A WORD FROM THE PASTOR….. For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
My dear friends in Christ,
Time is quickly flying by and I find it so hard to believe that Thanksgiving is next week! Wonderful as it is to think of family gatherings and delicious foods, friendly conversations, and a day put aside for thanks and relaxation – this year continues to challenge us with the reality of the coronavirus. As I write, the entire nation is seeing increases in infections and, sadly, daily increases in the number of persons who are dying. Here in Delaware County, the infection rate is also rising as we question – what will happen next? At present, the state and the counties, cities and communities are deciding what to keep open and what to close down for public safety and protection. Schools, businesses, restaurants and, yes, churches, are all wondering – will we be allowed to remain open or will there be mandated closing? At the same time, many people are becoming increasingly cautious about going out and are avoiding situations where there is a risk of infection. We have seen a reduction in our “in house” worship attendance over the last few weeks. The present advice (and in some places legal mandate,) is to postpone Thanksgiving get-togethers or to reduce the number present to ten, or less. It is all so difficult!
So, what does this mean for our church? Well, we have continued to keep our worship service at 10 am on Sunday since reopening in September. However, we have the rear doors open each week for cross ventilation and practice all the recommended/required protocols. Now, we are looking at the new reality. It is getting colder and keeping doors open is likely not possible for much longer. And, the increases in infections may force us to close – or we may decide it’s in our best interest to do so, even without a mandate as the number of worshipers continues to decline.
That said, we will worship for the next two Sundays, in place, unless the state requires us to close. Christ the King (November 22) and the First Sunday of Advent (11/29) we expect to be in church for worship with live-streaming and remote viewing options. If anything changes, we will notify you as soon as possible with a message from the church office. Mail messaging might be delayed so please be sure to share updates with those who aren’t connected to technology. We will see what happens after that, but be certain that weekly services will continue during Advent, at Christmas and into the New Year! We will be working on ways to assure that we continue to join in worship together as the situation develops and will always keep you informed.
In the meantime, let’s stay focused in prayer for one another, for our community, our nation and the world. Let’s be careful out there – and remember – I love you and I need you to survive!
Peace,
Pastor Betsy
RECOMMENDED FOR SPIRITUAL DEEPENING
Journey through Scripture with C.S. Lewis
Pastor Ott is presently at half-time hours which means she will be in the church for Sunday worship and in the office on average two times a week, usually on days when there are meetings. Friday is usually sermon preparation day, at home.
Pastor’s Office hours this week: Monday 11/16, Tuesday 11/17 and Saturday 11/21
Next week: Monday 11/23
