Due to the Coronavirus epidemic, all services at St. Jude's and Spirit of the Desert Episcopal Churches are postponed until such time as it is once again safe to gather.
On March 15th the Centers for Disease Control recommended the suspension of public gatherings in the U.S. of more than 50 people for the next 8 weeks. On March 16th officials of the federal government asked persons in the U.S. to “avoid gatherings of more than 10 people” for the next 15 days. It is reasonable to assume that some form of recommendations restricting public gatherings will continue for some time.
Considering this changing landscape, suspension of in-person public worship is generally the most prudent course of action at this time, even during Holy Week and on Easter Day. It is important to emphasize that suspension of in-person gatherings is not a suspension of worship. I very much encourage and support online worship.
The Episcopal Church's has established a web site on dealing with the Coronavirus crisis.
On March 15th the Centers for Disease Control recommended the suspension of public gatherings in the U.S. of more than 50 people for the next 8 weeks. On March 16th officials of the federal government asked persons in the U.S. to “avoid gatherings of more than 10 people” for the next 15 days. It is reasonable to assume that some form of recommendations restricting public gatherings will continue for some time.
Considering this changing landscape, suspension of in-person public worship is generally the most prudent course of action at this time, even during Holy Week and on Easter Day. It is important to emphasize that suspension of in-person gatherings is not a suspension of worship. I very much encourage and support online worship.
The Episcopal Church's has established a web site on dealing with the Coronavirus crisis.
A message from Scott B. Hayashi, Bishop of Utah
Dear People of The Episcopal Diocese of Utah:
...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39
Thank you to all of you who have persevered in this difficult time. Thank you to the all the clergy and staff of our diocese. Their continual work to connect with the people of our diocese, their constant prayers, their service to care for people in our local communities give all the evidence for me to say that Paul was right when he wrote that in all things we are more than conquerers through Jesus who loved us.
We did not choose to live in this time to be confronted with COVID-19. We did not choose this, but here we are. I do not believe that COVID-19 is all part of some large plan of God but I do believe that you and I are part of God's plan to help our world in this difficult and anxious period.
Right now, and for an indeterminate time, life is not normal. Public worship services have been halted, and we do not know for how long. Our Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry, communicated with us that the "suspension of in-person public worship is generally the most prudent course of action at this time, even during Holy Week and on Easter Day."
Even though I do not like what he has had to communicate, I agree with him. And I also say, that though we will not have the public service, we will still provide a service for you that you can 'attend' online. Jesus told those who wanted to silence his followers that if they did so the rocks and stones would still proclaim him. And I am saying that even without a public service, Christ is risen!
And more, the suspension of public worship does not mean no worship. Canon Craig Wirth is busily putting together a page on our website that will give you information about the many opportunities to participate in online services offered by our clergy.
What can each of us do? Each of us can pray. Each of can look out for our neighbor by only buying what is needed and no more. Each of us can continue to greet one another, and strangers with a smile and a friendly wave. Each one of us can call a relative or friend and pray with them and tell them you love them. Each of us can continue to support our congregation through prayer and support and saying thank you to the priests and deacons who serve you.
It is in hard times that The Church has always been at its best. This is a hard time. You and I are the people who God has seen fit to live and serve.
Peace, joy and comfort to you all,
+Scott B. Hayashi
Bishop of Utah
...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:37-39
Thank you to all of you who have persevered in this difficult time. Thank you to the all the clergy and staff of our diocese. Their continual work to connect with the people of our diocese, their constant prayers, their service to care for people in our local communities give all the evidence for me to say that Paul was right when he wrote that in all things we are more than conquerers through Jesus who loved us.
We did not choose to live in this time to be confronted with COVID-19. We did not choose this, but here we are. I do not believe that COVID-19 is all part of some large plan of God but I do believe that you and I are part of God's plan to help our world in this difficult and anxious period.
Right now, and for an indeterminate time, life is not normal. Public worship services have been halted, and we do not know for how long. Our Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry, communicated with us that the "suspension of in-person public worship is generally the most prudent course of action at this time, even during Holy Week and on Easter Day."
Even though I do not like what he has had to communicate, I agree with him. And I also say, that though we will not have the public service, we will still provide a service for you that you can 'attend' online. Jesus told those who wanted to silence his followers that if they did so the rocks and stones would still proclaim him. And I am saying that even without a public service, Christ is risen!
And more, the suspension of public worship does not mean no worship. Canon Craig Wirth is busily putting together a page on our website that will give you information about the many opportunities to participate in online services offered by our clergy.
What can each of us do? Each of us can pray. Each of can look out for our neighbor by only buying what is needed and no more. Each of us can continue to greet one another, and strangers with a smile and a friendly wave. Each one of us can call a relative or friend and pray with them and tell them you love them. Each of us can continue to support our congregation through prayer and support and saying thank you to the priests and deacons who serve you.
It is in hard times that The Church has always been at its best. This is a hard time. You and I are the people who God has seen fit to live and serve.
Peace, joy and comfort to you all,
+Scott B. Hayashi
Bishop of Utah