As I write this on Wednesday afternoon, I'm sitting in the sun porch of the rectory watching people of all ages play in the park. The empty and cordoned off playground is the only sign of the seriousness that has driven this mid-day, mid-week influx of visitors—that and the fact the everyone is staying well away from each other. But the weather is beautiful, and life and love continue to thrive..."the light shines in the darkness and the darkness does not overcome it."
I'm so grateful for all the ways that you are reaching out and taking care of one another, through calls, and emails, and joining our online services—extending your care to those most impacted by these difficult, but necessary, social distancing measures. These are extraordinary times, and we will all need to lean on one another. Of course, that is always true, we're just now becoming more aware of how tightly woven, deeply interconnected, and incredibly fragile this web of life really is.
As your pastor, I also want to offer some advice (something I try to refrain from, but, as I said, these are extraordinary times). For your own health, safety, and sanity, and in addition to all of the social distancing recommendations, I encourage you to turn off any and all news alerts on all of your electronic devices. Pick one or two reliable news sources and intentionally check them just once or twice a day. Use social media, but be careful with it. Take care of yourselves, be gentle with yourselves, and others. Get outside, if you can. Breathe. This is all going to take time, and we need you in it for the long haul.
You are all in my prayers, as I trust I am in yours.
R+
Public Worship Services must be online through Palm Sunday, 5 April
From Bishop Gates: "Given Governor Baker’s directive, all public worship services are to be canceled through and including Palm Sunday, April 5. Congregations are encouraged to live-stream services. Those gathering in person to conduct online streaming or broadcasts must number fewer than 25 and follow the protocols distributed on March 11 and March 12."
If you have items to be donated to City Reach (what to donate), the Parish House door will be unlocked during the times listed above for you to drop items off. Please leave them in the hallway in front of the bulletin board. Miles will collect and sort them for delivery to City Reach next week. If you need to schedule another time for drop-off please contact Richard. Contact: Richard
MANNA UPDATE
Due to the rapidly evolving situation brought on by Covid-19, and after communication with the cathedral staff, we will not be preparing a meal for our MANNA Monday lunch. People are also dissuaded from travel to the cathedral to serve on Monday. We have had to make the incredibly sad decision to instead provide much needed funds for "prepackaged” food that the cathedral will order and distribute, possibly outside on the cathedral steps.
The unhoused community, while always at risk, today faces unimaginable challenges as food pantries, feeding programs and support systems are diminished or closed completely. For those called to act, please consider a financial contribution to MANNA, a program that feeds both body and soul. Donations of any amount can be made here. Please be sure “MANNA” is chosen as the purpose of the donation.
CONTACT: Ginny Adams
SPECIAL SHOPPING HOURS FOR OVER 60
Beginning Thursday, 19 March, all Stop & Shop stores will open earlier in order to service only customers who are age 60 and over from 6:00 am to 7:30 am daily. If you are in a high-risk group, members of the Young Professionals Group have volunteered to shop and deliver food at other times of the day.
Food For Free is mobilizing a volunteer team to make sure our most vulnerable populations still get food. This will be a collaboration between people who are willing to assist in a safe way during this challenging time. Fill out this form and we will be in touch with you regarding specific opportunities as the situation unfolds and we execute action plans. Thank you for your commitment to those in need! Fill out the form here.
BROOKLINE FOOD PANTRY
The Brookline Food pantry will remain open, but will be implementing emergency procedures. READ MORE HERE
CONNECT
RESOURCES
On our website, we are collecting resources from around the web; things that are fun, helpful, and thoughtful. Things that might help adults and kids navigate these days of necessary isolation. If you have resources to share send them to David, and we'll post them on the site.
PASTORAL CARE If you need to speak with Richard or Anoma for any reason, there are many ways to be in touch.
To set up an appointment with Richard, use this link.
For serious pastoral emergencies, call the "Pastoral Emergency" line at the church (617-738-1810) and one of us will be in touch as soon as possible.
LEARN
PRIVATE FACEBOOK SUPPORT GROUP
We have started a private Facebook group for All Saints parishioners to share support and encouragement during the COVID-19 emergency. This is not a public group, so you can share things that you might not want to share on the public page. Because it is a private group, you'll need to request to join.
