The Vestry debates how to handle the Corona Virus

The vestry met on June 17th—its first meeting since the Corona Virus restrictions were imposed in March this year. The item at the top of the agenda was the manner in which the church should reopen with the gradual lifting of the lock down.

Being Anglicans, there were at least two school of thought. One . . . → Read More: The Vestry debates how to handle the Corona Virus

We’re open at 50% capacity; Sadly, no singing is allowed

Fr Hawtin

Governor Larry Hogan has implemented the beginning of the end of the “lockdown” in Maryland. This allows us to “re-open: at 50 percent of capacity, but, while music is permitted, we are not allowed to sing

Experts at the Centers for Disease Control believe that singing expels more air from our lungs than talking, and . . . → Read More: We’re open at 50% capacity; Sadly, no singing is allowed

We celebrated the Ascension with a ‘limited’ reopening

Fr Hawtin

Thanks to President Donald Trump, we were able to mark the Sunday After The Ascension by reopening the church and celebrating the Eucharist for the first time in more than a month.

The go-ahead to reopen came at the last minute. Until the president announced his challenge to there nations governors over mandatory church closures, . . . → Read More: We celebrated the Ascension with a ‘limited’ reopening

Limited resumption of Sunday services

Sunday video services have been a valuable spiritual resource in these difficult times. But, however earnestly one might try, they are not a truly satisfactory substitute for traditional corporate worship.

As the state gradually relaxes the “stay-at-home” restrictions,” we thought it time to begin celebrating Sunday Eucharists for 10 congregants at a . . . → Read More: Limited resumption of Sunday services

A P.O. Box for the treasurer and plans for a “reopening”—redux

Fr Hawtin

In an effort to prevent the theft of checks mailed to the church, we have opened a Post Office Box for the exclusive use of the treasurer. In future, please mail your offerings to: The Treasurer, St Stephen’s Anglican Church, P.O. Box 6161, Timonium, MD 21094. All other mail should be sent to the parish . . . → Read More: A P.O. Box for the treasurer and plans for a “reopening”—redux

Got the Stay at Home Blues? Try to view us on the Internet

Fr Hawtin

For many of us old enough to remember it, there are certain similarities between today’s Corina Virus epidemic and the Second World War—empty shelves in the stores, shortages of basic commodities like toilet paper, attempts at profiteering and, for many, an ever present level of anxiety.

But there is one very big difference. Government-imposed self-quarantining . . . → Read More: Got the Stay at Home Blues? Try to view us on the Internet

A P.O. Box for the treasurer and plans for a “reopening”

Fr Hawtin

In an effort to prevent the theft of checks mailed to the church, we have opened a Post Office Box for the exclusive use of the treasurer. In future, please mail your offerings to: The Treasurer, St Stephen’s Anglican Church, P.O. Box 6161, Timonium, MD 21094. All other mail should be sent to the parish . . . → Read More: A P.O. Box for the treasurer and plans for a “reopening”

Got the Stay at Home Blues? Try to view us on the Internet

For many of us old enough to remember it, there are certain similarities between today’s Corina Virus epidemic and the Second World War—empty shelves in the stores, shortages of basic commodities like toilet paper, attempts at profiteering and, for many, an ever present level of anxiety.

But there is one very big difference. Government-imposed . . . → Read More: Got the Stay at Home Blues? Try to view us on the Internet

Latest COVID-19 Update: 19 March 2020

church with cross and weathercock

The latest update from Fr Novicki:

This morning, Governor Hogan issued a directive that all mass meetings greater than 10 are forbidden. Accordingly, Sunday Services are cancelled pending the lifting of this restriction. Clergy will remain available during the week from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM.

The Latest COVID-19 Update

Fr Hawtin

The latest notice from Fr Novicki on the parish’s response to COVID-19:

The Vestry meeting for March is cancelled. I have received word the Garden Party has been cancelled. This was done at this juncture to give vendors adequate notice. Unless the Governor decrees otherwise, there will be services on Sunday. Parishoners self isolated at . . . → Read More: The Latest COVID-19 Update