Dear Friends in Christ,
Greetings in the name of the One True God, Creator – Son – and Holy Spirit!
My thoughts have wandered a bit this week, as the seasons begin to shift from the hot days of mid-summer to the cooler nights and milder days that lead toward autumn. I confess that I still feel a yearning to get ready for school after so many years of the annual preparations for myself and my children! It is a sweet time, filled with many memories of teachers, classmates, new clothes (a bit too big to start the year and a bit too small at the end!), and the chance, the excitement, the adventure of learning something new or making a new friend or finding a new interest. This time of year is a time of expectation and it seems to settle into our bones – even when it no longer relates what’s happing in our personal life experience. However, I do feel excitement about the return to worshiping in church, scheduled for Sunday, September 13th! It will be a new adventure with the opportunity for all of us to grow and learn to do things in new ways. I pray the God will bless us all as we take steps in this direction!
Still, this year continues to be a strange time as COVID remains a focus in all of our lives. There is so much uncertainty about the reopening of schools and how to safely educate our children, youth and young adults as new information emerges every day about the infection rates and risks. Children are not immune, though that was an early assumption because they don’t always have symptoms that are recognized as COVID related. The biggest factor in passing the infection now appears to be the vapor that suspends in the air as we breathe in and out. This makes masking an absolute necessity and continues to affect what we can safely do. The vapors are now found to remain in the air longer than originally thought and social distancing is also required to reduce the risk of contact. Our church protocols require both masks and social distancing for safety. Additionally, we will not be singing in worship services until there is a safe way for us to do so. As you know, this is heart-breaking for many of us who love to sing, who recognize that song is prayer, and who find a spiritual connection with God through the musical offerings of the choir and others.
As I’ve said before, the focus of all that we’re doing is to abide by the first mandates of the Gospel which are to “Love one another” and “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Caring for each person, including putting aside our own wants and desires so that others are protected is Christ-based. Additionally, there is another mandate in the scriptures, “Do not tempt the Lord your God.” (Matthew 4:7). Do you remember that one? It’s in the story of Jesus’ temptation as the devil challenges him to go to the holy city and throw himself down from the highest mountain so that God will save him. Now the older I get the more clearly I see that the three temptation of Christ are the very same temptations we all confront as his followers. We can be tempted to think that taking care of people’s material needs is all that’s required of us (bread) but the scripture tells us that the spiritual needs are what God is focused on (Man does not live by bread alone). We can all think that if we could only rule the world and change the systems that people live by, things would be better. The devil offered Christ the greatest thrones on earth but Jesus commanded Satan to leave and said, “Serve only God!” And when we want miracles to save us, even from our own behaviors, we are tempting God to help us out of our own messes. COVID parties among young people have become a means of transmission to grandparents, children and health care workers. Carelessly refusing to wear a mask because “I don’t need one” or “I don’t like it” or “It’s a hoax” has led to increased infections and, yes, deaths. The scriptural message is that in Jesus’ teaching we find that we are expected to use our own good judgement and not put ourselves and others at risk of harm with the idea that God’s going to come to our rescue. I hope we, will each continue to pray at 8 am or 8 pm, daily, for God’s help in addressing the situation in ways that help others to see God’s love and care for each person expressed in how we, ourselves, choose to behave.
That said, I want you to remember that while I do hope to see you all very soon – I understand that worshiping in church is a personal decision and that you should feel safe and comfortable whatever you decide. You may want to remain at home for a while or longer or until there is a vaccine. You may want to return right away. Whatever you decide, know that you have my full support and understanding!
I’m in the office and working with the staff to complete building projects and get our worship technology in place! I look forward to seeing you whenever possible and, don’t forget – I love you and I need you to survive!
Peace,
Pastor Betsy
