AN UPDATE FROM FR. JOSEPH ALSAY REGARDING CHURCH CANCELLATION AT THIS TIME

​Dear people of St. Augustine’s,


I have just received a new email from Bishop Ed regarding the corona virus.  Per his mandate, all churches in the Diocese of Oklahoma are to cancel all of their worship services and parish events, effective immediately. It is anticipated that this closure will remain in effect until the Last Sunday in Lent, March 29th. I will keep you apprised of more information as it makes itself available.


Some people have asked me what they can do to help. Here are some concrete steps you can take:

• Call your church friends who do not have regular email access and let them know that we have suspended worship and other church activities for the time being.
• Reach out to your friends, family, and neighbors who may be at heightened riskfrom coronavirus due to age or health concerns. Offer to go grocery shopping, refill their prescriptions, or help with other tasks so that they will not have to go to crowded public places.
• Hold all those affected in your prayers. I hope that you will pray daily.
• Join us online for worship this Sunday via YouTube and/or Facebook Live. A separate communication will be sent out tomorrow with the link to the live-stream address and time of broadcast.
• Remember that our days are in God's hand, and that God will not desert us -- and we will not desert each other.
• Please continue to take safety precautions for yourself and extend compassion and concern to all those around you.

God of the present moment, God who in Jesus stills the storm and soothes the frantic heart; bring hope and courage to all who wait or work in uncertainty. Bring hope that you will make them the equal of whatever lies ahead. Bring them courage to endure what cannot be avoided, for your will is health and wholeness; you are God, and we need you. This we pray in Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
The present moment is full of uncertainty, but in Christ we find hope and courage, and I know that we will weather this crisis together. Please keep our whole church -- and our whole world -- in your prayers.


In the meantime, please continue to check St. Augustine’s social media and web page for further updates.
 
Blessings,
Fr. Joseph+