Church Matters

Dear Friends,

One time, Rachelle and I traveled with a few friends to go and see a concert. We were in our young twenties, and so we acted accordingly, checking out the bars around the downtown area the night we arrived. The next day, though, we confused our friends badly. We got up and went exploring the downtown churches. We dipped our hands in the water and made the sign of the cross each time we entered a new building. We took in the art and architecture very slowly. We kneeled to pray. We spent hours doing this.

Unsurprisingly, I guess, our friends declined to join us.

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All that to say, I’m a churchy kind of guy. And I mean by that the building, the institution, the structures and patterns of the liturgy, the music. I love it all. I know, of course, what we’ve all said so often over the last few months—the church isn’t the building, it’s the people. Yeah, yeah. But those structures of worship, of architecture, of institution, I just believe they matter too. They matter because we need well-prayed-in places. They matter because church buildings tell that gospel story of sin and redemption. They matter because, in them, we’ve prayed, been married, buried loved ones, been baptized, and received the Eucharist.

And, ultimately, they matter because of the life of worship, community, and outreach they empower. For years, our church has served that purpose. And it serves it still. We are still St. Peter’s Church. We are still called to engage in worship, community, and outreach in this strange time in history. We are still called to draw together in prayer. We are still called to do the work of loving God and loving our neighbor. We are still called to mutual relationships of accountability and trust. Friends, do not forget that.

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I appreciate those of you who have filled out the survey for our COVID-19 Task Force. The results have varied quite a lot, so far. The consistent themes are that very few believe it prudent for us to reconvene as soon as possible. Most would like to see us follow guidance from health authorities rather than follow arbitrary dates. And, most have continued to find power and meaning in our common worship, formation, and community life. For this last item, I am most grateful, because it brings together my beliefs as a churchy kind of guy along with my understanding that the church is more than just buildings, liturgies, and institutions. It means that you all have found, and continue to find, meaning and grace in the life of St. Peter’s Church, while we all long to regather in some sort of “normal” way. 

Our task force convenes for the first time later today, and here is what I promise: we will work toward a plan for us to gather together for worship once again. And we will do so in a way that prioritizes health, safety, and love for all members, and especially those most vulnerable members, of our community. 

God bless,
Fr. Quinn+