interesting times
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ, the one who loves us and forgives us, the one who restores us and calls us into service.
There’s an old saying that goes like this: “May you live in interesting times.” Actually, calling it a “saying” doesn’t quite do it justice. It’s meant to be a curse—“interesting times” are often filled with uncertainty and disruption and crisis.
Sort of like the last year and a half, right?
We’ve watched a pandemic unfold in front of our eyes, and seen what can happen when medical science gets used for political purposes. We’ve seen the limits of personal liberty—when a virus is spreading it simply doesn’t work for everyone to do whatever they want. And now we’re seeing new versions of the COVID virus escape the effects of the early vaccines and put more people at risk.
I could use some less interesting times, please.
In the midst of all of this, we’re going to reopen for in-person worship this Sunday at 10am. I’m looking forward to seeing people in the Sanctuary, and I’m enjoying the sensation of feeling slightly nervous about standing in front of you all—it’s been a while since I felt that! We’re opening as COVID infections are on the rise again, so we are going to be very careful about what we do.
We are going to exercise caution and care as we pledge to keep you and our staff safe. We ask that you do the same.
Here are the guidelines for reopening for public worship:
· Only vaccinated people will attend church in person.
· The sanctuary is open at 50% capacity (that’s 100 people, including staff).
· Reservations will not be taken at first, but may be needed eventually.
· All people will enter through the Courtyard.
· All people will wear masks properly when indoors.
· We will continue to require distances between households of at least 3 feet.
· We will not be singing.
· We cannot allow hugging or other physical contact on church grounds.
· We will not be serving food or drinks until advised differently.
A few comments here. First, if you’re not feeling well, please stay home. Second,
if these guidelines feel too restrictive to you, please address your personal liberty concerns to me or to a member of session, and NOT one of the ushers on Sunday morning. Finally, remember that this is good news! We’ve waited a long time to be together again, and we’re going to do it with caution and care and joy.
For those of you who will be watching from home, we’re changing from the Zoom program to our own page on a program called YouTube. An email will be sent out on Friday with the bulletin and a link where you can tune in on Sunday morning to watch the service. I would recommend clicking the link at 9:45am or so, just to make sure you can see what you’re supposed to be seeing. If something happens to the live link, the service will be recorded and available in the early afternoon. There will be a time of Zoom fellowship for livestream viewers immediately following the service. All of this will be in the Friday email.
One last comment. I know this feels like a lot of rules and limits and restrictions.
That’s because it is. All of it is designed to keep you and our ministry team safe in these uncertain times—these interesting times.
The blessing that God taught to Aaron in Numbers seems appropriate here:
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
May that be true for all of us as we cautiously come together again. Keep the staff and ushers in your prayers this week, and one way or another we’ll see you on Sunday.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor John