Regarding the Suspension of Worship
Beloved St. Ann's Family,
It was with a heavy heart that I announced this Sunday, March 15th that we would be suspending in-person gatherings at St. Ann's for an indefinite period of time. With the rise of cases in Davidson County and the CDC's guidance that gatherings over 50 people be postponed or cancelled for the next 8 weeks, it is unclear when we might be able to worship and fellowship together again.
In our gospel reading (John 4:5-42), the Samaritan women at the well poses a question to Jesus about where proper worship takes place. "Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that the place where people must worship is in Jerusalem." Jesus' response is that the hour is coming when God will be worshiped neither on the mountain nor in Jerusalem. Ultimately, it matters not where we worship, as long as we worship in spirit and in truth.
Our life together as a parish is going to look different for the next little while, but our mission as a church will not changed. Per the Catechism in the Book of Common Prayer, the mission of the church is to restore all people to unity with God and each other in Christ, which it does by prayer, worship, proclamation of the gospel, and the promotion of justice, peace, and love. These are things we will continue to do in our daily lives and as we gather together via technology.
For now, St. Ann's office hours will continue to be from 9 AM to 2 PM, Monday through Thursday. I will be available by phone and e-mail (priest@stannsnashville.org) per usual, and for one-on-one pastoral appointments by Facetime or Zoom. I would suggest that you go ahead and download Zoom on your computer, phone, and/or tablet and familiarize yourself with it, as it will be getting a lot of use! There will also be options to call in for our Zoom gatherings. Furthermore, please "like" and "follow" our Facebook page and keep on this website. Though nothing can substitute for gathering in person, fortunately, there are many options for personal devotion and spiritual growth online, some of which are collected here: http://edtn.org/worship-resources/
Our needs and outreach as a church will continue throughout this time, so I urge you to continue your financial giving to St. Ann's as you are able. Mailing your regular offering or giving online (https://stanns.breezechms.com/give/online) are options available to you.
I know St. Ann's to be a caring congregation full of generosity and creativity, gifts which our world sorely needs at this time. I encourage you to reach out to one another and check-in as well as pass any needs or prayer concerns along to me. In a time of anxiety and crisis, we have the good news that Christ died and rose for us. As I said to those gathered in church, I fully anticipate a grand celebration of resurrection when we are able to safely be together once more.
Life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us. So be swift to love and make haste to be kind, and may the blessing of God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - be upon you and remain with you now and for ever.
Peace,
The Rev'd Kira Austin-Young
Last updated 3.16.2020