In-Person Worship Suspended until December 15 - Pastoral Letter
Dear church:
With the rapid increase in Covid-19 hospitalizations and deaths, our synod bishop has asked all congregations of our synod to suspend in-person worship and activities until December 15. Our council has agreed that this is the best decision for our congregation at this time. Though it breaks my heart that we must again be absent from each other with Advent just ten days away. This is a time when we need the fellowship of the people of God, the Eucharist, and the experience of worship.
I often hear it said, “if people can go to Walmart, people can go to church.” Part of me agrees strongly with this statement. You have diligently followed safety guidelines—both inside and outside of church. Because of that, our church is one of the safest spaces to gather. But there are other congregations in our area, large and small, that have made the decision to close after their worshipers were exposed to Covid-19 while in church. I feel it preferable to make this decision as a preventive measure, rather than in the aftermath of an exposure.
In our pain and frustration, the question we must ask is: how are we called to love each other, particularly the most vulnerable persons among us? I believe that decisions such as this challenge us to bear witness to Christ’s love through sacrifice and pain. Under the circumstances, this demonstrates that we value each other and the neighbor more than anything. Let us also act with determination to stay connected with our church family—particularly those whom we haven’t seen for many months. In the meantime, we will be working hard to find as many ways as possible to care for you and the neighbor.
Bible study will continue on Zoom—and we meet tonight at 6:30. To join us, click https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9507613304 or dial 301 715 8592 and enter meeting ID# 950 761 3304.
We will continue livestreaming our Sunday services at 9:30 on Facebook Live. You do not need to be a Facebook user; just click https://www.facebook.com/servinggodgracefully/live/.
Please reply or call me if you have any questions, of if you need pastoral care.
Grace and peace,
+Pastor Jim
One of life's principles, referred to often in the Scriptures, is that it's hard to do the right thing. And so it is, regarding suspending the privilege to gather for worship. But first impressions not withstanding, these are not dark times for the Church. It has been said, "The enemy of the Church is apathy." History teaches us that the Church was strongest during the times of persecution or crisis. Conversely, a sleepy, self-satisfied Church rots on the vine. Right now, spirituality, we are working for our faith. I feel this work will make us stronger.
ReplyDelete