Clergy Notes — The Most Holy Trinity, May 30, 2021

On Tuesday the Premier, with Dr. Henry and Ministers Dix and Kahlon, presented BC’s 4-step Restart Plan, with its phased re-opening, subject of course to the continued improvement in vaccination and Covid-incidence data. I for one, at least, feel encouraged by the prospect of “light at the end of the tunnel.” On Thursday Bishop John issued a Pastoral Letter with our diocese’s initial response to this plan.

You will see from the Bishop’s letter that no parish will be required to return to public in-church worship until it is ready to do so, and that the very earliest this may happen will be after June 15. There will continue to be restrictions on numbers, and on singing in church, which will be relaxed gradually, again subject to continuing satisfactory data.

I know already – before Saturday’s Parish Conversation – that parishioners hold a range of views on when St. James’ should re-open. Some, understandably, are very cautious; others, again equally understandably, are keen to be open as soon as it is permitted; yet others are in between! In coming to a decision on re-opening, Trustees will take into account Provincial and Diocesan guidelines, feedback from our Parish Conversation on Saturday, and the developing situation “on the ground”, not least in the DTES.

Factors to be borne in mind and balanced include first and foremost the health, safety and well-being of our community, then the practical requirements for opening, what style of worship we are able to offer, how best to hold together our sense of togetherness and community, when we shall be able to include more singing.

Please pray for one another and for our parish, as we embark on this journey of gradual re-opening.

Every blessing,

Fr. Kevin

Download the service booklet for Sunday, May 30 here: Liturgy at Home Holy Trinity May 30 2021