A WORD FROM THE PASTOR….. When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David king of Israel. With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away. (Ezra 3:10-13)
Dear Friends in Christ,
Well it’s been a wild weather week here on the hillside as April let us know there is still some “winter” left before we fully arrive in the spring season! I hope you’ve stayed safe and enjoyed the seasonal “show”!
I had a chance to catch up with some friends and family this week and it was a real pleasure to get out and socialize once again. Then when I was around and about I saw a neighbor on the street where my mom lived for many years. He’s a contractor and, right now, is so busy with renovations and builds that he’s working six days a week (and sometimes more). He told me what the news has been reporting which is, as people are now working remotely from home, they want a home that is functional in ways they never considered before – with office space, living space and cooking/eating spaces upgraded to fit with their new priorities. He also said that he’s having to adapt and adjust his working models as he talks with architects and designers about new plans, options and ways of making functional but livable homes for now and the newly emerging future.
After that conversation, I began to think about our Covid-time changes and what the Bible has to tell us about adjustments people made to changes in the past, as I recalled that after the 70-year exile in Babylon, the people returned to Israel only to find their country was in ruins. The magnificent Temple of Jerusalem, built by Solomon of cedar with golden inlay was razed by Nebuchadnezzar’s armies. The Book of Ezra and Nehemiah tell of the rebuilding of the city and Temple, but also the rebuilding of the way of life of the Jewish people. In other words, to put it simply – things had changed – and everything had to be looked at through a fresh lens. As the rebuilding began, some things were restored, some were replaced, some were done away with all together, and some new ways of living and being were added. And, as in any time of change, there were mixed feelings and emotions as those who remembered the past grieved what was lost and judged the new to be “less” than what they’d once had, while others celebrated the new with great joy. (see above)
I think of this as I reflect on what we face as we emerge from the “captivity” of social isolation caused by Covid. We are slowly returning to our familiar places, seeing people we have missed for so many months, and looking forward to resuming our usual activities. But the truth is we won’t be the same and we aren’t “returning” to what once was. We are entering into a new time where there will keep some things that are familiar and add some new things that we will adjust to. As we “rebuild” our church community, we will re-enter our familiar building and resume worship in the same pews we sat in a year ago, but we will also be rebuilding programs that have been dormant for that time as we reassess their continuation in present realities. Some things will be revived while others will be left behind as new programs and ministries develop because of the changing times and our new perspective on what it means to be in ministry in the here and now. It’s an exciting time, friends, and God has chosen us and entrusted us with the opportunity to rebuild our church and community – and our lives – with renewed focus and purpose. I look forward to seeing the new “city and temple” that will come! In the meantime, stay strong and well, keep the faith, remain grateful and experience the love, peace, joy and hope that God gives us each day!
You remain in my prayers….and remember, I love you and I need you to survive!
Peace,
Pastor Betsy
CHURCH REOPENING:
We plan to resume worship Sunday, May 2nd, 10:30 am. We will open doors and windows for fresh air flow through the sanctuary. We will still wear masks, maintain social distancing, and keep a record of those attending in case notification is needed should anyone present be infected with COVID. The service will be available every week on line and recorded for remote viewing during the week. If you need a DVD, please contact the office and a copy will be available for you on the Monday following the Sunday worship service!
