country strong. They are models for us, though we often fall short of them. Inspire us.
We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been lit in this land. It has drawn people from every nation, though we have often hidden from its light. Enlighten us.
We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its rich variety. It sustains our life, though we have been faithless again and again. Renew us.
Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun. Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices and one united chorus, will glorify your holy Name. Amen.
Peace,
~Connie, SW