Rector's Note: A Year In

Dear Saints,

It’s hard to imagine that a year ago this Monday we shared our last in-person services before the lockdown. At the time, there was talk of being back by Easter. When that didn’t look probable, we discussed having a big celebration at Pentecost. I also remember a colleague saying that when the lockdown was over, and we could go back to normal life, we should have a moment where we all go outside and cheer, like we had been doing for essential workers. At the time it sounded like a great idea.

A year later, it’s clear that there won’t be one big moment of celebration. The Covid-19 virus will become less of a threat, but like the flu, it might always be with us. And going back to normal life as people get vaccinated and things reopen is not going to be one big, singular moment. It will be more like a trickling in as we resume activities, follow infection rates, and figure out what we can safely do next.

But there is still a place for gratitude and celebration. I heard a nurse who gives vaccines propose cheering for every person as they come out from getting their second vaccination. It’s a great idea. Instead of one big hurrah, why not cherish all the little victories. Getting a vaccine appointment, getting to go to the grocery store, getting to sit outside at a cafe. After a year of disappointments, why not let ourselves be excited whenever and wherever we can, and, more importantly, not take those moments for granted?

I know it felt that way with our in-person Ash Wednesday services. We had less than 15 people at each. But as worshippers walked out it felt like everyone was beaming. I can’t be totally sure of that since we were all wearing masks, but the sense of being together in the church was a really special thing.

Easter is just a month away, and while we won’t have a packed church, we will have opportunities for lots of small, meaningful observances as we celebrate the greatest victory, Christ’s overcoming death. Following our pattern for holy days thus far, on Palm Sunday and Easter we will have our online and call-in services as well as several in-person services with limited capacity that people can sign-up for. If the weather permits, one of those services will be outdoors. We will send out the sign-up times next week. After that, the tentative plan is to resume reduced capacity in-person services that we will also live-stream beginning at some point in Eastertide. I am so thankful for our staff and Vestry who have been discussing next steps at every meeting since the pandemic started, holding it carefully, prayerfully, and with the safety, well-being, and inclusion of all our parishioners as the priority.

A year into all of this, and it’s not over yet. But it’s worth letting ourselves cheer for the little things. They are most certainly there.

In peace,

Andria+

priest@allsaintspdx.org

If you have questions or need help signing up for a Covid-19 vaccine, please call or email me.