Grant Us Wisdom, Grant Us Courage

In our last worship service together for what I hope, and constantly pray, is not a long time, our final hymn was the great 20th-century hymn, God of Grace and God of Glory. Matt Flora, our Choir Director, planned for this to be our final hymn for that service weeks ago but speaks prophetically into our current situation. The concluding petition of each verse prays, “Grant us wisdom, grant us courage.” Who could question the appropriateness of such a petition at this time? We pray for wisdom for all people, but for leaders in particular, who make decisions with impacts on so many. We pray for courage for all people, for healthcare workers and those given the task of caring for all sick and needy people in our world, not just those impacted by the new virus. Lord, have mercy upon us.

I was delighted by the responses I received to my inquiries for book and movie selections to spend our time in relative isolation well, rather than obsessing over news reports and social media. I will not include all of those yet for the sake of length, but here are a few:The Milford family reminded me that both George and Hanna Miley have books available on Amazon. George has recently published Maturing Towards Wholeness in the Inner Life, and Hanna’s biography, A Garland for Ashes are both available.

• As far as movies go, Marj Pelham recommends a movie called The Art of Racing in the Rain, which she calls “great therapy and fun.” That sounds perfect for these days.
• My own recommendation for a television show is a series called Foyle’s War, which you can watch on the “Hoopla” app using just your library card (it is free). Quite a few of our Parishioners already watch this show, which tells the story of a Police chief in a southern coastal town in England during the second world war. It raises important themes in times of crisis. Namely reminding us that living decent moral lives is not optional, even and especially in times of crisis. It is worth watching and rewatching!

A few reminders to all of you:

• If you need anything, such as help getting groceries, medicine, yard-work or anything else, or if you know someone who does, please contact me or the church office and let us know.
• Continue to pray the daily office and read Scripture. God is still in the midst of all of this, and with the deluge of information in a rapidly-accelerating situation, it is crucial that we filter all of it through the lens of God and his goodness.
• Many of us are rightly concerned about personal finances and the impact of Covid-19 on the economy. We ask that you continue you to send in your offerings to CCA, either over the internet or through the mail, so long as you are able. (See the options below in the Donation Options section.) Taking care of one another right now may necessitate resources in addition to what it takes to continue to run our church.
•  You can expect a link to our Sunday Service to be sent to your e-mail, along with a bulletin to follow along. If you do not receive one, you can find our service on our website.

Finally, I will leave you with a reminder from a Parishioner, Jane Allred, which so thoroughly encourages me:
‘“I’ll leave you all with an If we could – really – turn around and say, ‘Lord, you are all that I need. I give my life to you and know that all will be well because you reign sovereign and only want the best for me,’ who knows what might come of this?”

Amen to that.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Matt