As we return to some sense of normal
may we be empowered to return with renewed commitment
to be the body of Jesus in this time and place.
These past two years have taken us from community to isolation, to partial community, back to isolation and then back to some sense of community again. It has been a yoyo for sure!
For me there have been times that I felt very much adrift at sea when it comes to ministry – visiting by phone instead of in person; proclaiming the good news to a camera instead of to people in the pews; coming to the office, surrounded by silence as the halls echoed the emptiness of this place; and doing most things on-line. In the beginning there was some fulfillment as we experimented and learned new ways but what has become increasingly clear to me is that I was never meant to be a televangelist and I was never meant to work in isolation. I have found my energy, like many of you, being drained and my soul thirsty for community connection. Then, just in time, Sunday came and we were back in worship. The energy was tangible and to see faces, even behind masks, was life giving!
I look forward to our numbers growing over the coming weeks and months and a return to being in community. On Tuesday, for the first time in many months the church hall was filled with voices. As I sat in the office people were popping in for a few words, or just to say hi. Once again it was like a breath of fresh air. It took much longer to complete what I was doing on the computer but it was so worth it. This is what being in ministry is all about.
I find myself humming that wonderful hymn
“The church is wherever God’s people are praising,
singing God’s goodness for joy on this day.
The church is wherever disciples of Jesus remember his story and walk in his way.
The church is wherever God’s people are helping, caring for neighbours in sickness and need.
The church is wherever God’s people are sharing the words of the bible in gift and in deed”
I am so thankful today for each of you and the privilege we have to share this journey. Together we sing, remember, tell the story, help and share. As we return to some sense of normal may we be empowered to return with renewed commitment to be the body of Jesus in this time and place.
May it be so.
Blessings
Valerie