Remembering Fr. Eyrick
On July 4, 2020, the Rev. B. Linfred Eyrick would have been 100 years old! Fr. Eyrick faithfully served St. Paul's from 1956-1992. In celebration of his legacy at St. Paul's, and his wonderful family, let us pray:
Almighty God, we entrust all who are dear to us to thy never-failing care and love, for this life and the life to come, knowing that thou art doing for them better things than we can desire or pray for; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP pg. 831) And we pray especially for Fr. Eyrick on this July 4th, the celebration of what would have been his 100th birthday. Amen.
This Week at St. Paul's
- Mother Michelle Walker
Dear St. Paul's Family,
LaPorte County NEW COVID-19 cases, July 1, 2020
My heart is full today, just full. Tuesday I was so busy and excited writing to you all with the good news of our ability to regather for in-person worship. I was energized and ready to take on the world. Our usher team had just met for a wonderful (re)training regarding our new guidelines for in-person worship. It was a terrific day. When I arrived home that evening I soon discovered that LaPorte County had 19 new COVID-19 cases on the day. I nearly sat and wept. That number, when added to a couple other days late last week that were a little high, was enough to push us past the "go" into the "no go" status of in-person worship. As I pondered the burden of this news, I was reminded of a portion of our Gospel passage for this coming Sunday.
“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
I thought about that burden (in this case the burden of excitement and communication) and remembered I don't shoulder it alone. My yoke is easy and my burden is light, especially when I share it with the Lord and the wonderful leadership at St. Paul's. It's just one more week ... or maybe several. In the grand scheme it is nothing compared to everyone's health and safety. Breathe. Pray. Rest your soul Mother Michelle!
So, after our grand announcement on Tuesday of regathering for worship this Sunday we are revising it to say that we will still have in-person worship, but for the allowable 10 people only. And should the numbers not improve for a week, or several, we will rotate those 10 people until each of you who desire to attend have been offered the opportunity to do so. This is not forever, it is only for now.
Friends, I implore you keep praying for the health of our parishioners, our county, and our nation. I implore you to think about the challenge I offered in last Sunday's sermon to preach the Gospel at all times, EVEN using words when necessary. And I implore you to invite your friends to our online service. The seeds we plant now might just yield reward in the future that we could never imagine.
Stay healthy, wear your masks, and share the LOVE of Christ.
Blessings!
Mother Michelle
priest@stpaulslaporte.org | 219-575-0226