The new month brings to us a new way of doing things. We are currently seeing the orders for staying at home eased and the vision of returning to “some kind of normal” growing on the horizon. We have competing voices adding their perspective to how things should progress. There are those who believe that our current tactics are working and we need to keep them in place until we are sure we have the battle under control. On the other side, armed protestors are demanding that all restrictions should be lifted and they be allowed to return to their previous lives. But who is right? Who are we to listen to?
I am no different than anyone else. I would like to see normal again. I miss our being able to gather together and hug and share, to listen and to laugh, to give solace and find support. I want to see the sanctuary filled with smiling faces, singing hymns, offering prayers and listening to the word of God. But then I ask myself, at what price?
And there seems to be the crux of the question. At what price? At what price do we stay locked down. At what price do we end all restrictions and just let everyone live how they choose? At what price do we believe the answer to our happiness is commercialism. At what price do we just let the “chips fall where they may?” As the discussion continues, I have read many people who take the position that we should do just that. Their logic is that only a small percentage of people will die. It’s mostly the old and infirmed, they’ve had a full life already, it’s time for them to step aside and let the younger folks have their shot. Yes, that is the argument being made, but it is not an argument that I can support.
You see, as much as I would like to see the sanctuary filled, I’m not willing to pay the price of a single life. There is not one of you who I feel has “had a full life and it’s time for you to step aside.” That is why I am more than willing to, not only continue our current course of on-line services, but take extra steps to ensure everyone’s safety as we do begin to gather together once more. As things stand, we will not have open services for the next three Sundays. After that, we may start to gather again. This is not a definite decision, but it is our current plan. When we do open, it will be on a limited basis. Those who are sick or have an under lying condition should not plan or being at the church. Those who do come, will be asked to maintain a safe distance. We will increase our sanctuary cleaning schedule, we will not be having a fellowship time after the service. Our worship life together will be different, but that does not mean less good! For those who cannot come, we will continue to offer our worship on-line.
Yes, going forward, things will be different. Going forward we will continue to listen and follow God’s directions for our ministries. Going forward, we will be stronger. I have watched as you have learned new skills and behaviors. I have watched as you have taken the responsibility of ministering to each other. I will watch as Morgans Chapel continues to be a shining light to the Bon Secur community. And I will say a still small prayer to thank God that I get to be a part of it.
Amen.
