Dear People of Ascension,
Events around the COVID-19 pandemic continue to unfold rapidly. I have made the difficult decision to cancel all our in person worship services this Sunday. All public worship and events will be cancelled until further notice.
I apologize for any confusion caused by this change of plans, given my letter to you yesterday. The rapid changes in the public health situation and the urging of both our public officials and our Bishop have made this new response the most compassionate and responsible way to proceed. I do this to protect each of us, our vulnerable parishioners and neighbors, believing that as Christians we are called to love and care for one another. The best medical advice seems to be to seek to “flatten the curve” of the virus’ spread by eliminating public gatherings, and that is what we will do.
I will post a video on our Facebook page Sunday morning by 11 AM, so that that those who want to join in prayer and reflection can do so virtually. There are other services throughout the Diocese of New York which are being streamed online, and I will send you information about that as we receive it. We will find other ways to stay connected during this time, so stay tuned for the possibilities. Please, if you have concerns, want to talk or need prayer, reach out to me of one of the other clergy. We are here, and we will move through these unprecedented (for us) challenges together, by God’s grace.
I love you. You are in my prayers, especially in these times. . More to come soon- please take care of yourselves, and God bless and keep you.
Peace,
Liz
The Rev. Elizabeth G. Maxwell
Rector, Church of the Ascension
