How will Omicron affect worship?

We know that challenges in our lives can be turning points that help us to learn and grow. Even in the most difficult times, we may be led to a greater degree of understanding. These past two years have provided boundless opportunities for growth. It’s not always easy to sense the presence of the Lord in hardship. But when we remember, not just who we are, but more importantly whose we are, we can learn to “let go and let God.” We are God’s beloved children, unlimited, able to accomplish wonderful things, and withstand great hardship in community.

So, here we are, with the continued hardships of Covid - watching the latest surge spread across the country – and we are faced with difficult decisions. Finding the balance in physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being for everyone is, quite simply, impossible, yet our hope is always in something, someone, greater than us. Nonetheless, decisions must be made.

We talk a lot about our Baptismal Covenant and the command to “respect the dignity of every human being.” But we don’t often talk about the commitments clergy make during ordination. In the Book of Common Prayer, the Ordination of a Priest (p. 531) states “You are to love and serve the people among whom you work, caring alike for young and old, strong and weak, rich and poor.” In the Ordination of a Deacon (p. 543), it states “You are to interpret to the Church the needs, concerns, and hopes of the world.” In other words, our clergy are committed to each and every one of us.