Pastor’s Peace, April 2020
You are receiving the Kindling this month at a time when there is more uncertainty and angst in our lives than peace. Let us remember…
“Peace – it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” – unknown
I feel at peace; but instead I feel more sadness. I am sad that those in authority responded so late, that people with the least experience have lied and downplayed what those with the most experience have stated about COVID-19. I am sad that people still have not listened and continue to put others at risk. I am sad that many have focused on fear rather than on comfort. I am sad for those who are vulnerable and high risk for COVID-19. I am sad for those who have lost their jobs, who are wondering how long they will be able to survive without income. I am sad that those with political clout can't come together quicker and find a way to help our brothers and sisters. I am sad for parents who have to work but have no where to send their children for school or daycare.
There is so much to be sad for. What can help us manage our sadness? I believe God can help us. I am reminded of Good Friday during this challenging time. Jesus died on Good Friday. The worst day in the disciples’ lives and for his mother, Mary. I can only think that the disciples thought the good work of Jesus was over. They didn't know what was going to happen days later. They locked themselves in the upper room thinking that whoever walked in that door next would be the Roman soldiers who would take them to be executed. The next person just happened to be Thomas – the one we call Doubting Thomas. Mary revealed she had seen Jesus… but Thomas certainly didn't want to hear that. That had to be impossible. He wanted proof for himself. Later Jesus did come to them – but he did the impossible – no secret password or knock on the door – no secret entry to the room - he just showed up.
That is what God is doing in our world today – just showing up. There are places on the internet that are helping us through the difficult task of staying in place. Disneyland is doing virtual rides on the internet. Musicians are doing home concerts. There is a website for taking virtual tours of museums and landmarks... you can even travel on the Mars Rover! Educational websites are offering their programs and resources free of charge for all age groups. And during this time of Lent and having to stay home, you might want to find ways to spend more time with God.
God is also showing up as individual communities find ways to help each. In our own community we have meals, groceries, meds, and other essentials being delivered to our seniors and those who need to be especially careful of staying away from others. We have restaurants offering takeout meals and curb service. There are many ways our community is trying to support each other and our local businesses.
We most likely won't be celebrating Easter in the church. But when we do get back to church- what a joyous and magnificent EASTER RESURRECTION CELEBRATION we will have. In the meantime I will continue to send a worship bulletin out to you – either by snail mail or email. I am trying to figure out how to do Facebook worship, which many of our churches are doing.
Please continue to take care of yourselves. If you know of anyone in need, church member or not, please let me know – we have some additional funds that can be used during this time. We will also help support our local agencies that assist in the community, such as the Food Bank, Senior Center, Our Daily Bread and others. Let me know your ideas. May God's peace surround you during this time of uncertainty… and to remember that the one promise we have and can count on is this: God's promise that “I am with you always.”
See you in church – not sure when – but it will happen,
Rosemary