Important Update Re: COVID-19
Latest update posted:  03/17/2020
 

Dear St Peter’s Community,

 

The last week has been full of strange circumstances and difficult decisions. Last week, you received a message that in-person meetings of social and educational events were suspended for the remainder of the month. Today I write to inform you that out of an abundance of caution, we have made the difficult decision to suspend in-person worship for the remainder of the month as well.

 

I recognize that this is difficult and disappointing to hear. It is certainly not what I anticipated my first month with you would look like. However, at this time, such action seems the best and most prudent option available, and it was made in discussion with the Vestry and Bishop Smith.

 

Guiding resources for navigating the weeks ahead, for cultivated connection with one another when we are practicing physical distancing, and for continuing, as we have promised, “in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers” will be shared in the coming days.

 

This decision has many implications, even beyond the obvious of lost community and changing habits. One of these primary implications is financial: if you typically contribute to St. Peter’s in person, using the offering plate, please consider shifting for a time to giving by mail or online (reach out if you need help setting up online giving).

 

There are many other ways to help, as well: reach out by phone, text, or email to check in on your fellow parishioners. Make sure anyone you know who is in a vulnerable position is receiving appropriate care and, if applicable, that his/her needs are known to the rector—thank you, Team Mercy, for great work put in on this! And please remember to keep me and your parish leadership in your prayers.

 

This is, clearly, a rapidly evolving situation, one that must involve ongoing prayer, consideration, and creativity. As we continue along this path, let’s keep communication open, keep words and actions charitable, and keep ideas flowing. God bless you and God keep you.

 

In Christ,

 

The Rev. Alissa G. Anderson, Rector

saintpetersrector@gmail.com

616.540.9102

 

Helpful resources for COVID-19:

 

• Centers for Disease Control COVID-19 (Click Here)

• Florida Department of Health COVID-19 (Click Here)

• Hillsborough County COVID-19 Page (Click Here)

• Bishop Dabney Smith’s March 3 letter to clergy (Click Here)

 

www.stpetersplantcity.com

 

 

 

 

  Dear St. Peter’s Community,

After great prayer and careful consideration, together with careful monitoring of both local and national decisions and actions surrounding the spread of COVID-19, we have made a decision to dramatically alter the ways in which we worship and live in community for the next several weeks.

·         This Sunday (March 15) we will meet at 8:00 and 10:30 for Morning Prayer. If you choose to attend, consider distancing yourselves from others in the congregation (the CDC recommends leaving a space of at least 6 feet).

·         Decisions about the remaining Sundays this month will be made and communicated soon.

·         The Rev. Dr. John Santosuosso’s children’s message, scheduled for this Sunday, will be postponed until a future date.

·         Pathfinders, TruthWalkers, and Nursery/Childcare are suspended effective immediately through the end of the month (including tomorrow).

·         Engage Cafe is suspended for the remainder of the month.

·         The weekday Healing Eucharist is suspended for the remainder of the month. If you desire individual healing prayers, please contact Mo. Alissa.

·         Other group meetings (e.g. Bible studies, SPY) are suspended for the remainder of the month.

Please know that this decision was made neither lightly nor easily, nor from a place of fear, but with careful consideration of what is known in a sea of unknowns, and out of deep care for the well-being of this beloved community. We acknowledge that this will be difficult, but hope that it can also be a time of opportunity and growth as we consider how to go on being the Church in unfamiliar and uncertain circumstances.

We will remain in close communication regarding any future developments, as well as ways to stay connected in the spirit of St. Peter’s even as our interactions take on different forms. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Rev. Alissa with any questions or concerns.

God’s peace be with all of you.

In Christ,

The Rev. Alissa G. Anderson, Rector

Mark Hamilton, Senior Warden