Dear Friends,
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place (Acts 2:1). So begins the account of the gift of the Holy Spirit to the church in the book of Acts.
As we approach the day of Pentecost in the year 2020, we understand that it will not be possible for the members of our congregation to be all together in one place this year. While some restrictions are being lifted in some places and for some people, the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 global pandemic will require that as we consider our return to church, we do so in a way that is measured and mindful of the
needs of the most vulnerable among us.
While some may begin to attend public worship in person in the not-too-distant future, we know that some will need to continue to worship at home for some time.
We give thanks, then, for the promise of our faith that the Lord God will bless and keep us, the risen Christ is with us, and the Holy Spirit connects us with believers near and far. We take comfort and inspiration from the example of the earliest believers, who spent much time together in the temple and broke bread at home with glad and generous hearts (Acts 2:46).
As we anxiously track the news in these times, with numbers of new cases, numbers of persons who have died, and numbers of those who are recovering, we remember the good news of the gospel and the promise that nothing in life or death will separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
As this congregation begins to resume public activities, please know that we will do so through a careful process of discussion and discernment, with an abundance of caution and concern for those who are
most vulnerable, upon consideration of the best scientific knowledge at our disposal, in the spirit of constant prayer, and with full trust in the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.
We may make mistakes along the way. There will surely be awkward moments as we adjust to new protocols and practices. There will be times of frustration, disappointment, and grief. We will have countless opportunities to exercise the spiritual gifts of patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control.
But there will also be blessings. There will be wonderful surprises, great celebrations, and moments of deep satisfaction. We will get to see glimpses of the new thing God is doing, even now. We will have opportunities to savor the spiritual gifts of love, joy, peace, generosity, and faithfulness.
Let us be faithful, then, to God and to one another as we receive the gifts and work through the challenges of this time.