Wednesday Word: Where Were You?

“Where were you when we needed you?”

This question was posed in a 2013 issue of a publication called Congregations, and it was part of an article regarding a totally different topic than what I'm discussing here. But this is a question we could ask ourselves today.

The COVID pandemic has changed our lives in so many unforeseen ways. We were separated from each other for a long period of time, and it seems that we are just now finding our way back together.

This is a time when we need each other. The pastoral care team has been making phone calls to check up on people, but after several months, those are beginning to understandably slow down as people find new rhythms to their lives. At the beginning of the pandemic, we were forced to only offer online worship in the form of Morning Prayer. We then moved to what is called “Spiritual Communion,” and now, for about three months, we have had limited in-person worship, allowing people to gather and receive Communion. And now, with permission from the diocese, I am once again allowed to visit people in their homes and bring Communion to those who can't or are uneasy about coming in person.

During this time of a pandemic and uncertainty of all kinds, know that the Church is here when you most need it.

But this is also a two-way street. For just as we need the Church in this time, the Church also needs us. One way you can be there for the Church is to return pledge cards and let the Church know how you will continue to support it through your time, talent, and treasure. Another way we can be there for the Church is through personal evangelism – talk with friends and neighbors and let them know of the good things we are doing in the name of Christ, because it is only through you that the Church can live into its mission. Just as Jesus invited people to join him in revealing the kingdom of God, we must also work to reveal the kingdom of God and invite people to join us.

This is a time when we need each other. Let us remember to not only look for what we can receive, but let us look for what we can also give.

Blessings,

Todd+