Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ!
On Monday night, we had a great turnout for the ONLINE LISTENING POST. Familiar faces in tiny boxes filled the ZOOM screen.
It was good to hear that folks are appreciating the different Lutheran liturgies that we have been offering. I am grateful for Pastor Nancy and Kelvin who attended the session as extra “ears” (thank you also for all the work that you put into making our worship special.) Already, we are allowing the feedback to shape upcoming worship. I trust that those present will notice some suggestions implemented as early as this coming Sunday. Other ideas require a bit more thought - please be patient.
As I think back on Monday night, a common theme throughout the discussion was the fact that “WE MISS EACH OTHER.” Being physically apart, we yearn to be in each other’s presence. I resonant deeply.
I’m glad that we continue to have a significant number of people who log on, either at the times when we livestream our worship or at some point afterwards. These numbers remain comparable to our attendance prior to the pandemic. I’m glad that our church continues to come together as a community around the Presence of Christ. We continue to feast upon God’s Word, pray with each other, and sing the songs of faith. Worship nurtures our spirit.
That said, I miss the hand shakes, high fives, and hugs that were part of the way we were present with each other. I miss saying, "good morning,” and holding the door open for you. Standing outside the doors and welcoming you to worship was one of the highlights of my week. As thankful as I am that we have technology that allows us to gather virtually, it is not the same as ‘being there’ with you.
What I heard on Monday night is that many of you are in the same place. Grateful for what we have AND missing what we once had. It is a bittersweet place in which we find ourselves. Naming that reality is important as it trusting that the Spirit remains alive and present.
Christ promised to never leave his church orphaned (that is the gospel for this coming Sunday when you log in - John 14:18.). Christ continues to give the Holy Spirit, which is the church’s lifeblood and song. Guided by the Spirit, we are brought to places that are loving and close to God. The Spirit accompanies us to places unknown.
The St. James staff has been meeting in workgroups on a weekly basis to consider next steps. I have been in daily conversations with pastors from other churches around our Synod. From the start, our Council, has also shared their gifts of leadership in careful discernment. Thinking about the needs of the most vulnerable and fragile in our midst, we are in no rush to make a hasty return. There are many issues that we must address. This airborne virus remains dangerous. We must be patient and get it right. I am confident we can do both.
In the meanwhile, we will continue to see each other on opposite sides of computer and smartphone screens. We will ZOOM and chat on phones. Join me also in prayer, that the Spirit provides the needed wisdom and direction.
I miss you, my church family. Also, I appreciate that the Spirit has brought us together and have linked our lives in Christ.
In Christ’s Light,
Pastor Walt
p.s. Check out worship this Sunday. You will see more familiar faces, including a special video greeting. I’ll be sure to wave…. pw.