To our Beloved Community, all dear St. Philippian’s, 

We, your clergy, wish to reach out to you during the continued pressures and challenges of this pandemic. Please know that we miss being able to see you, talk with you, and worship together. As clergy, we are called to this ministry out of our desire to support you in your faith journey. We are filled with hope as we see you carry out your faith or watch the recognition in your eyes from a sermon that has touched your heart. You are why we take our vows to serve God and God’s people. 

During this time, we feel disconnected from you, just as you feel disconnected from us and all of St. Philip’s. We miss those moments on the way out of church when you are shaking our hands and telling us about your loved one who isn’t doing well. Our prayers are often shaped around responding to those small yet essential insights into your lives. When we cannot meet in person, especially now going on a year, we miss these connections. We know you do too.   

We need your help to serve you and God in this shared ministry. Are you having a hard time? Do you feel as though your faith isn’t what it used to be? Is your family struggling? Do you know someone from the church who needs spiritual support? Please, if you can answer yes to these questions, let us know. We want to hear from you.   

Call the church office, even if you have to leave a message, and we will get back to you. Email any of us, stephen@stphilipsdurham.org, gabe@stphilipsdurham.org, or jill@stphilipsdurham.org,and we will find a way to connect. It could be a phone call, zoom call, or socially distant outside masked visit. We will work with you. 

The interim clergy would especially love to have the chance to get to know parishioners better, as the pandemic has prevented them from interacting with everyone on a more personal level. It takes the priesthood of all believers to see us through; that is all of us. Never forget that your ministry as St. Philippians is important, even when we cannot all be together.  

As we continue to be unable to worship in-person, we will begin offering additional worship opportunities. Starting February 1st through Palm Sunday, we will be leading daily evening prayer Monday – Thursday at 5:30 PM and Friday noonday prayer, both held over zoom. On Wednesday, February 24th, continuing through the Lenten season, a book study sponsored by the Racial Justice and Reconciliation Committee will follow evening prayer. We will read and discuss together Biased by Jennifer L. Eberhardt;we hope you will make plans to join us.  

There is light at the end of the tunnel. We have faith that one day we will again gather together in person to sing praises to God. We ask for your prayers and for your help as we continue to navigate this difficult time together.   

Yours Faithfully, 

The Rev. Stephen Mazingo, Interim Rector 

The Rev. Gabe Lamazares, Interim Associate Rector 

The Rev. Jill Staton Bullard, Deacon