Letter from Rev. Rachel: 3/31/2020

Note: beginning today, Rev. Rachel will be sending a pastoral letter each week to the St. Cross email list. If you are viewing this on the site and would like to sign up for the email list, click here.

March 31, 2020

Dear St. Cross Parishioners and Friends,

As we continue our journey into the wilderness of social-distancing due to COVID-19, your St. Cross clergy and staff will provide fellowship, worship, and pastoral care to our parishioners and our wider community. As Christians we live through faith and hope, knowing that we are stronger when we support one another through prayer and action, especially in times of fear and uncertainty. St. Cross excels at fellowship, and we want to keep this spirit of God alive throughout our time of separation. Because of the growing needs in our community due to the health, safety, and economic impact of COVID-19, we want to be fiscally able to quickly respond to the growing needs.

Your leaders are looking at how to best navigate this health crisis and financial challenge. Our hope is to have the courage to make pastoral and financially sound decisions for our community. To do so takes your support. We know some of you may be unable to give at this time, or will have to change the amount that you pledge. We understand. We re here for you. Please let us know if we can support you in any way. We are praying daily for those with health issues and those who have lost their job.

Others, we hope, will be able to continue to pay their pledge. If you can pay your annual pledge early that is an incredible help to us. If you can pay a little extra to cover for those who have lost their jobs, that is a blessing also. Those who are able to accelerate payment of their capital campaign pledge, will allow us to paydown our capital loan, and free up monies for other ministries and needs. We have set up online giving to make payments easier for you. Your continued financial support of St. Cross allows us to continue the many ministries we sustain, help parishioners in need, and retain our staff to continue fostering connection and programing through this challenging time.

St. Cross has weathered many other storms in its over 100-year history. From national events, to natural disasters, we find solace and strength in helping one another. We will continue to walk through this wilderness together, knowing that we have one another to lift us up when in need.

The day will come when we can once again gather in our sanctuary, celebrate Eucharist together and share the peace. Our life is changed, but it has not ended. We are the church, even in our own homes. We will continue to be the church no matter the transformations that take place over this next year. I hope you will take courage knowing that we truly are God’s people. We are here to pray for one another, support one another, care for one another. We are St. Cross, now and always.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Rachel+