Weekly Tidings

Greetings Church,

As we move through this time of physically separating  and connecting in new ways, I’ve found three questions very helpful at the end of each day.

1. What has the corona virus taken away from me today?  [lament]
2. What has the corona virus not taken away from me?  [awareness]
3. What has corona virus given to me today? [gratitude]

-from JR Briggs and attributed to Jared Mackey, Sr. Pastor, Sacred Grace, Denver, CO

I reflect personally, but also for us as a congregation.  For now, we cannot worship together in the way we are accustomed to.  We cannot hug, shake hands, or offer comfort in the ways we’re used to.  We cannot utilize our building in the ways we’d like to.  We cannot gather for shared celebrations nor to memorialize our loved ones.

But, we remain Together in Christ, Committed to Serve.  We are people of faith, connected in love, and we are so much more than our building.  Corona cannot take away our faith in God, nor our love for another.  Corona cannot diminish our creativity nor our commitment to serving our community, in fact it’s quite the opposite.

We are learning new ways to connect with one another.  We are discovering and honing new skills each and every day.  We are serving the community: one sandwich, sign of solidarity, grocery delivery, zoom meeting, card and phone call at a time.  Corona has brought out and deepened our creativity, flexibility, generosity, curiosity and compassion!

Dear ones, when this crisis began, I had hoped our first gathering back together could be a big family reunion, an Easter Extravaganza.  However, as I watch the suggestions of our civic and religious leaders, this looks unlikely.  Instead, we will follow a slow, meticulous, step-by-step process to bring us back together safely.  We have a team of Church leaders in place who are carefully and prayerfully thinking this through together and crafting a plan for our gradual and safe return.  We will keep you informed every step of the way.

Whatever we face, we face it together, with faith, love, courage and hope!  Remember, God loves you, and so do I.

Peace,

Heather

Gratitude

Patty Kilmain sends her thanks for all the calls and cards during this difficult time. Thank you for the amazing response to our “a hero for a Hero” program, over $1500.  We received a shout-out on an International Webinar this afternoon! Thank you for your generosity to the pastor’s discretionary fund!