As I wrote last month, the virus continues to drive the story.
Church school and Confirmation classes have begun, which gives the sense that some of the old routines and patterns continue on, even if there have been some adjustments. We continue to worship in-person at 10:30 a.m.
However, as I write this, we are at high levels of transmission for the virus in our area and our hospitals are starting to get slammed. That bit of news should be a concern for all of us: even if you don’t have to make a visit to the ER for a COVID-related matter, it doesn’t mean that things can’t get dicey for any of us if we have to visit there for some other reason. While we, as Christians, should never react out of fear for any reason, it is important for us to make wise decisions. Our actions not only impact ourselves, but the community that we live in. That said, we won’t be shifting in-person worship to 8:30 a.m. just yet: it’s our live-stream time and we offer a full-range of worship options that is possible only in a limited setting with a limited number of people. At this point we can’t say “By such-and-such a date we will make that transition.” That will depend on the transmission level of the virus. When things look more favorable we can discuss making that move.
I’m not a doctor, let alone an epidemiologist. However, that said, at some point in time this wave of infection will peak and decline: they all do. Exactly when that will happen is anyone’s guess.
I understand that people are fed-up and have had enough. Patience is thin and tempers are short. Yet, besides not giving into fear, we should also be kind and loving to one another. Everyone is carrying a burden that no one else sees; people are wounded in places that we are not aware of. Let’s be gentle on ourselves and one another.
As Christians, we are called to be people of hope: God is in our present and in our future.
Shalom aleichem—Peace be with you.
Rev. Jim Hoppert
