Thriving in a Pandemic
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
– Ephesians 4:6
It might not seem like it, but I believe it is possible to thrive in the midst of a global pandemic and the civil unrest we are currently experiencing. But to thrive will not be of our own doing, but of God’s doing through us. As Ephesians 4 says (above), we do not need to worry, but if we offer ourselves to God in prayer and supplication, giving thanks for all that we do have, God will make a way. And not just any way, but a way that brings forth life, for us, our neighbors and the world. God, and only God can help us thrive as individuals and as a community in such a time as this.
Minneola, I want you to know that your Council leaders have done exactly as Ephesians askes. They have taken the question of how will we worship as a faithful community this fall and winter to God. With all the complications, nuances, best practices, recommendations and laws, the Council has given this question to God in prayer, supplication and in thanksgiving for the blessings we have as a community and they trusted the Spirit to work and a decision was made…for now.
Starting in October, we will continue to offer life-stream worship every Sunday for those in our community who cannot or should not be attending in-person worship. Twice a month, on the 2nd and 4th Sundays, we will also gather at the church building, staying outside for as long as the weather allows and then moving indoors with appropriate COVID regulations in place (see page 3). On these Sundays we will also celebrate communion for which all who worship with us are invited. The table is Christ’s and as we know there are no doors, no space and no distance that can separate us from the love of God through Christ Jesus, so please, feel welcome to join us in the celebration of the Christ’s Supper from wherever you are on these Sundays.
This plan extends to the end of the year unless there is significant shifts for COVID related gatherings. We do not know what 2021 will bring. We do not know the long-term implications of this time on our community of faith. We do know and we have faith that God is with us and that if we continue to offer our worry to God with prayer, supplication and thanksgiving then a way will be found. God’s way…and we will thrive as the people of God gathered, fed and sent for the sake of the gospel to the whole world.
- Pr. Hannah
