As I joked a few weeks ago, I was glad that I took some Greek in college: in addition to helping me with sermon prep on occasion, it’s come in handy with all these SARS-COV-2 variants that have come out in the past few months. Now it is Omicron. This new variant appears to be more contagious, but so far the evidence suggests that it is less severe in its effects. I am cautiously hopeful that this might actually be good development: each new, dominant variant, has been milder than the previous versions. Perhaps we are closer to the time when this virus will be closer in nature to the common cold. Again, vaccinations may not prevent transmission, but they seem to help prevent severe manifestations when the virus is contracted. The bad news, though, is that it appears that, one way or another, it is probably heading in all of our directions, no matter how well you guard against it. Some of us may be hit by the virus early, others of us later.
In any event, it’s good to be cautious and not take foolish chances, but we should never be paralyzed by fear. It wasn’t a good look in March of 2020, and it’s not a good look in January, 2022. Persons of Christian faith should trust in the presence of God in all of the circumstances of life. Jesus used the exhortation, “Do not be afraid” a number of times in the gospel.
Going forward, we continue on with the current schedule until further notice. When circumstances change, we will look at changes accordingly. I know that it sounds repetitious, but that is where we still find ourselves.
Salem’s Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 30th. An article detailing the meeting time and the means of participation will be included in this newsletter. Also included are the dates for Communion in 2022.
Here is the wish that 2022 will bring brighter and more hopeful days. I remain optimistic.
Shalom aleichem—Peace be with you.
Rev. Jim Hoppert
