Today as our state restrictions tighten even further to slow the coronavirus outbreak, we are all trying to wrap our heads around what “normal” is. Certainly, we can feel discouraged by events that are beyond our control. We can also feel fearful of the impact of the virus on our lives and our livelihoods. We can feel disappointed for events canceled and dreams deferred. Even in the midst of these concerns, I remain hopeful about the Church and its potential to speak into these times. Here are some things I’m hopeful about:
God’s mission has not changed. Whether we are together or apart, God is still at work bringing about redemption and wholeness to the world.
God’s people are still at work bringing light into darkness - shopping for neighbors, providing meals for homebound folks, collecting food for families in need, etc.
God created us to be in community with one another - now, more than ever, that is true for all of us. It’s incumbent upon us to be creative about that. Let’s build community while staying apart. It can be done. Let’s get to work making it happen!
I believe this is the Church’s moment. I believe in these days, we will lean on our faith and rise up to meet the challenges around us. We will be good citizens and neighbors by practicing social distancing. At the same time, we will profess with our words and with our deeds that our hope and faith lies in One who made the heavens and the earth and who still reigns sovereign even in the most uncertain times. Those are not empty words, they are ones that anchor us when the world seems off balance.
This is our moment to show that the Church has never been a location but always been a people - a fallible and faithful band of followers seeking after a God who is at working redeeming the world even in the most difficult circumstances. So Church, it’s time to embrace the moment!
Pastor Melissa