This is the first in the best part of 370 year that Anglican Churches in the English speaking world have been closed by order of the government. Back then they were closed at the whim of Oliver Cromwell. Today, by start contrast, they are shuttered to inhibit the spread of a deadly disease.
The parochial clergy, however, are doing their best to care for the spiritual welfare of our parishioners, friends and neighbors near and far. Remember each of us is available on the telephone for folks in need of comfort, counsel or simply a chat. We can also stay in contact with each other through the weekly newsletter.
We had also been video recording Sunday Eucharists to enable you to maintain your Sunday worship. Watching the service on your television or computer is a poor substitute from sharing the celebration person, but we hope that it will offer you some solace in these frightening times.
The Eucharists will be broadcast on the internet and a link to the services will be posted on the parish website (www.ststeve.com) at 9:00 AM ever Sunday morning as long as the emergency lasts. They will remain available all week.
Meanwhile here are two prayers for God’s aid in this time of trouble. GPH✠
In Time of Peril
O ALMIGHTY God, the supreme Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee, from the great sickness that afflicts not only our countrymen, but all the peoples of the earth; that we, being armed with thy defense, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee, who art the giver of all succor; through the merits of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Our Country
ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage; We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favour and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honourable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogancy, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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