Note: I wrote this Sunday morning (yesterday) as I awaited the opportunity to preach knowing things would be greatly different. These are my musings.
As I sit here this Sunday morning, a mixture of emotions flow through me. Due to the state and county both being in the red (COVID-wise not politically), the decision was made to do live stream only this morning. Add to the state and county statistics the fact that some of the church people are also testing positive or simply struggling with illness, it seemed the wisest thing to do.
Am I happy? I would be lying if I said I was. But I also understand. As far as I’m concerned, someone getting vaxxed and boosted is a matter of personal choice and I will not take a side on that issue. It is not for me to impose my will or thoughts on someone, even though Jo and I have both been double vaxxed and boosted. She will be 71 next Sunday and I am 69. Yeah…she robbed the cradle. 🙂
No, my issue is not even a health issue. My issue is how much I look forward to Sunday morning and seeing people. Sure, I do get to do what I possibly love more than just about anything-emphasis on “just about.” I know I’m a social creature and I really look forward to seeing people, laughing with them, hugging them, fist bumping them, and just all around greeting people. I love seeing smiles and the joy of connecting with people I have grown to love. I love seeing new people and the fact we have some “mo” right now makes it a bit harder to take this break. But that is the way of life in 2022…and in 2021…and in 2020. I just think there is great value in meeting together.
But thankfully, we have live stream-a vital second to our ministry. Where would we be without it? Given today’s scenario, we would have had to cancel services or require (gasp) everyone wear a mask. I’m thankful for the live stream. I remember how we started in late 2020 with nothing more than an iPhone. The live stream has really been a life saver.
My personal hope is that this will just be a one week glitch. If not, we will use whatever means we can to get the message of Jesus to others. I pray God will bless our efforts and I am going to take Him at His Word that His words will never return void.
As I said at Cycleguy yesterday, I so enjoyed Sunday’s message, Bill, and I do hope that your church will soon be able to gather again in person.
Blessings!
I know I repeated this devotion at Cycleguy’s Spin. I posted them both yesterday and actually have more read here than there. But thank you for taking the time to write in both places. Thanks for the kind words also. It was definitely weird preaching to a camera and an empty room.
I know it can’t be easy for a pastor, especially like you who thrive on the personal contact aspect of ministry.
I pray that it was only a one week setback in getting back together in person.
I do thrive on personal contact Ryan. I know there are some who don’t. That is what makes us all unique. 🙂 But I am with you on the one week setback.