Navigating a Changed World
When I thought about what to say in this newsletter, the one thing that comes to mind is that I miss you. I miss each of you and I miss us being together. I have enjoyed our time together in our worship on Zoom and our meetings on Zoom. I have talked to many of you on the phone. Of course, it is not the same as being together.
I, along with other clergy of the diocese, meet with our Bishops twice a week to discuss how to “do” church in this new and strange time. They are listening to our Governor’s direction as to when we can resume in-person worship. There are committees hard at work addressing various issues as to how we do this in our various congregations. I am hopeful that this will happen at the beginning of June with modifications. I will continue to update you as soon as I know.
In the meantime, we will continue to find ways to worship our Lord. We will continue to find ways to be together virtually and joyfully. This past Sunday, known as Good Shepherd Sunday, some dressed up as shepherds, others brought shepherd and sheep statues. A joyful Eastertide! I hope you will join us on Zoom on Sunday mornings at 10:30 and on Wednesdays at 5:30 on Facebook Live. If you have trouble participating for technical reasons, call me and I will try to help you. For those not online, we are sending out the service, sermon, prayer list, and announcements each week. Please continue to pray for all those on our prayer list.
As we live in this strange time, we experienced Lent in a quite different and powerful way. Now we are in the season of Easter when we especially remember and rejoice in our risen Lord. It is a season of hope. The first season of Easter, the disciples and world learned that everything had changed, but they continued to find hope in the risen Lord. A Lord who could walk through locked doors when we need him. A Lord who would shepherd us, care for us, and protect us. A Lord who teaches us to love our neighbor as ourselves.
As we navigate a changed world as those first disciples did, we have found new ways to worship God and share God’s love. Let us continue to search for ways to live and share the joy of Easter. Know that you all are in my prayers. Stay safe and well.
Easter Blessings,
Sarah+
