Message from Greg

Dear Parish Family,​

I continue to pray for our congregation, our Lowcountry home, our State and National government, and even the state of the world during this difficult time. I usually spend 45 minutes to an hour with the Lord in the morning.  This morning, I ended up spending about an hour-and-a-half! Two reasons: I woke up earlier today (Wednesday) than usual. Secondly, I have "more on my plate" to pray for than usual! 

For example, for the last several days I have wrestled with whether or not to cancel my June trip to Tanzania where I was scheduled to speak at three Clergy Conferences; a difficult decision. The more I thought and prayed about it, the more I was convinced that it was the right decision to cancel! It was confirmed later this morning after I had already written my travel agency to postpone my trip. I got an email from one of the Tanzanian Bishops saying he would understand if I felt the need to postpone! Then, I read an article in the Economist (hopefully, by now you have received an e-blast video from me and Steve where I read part of the article).

The Lord does lead! He is faithful! And, as much as we go through questions and challenges, He will answer! However, His answer is not always what we want! 

I have been phoning some of our church members who own restaurants, small businesses, contract workers of various kinds who cannot, for example, take people out on fishing charters! I feel for them and I am praying for them. Not what they want right now! 

But, we can support and encourage each other; we can pray for each other; we can show compassion and care. We can support the local restaurants by ordering take-out or delivery as a way of caring. A phone call, a text, a letter, even an email! 

We are trying our best to care for all of our members here at St. Luke's; staying "in touch" without inundation is my thought: streaming Sunday worship; the e-Zine, an occasional e-blast; a video message. We are trying! I know churches that send out a message a day! I don't want to "fill" your inbox! I am getting inundated with emails in various forms that are "helping" during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Some are helpful; others?? 

Next week is Holy Week. As a "compromise" to our usual daily service, the Maundy Thursday service, the Good Friday liturgy, and the "Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross" service which will not be taking place; I am going to give a "Mid-week Message" that will address, among other thoughts, Maundy Thursday. At Noon on Good Friday we are going to "Live Stream" the Good Friday Liturgy with a brief homily (shorter sermon than usual!).

If we can meet your needs in other ways, please let me or one of the staff know! We are trying to figure out what is best for most, if not all.

May you have a blessed Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Easter!!

With love, in Christ,

Greg Kronz