Dear Friends In Christ,
I greet you in the name of God the Creator, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit who breathes into us the power that transforms each of us and the world into the Kin-dom!
I hope you’re each well as we enjoy these August days. I admit I do find it difficult to imagine that Labor Day is only a few days away and that the time is coming when we will say goodbye to summer and welcome fall. I’m resolved to enjoy these warm and pleasant days as much as possible – and hope you’re each doing the same!
The news reports continue to provide us with what seems to be conflicting information about the COVID pandemic, even as we struggle to resume some of the “normal” parts of our lives. It is clear that children will return to school and that there are risks for everyone involved. The pandemic places parents in the incredibly challenging position of trying to determine how to keep their children safe while also securing their education. Here is Delaware County, the rate of COVID infection is nearly non-existent at this time, however the concern about what lies ahead is both realistic and ever-present. In addition, as a community and as a nation, we continue to face challenges in how to be supportive of those whose job loss/cut back have impacted their ability to pay their bills and feed their families. And as we struggle with those realities, life continues on…with hurricanes, and fires and human made disasters – to say nothing of our own challenges with family, our health, our daily struggles and losses. I hope that you’re remembering or even re-reading my earlier updates with a focus on grief, challenges to change, adaptability and the Three Simple Rules of John Wesley – Do Good, Do No Harm and Staying In Love With God. Most of all, I hope that these ideas are helpful to you as we each navigate this uncertain and challenging time. I am especially focused on not losing hope as information comes out about the virus that is sometimes conflicting and confusing. Remembering that everyone is “learning as we go” (even scientists and researchers) can help us stay positive and hopeful. Each new bit of information will be helpful in putting together our new post- COVID lives, even if COVID remains with us for longer than any of us expected. Doing our due diligence which means social distancing, wearing masks, washing hands and staying away from others any time we feel sick or aren’t certain about our health. I’ve been thinking a lot about those who aren’t doing those things and how fearful they must be to feel so out of control that they put themselves and others at risk by their behavior. I am asking that we continue our daily prayers at 8 am and/or 8 pm for those who are returning to school and for the parents, for all who are struggling to survive the economic challenges brought on by COVID, for all who are experiencing anxiety and for those who are failing to care about themselves and others by not following the recommended protocols.
Now for an update on things happening at the church! We are receiving survey responses which are very helpful in knowing where we are as we return to worship. I will give a report by email and regular mail later this week. Thank you to all who have replied! We will resume the painting of some of our downstairs rooms this week. The outside work is being done on the building which will stop the foundation leaks near the downstairs bathrooms. Sidewalks are being repaired and the garden has been beautifully restored. Hand sanitizers are installed and we are working to complete the signage in and out of the building. Playschool is gearing up for a fall opening. The screens are installed in the sanctuary and we are working on the technology that will allow for service projection and live streaming. Once those systems are all in place and we have a smoothly running operation, we will be as ready as we can be! I’m excited about being back with you in church and worshiping with you remotely. The technology offers us more options to be together – even when we are apart! It also provides a way for us to reach out to others in our community and to expand our ministry. In my opinion, this is a wonderful benefit of the changes we are making in our worship service. Please join with me in praying that God will bless this ministry and that through this time more people will share in the Good News!
Be sure that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Be sure, too, that I am struggling with you to face the challenges of this time with faith and hope that God will bring us through to a better place. I do believe that if we keep that faith, we will find we have been given a tremendous opportunity to grow and become stronger and more able disciples. Most of all, know that I love you and I need you to survive!
Peace,
Pastor Betsy
