Well, it looks like things are s-l-o-w-l-y getting back to normal. The general sense I’m getting from people is that they’re tired of quarantine. We weren’t created to be stuck in a house unable to be a part of a larger group. We were created in God’s image as people of relationship. We innately need to hug, at least I do. Things will be different for awhile but it will be nice to have that contact again.
I wonder if we think enough about how truly blessed we are to have each other. It can slip our minds just how truly fortunate we are too be able to come together as a community in Christ. Sometimes it takes things like this Covid virus to remind us of all we should cherish. Sometimes, it takes being apart to help us to understand just how much we need one another. The writer of Hebrews gave this advice by way of the Holy Spirit’s guidance, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). You see? We were made to work together, to encourage each other to be there for one another, to console one another or to prop each other up when we need a helping hand.
In a couple of days, we will be making some big decisions about how and when to assemble as a body in Christ once again (If you would like to be a part of that discussion next Thursday May 28th at 10:30am, let me know and I’ll send instructions on how to get on line). Of course, we want to do it as safely and as timely as possible. Church is certainly “essential” to our faith and coming together again will be a true blessing. Psalm 133:1 says, Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity.” Our impulse might be to rush right in because we need that unity, but its proper also to do it as safely as we can. Keep us in your prayers that we would follow the Spirit’s guidance and not our own.
In the spirit of community, we are also going to have a time for web fellowship. The last time we were able to come together via GoToMeeting, it was a true treat. So, next Friday evening, May 29th at 7:00, we will be given an opportunity to catch up with each other and share a few quarantine stories. We’ve decided to do this because it’s something we need as a family in Christ. We also do it because God will have an opportunity to be there with us, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). The instructions to get on are:
Please join from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://www.gotomeet.me/PoPLC/fellowship
You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (646) 749-3112
Access Code: 814-603-037
Keep your prayers going toward an end to this enemy called Covid. Pray that God would speedily help us to find a cure so that we might shake hands again, hug again, pray together with hands held again and to be able to come together to worship again without fear of infection. In the meantime we can still have “unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind” (1 Peter 3:8) even as we are apart. Please pray with me:
Heavenly Father, you created us to be a part of a greater community. Help us to once again come together as a family to worship You and to sing praises to You for all You have done to set us free from sin and death. Until we can come together again, help us to stay in community by whatever means possible. Encourage us to take the lessons we have learned by being apart so that we might not take each other for granted. Thank you for being at our side through it all. Amen.
