Pastor's Letter - June

Pastor’s Letter
June, 2020

Grace and Peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

When we are back to in-person worship, it's not going to look the same. And I know that is going to be hard. I am preparing for a council meeting where we will discuss the recommendation of the Worship and Music Committee, so I don't completely know what that will look like until that discussion happens, but I do know this: it will not be the same.

Eventually it will. But we are in an odd moment in time, where things aren't normal and life is not usual. I know that this has affected all of us in one way or another. Some have sought refuge in comforting music and favorite books. Others have spent hours looking for news from various sources. Sadly, some people have over purchased necessities in a hail mary attempt to feel safe.

Know that this is not the first time in history that this has happened. I shared some information on the Spanish Flu in 1918 and 1919 two Newsletters ago. The church had an odd time there as well- some churches opened as impromptu hospitals, and yes, many closed. I often find myself wondering what happened for pastors in that time. I have been able to keep things moving somewhat through online worship, Bible Studies, and in having Zoom hangouts. Did pastors in 1918 just spend all their time writing letters? Of course, it was a very different time and many churches didn't worship every week because pastors were riding a circuit.

Regardless, I want to first say that if you still feel off, that's okay. You have every right. But understand that you are not alone, and that God is still with you. Just as God was with the church in 1918, and the church made it through that time. Just as God was with the persecuted early church of the first few centuries after Christ. Just as God was with his Son as he sought to open up what it meant for people to be in relationship with God.

I look forward to communal worship, whatever shape that takes. It will be the first of many steps in regaining a semblance of normalcy. And my hope is that through this process, we experience Revival as a people, and we learn not to take for granted some of the things that we have made routine.

I look forward to seeing you along the way!
-Pastor Brian