March 27, 2020
Dear Colleagues,
We pray daily that you and those you love are staying strong and safe during this time of unprecedented crisis. This is a first for all of us, and more than ever we are called to care for one another. Indeed, in the body of Christ, when one suffers, we all do. As in our own families, when one member is struggling, everyone pitches in to help. To that end, the newly launched diocesan “One Body & One Spirit” Emergency Appeal assists our congregations and ministries least able to help themselves and therefore particularly at risk over the coming weeks. First and foremost, we underscore that your congregation’s current heroic work to assure local giving and stewardship remains top priority. Simultaneously, the Emergency Appeal is an opportunity for many to come alongside local congregations to express generosity and help others across the diocese. As Emergency Appeal funds accumulate, we will begin accepting applications from clergy in charge of congregations, heads of school, and directors of diocesan social service institutions on behalf of their respective organizations and staff colleagues. More information about the application process will soon be posted here. Please follow the same link to share Emergency Appeal information via your email newsletters, social media posts, websites and livestreams. The more exposure the Emergency Appeal receives, the more assistance we can provide, glorifying God and caring for God’s people daily. Thank you for your leadership and willingness to partner in serving those most at risk, remembering that we are all branches of the same vine. Yours in Christ’s Love, The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor The Rt. Rev. Diane Jardine Bruce The Rev. Canon Melissa McCarthy