May 11, 2020

 Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

 As you know, All Saints and the Episcopal churches within the Diocese of Atlanta were originally hoping for a reopening date of May 24. This week, our Bishop, in consultation with the Presiding Bishop and medical professionals, has modified that date to “until further notice.” I’ve included the Bishop’s notice at the end of this letter. While this is difficult news, do know that it comes from a place of deep love as we seek to serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves.

 I imagine some of you will struggle with this news, particularly as it can feel like there’s so much other difficult news. I too have struggled this week: with this unknowable timing of coming back together in community; with news of increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths, growing unemployment, and increasing anxiety of those trying to make ends meet. I’ve struggled with news of violence and unrest with what appears to be a modern lynching in the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery in Brunswick, GA, plus the shooting of a Family Dollar security guard for trying to keep his community safe by enforcing a state-wide mask requirement.

 And yet in the midst of lament, there is also hope. I see our youth joyfully assisting with our Youth Sunday worship, sharing in word and song God’s Good News. I see the joy in our Senior’s pictures posted on Facebook, as they pick up their caps and gowns, anticipating their future life adventures. I see hope in the faces of those served by our Food Pantry, and the resilience of our volunteers. I find hope in hearing about our parishioners’ calls, checking in on one another.

 And I see hope in recognizing the Feast day of Dame Julian of Norwich this past Thursday, an English anchorite of the Middle Ages. Julian had survived the pandemic of her own age, the Black Death of the 14th century, plus the civil unrest in the Peasant’s Revolt and the resulting turmoil. When she later suffered from a serious illness, she received the gift of fifteen visions — what she called shewings — of the Passion of Christ, and she learned that “Love was our Lord’s meaning.”

 Many have found strength in the words the Lord had given to Julian: “I can make all things well; I will make all things well; I shall make all things well; and thou canst see for thyself that all manner of things shall be well.”

 We too can know that all shall be well. Jesus invites us to abide in him. Yes, we will have times of sorrow and suffering, but we can always lift up our cares and worries to Christ, in good confidence that we are all known, beloved, and called to rest in Him.

 Peace,

Mother Bonnie+

What’s new?

Houston County Mobile Food Bank

May 21, 2020

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

With the help of Houston Family Connections, several of us from local food pantries are now meeting regularly to share information and resources in our common mission to provide food to the least of these within our community.

 I’m happy to announce that our first Mobile Food Bank event will be held at Christ Chapel (2288 Moody Rd, Warner Robins) from 11 am - 2 pm on May 21, 2020. We will distribute 250 boxes of food to families in need, provided by the Middle Georgia Community Food Bank.

 This Mobile Food Bank is a welcome addition in these stressful times to the good and faithful work done by our local food pantries, and will be providing our local community members with another opportunity to gather much-needed resources for their families. Our hope is that this Mobile Food Bank can become a regular event in Warner Robins.

 Volunteers are needed from 10:30 - 2:30 on May 21 to help unload food and pack boxes for distribution. Volunteers should be able to lift 25 lbs. and have both mask and gloves to wear. Plan to bring a bag lunch plus any snacks you might need during the event. Water will be provided.

 If you are interested in assisting with this event, please contact Mother Bonnie at bonniegunderwood@gmail.com or 404.729.5876 by this Wednesday, May 13.

 All Saints can help with masks and gloves if you need them and I look forward to working with those who can serve at the upcoming event.