In all my years of ministry, I’ve never experienced a Holy Week and Easter like these past few weeks. I would imagine it was a first for you, too.
There were no waving palms as we walked into the sanctuary together, because we weren’t there. There was no foot washing, no stripping of the altar on Maundy Thursday. We couldn’t hear the collective sorrow in the worship space as we sang “Were you there when they crucified my Lord?” together and then left in silence. There were no glowing faces as we huddled around the firepit at the opening words of the Easter Vigil. There were no flowing streamers above our heads as we sang, “Jesus Christ is Risen, Today. Alleluia!” on Easter morning.
But that doesn’t mean that those holy moments and the promises of an empty tomb on Easter didn’t arrive right on time! From your couches and chairs. We declared, “Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!” In front of our screens, we shared a meal together and heard the ancient bidding prayers. In the silence of our homes and hearts, we remember that Jesus said, “It is finished,” and gave up his spirit.
Thank you for your incomparable flexibility during these days of quarantine. Almost at a moment’s notice, you embraced our new patterns of being connected as we “live, share, and celebrate” the love of Christ in our midst.
Without any warning, we shifted into “nimble mode.” Nimble is defined as “quick and light in movement or action; agile; (of the mind) quick to comprehend.”
Church congregations of our size (220+ households) are not usually described as nimble, but in this season, our ability to move quickly to a virtual worship and learning environment has helped us maintain the warm hospitality that is a signature of Lord of Life.
As you know, none of this just happened naturally. We owe deep gratitude to so many who made this new way of being happen, including:
John Johns who not only is coordinating and arranging musicians from the piano bench of his home, but he has also ramped up his tech and production skills to rival a Sports Center remote production crew.
Cara Hasselbeck who continues to keep us on track with ministry schedules and deadlines, while also breathing life to a Lifeline Newsletter from a distance and plowing through our ministry software upgrade from her home.
Pastor Corey Wagonfield has been a flurry of organizing and coordinating behind the scenes, while also providing exceptional pastoral care and leadership in worship, learning, and moments. All of this while wrapping up his seminary career and preparing for a first call.
Donna Harvey and Tyler Keith continue to work tirelessly to keep us fiscally responsible, not only receiving your generous offerings, but also paying our bills and making sure that our ministry partners receive our support.
And a word of appreciation to the multitude of musicians, readers, Sunday morning teachers and Bible study leaders, letter writers, phone callers, Stephen Ministers, preschool teachers, lawn mowers, and so many others who continue to serve and offer words of encouragement and assurance in this uncertain season. Thank you!
Thank you to each of you for your kindness to one another and for your acts of service that build an atmosphere of hope in a time of anxiety. Thank you for your financial support that sustains our ministries and for your countless prayers which tether us in faith.
We don’t know when we’ll step back into our building for worship. We don’t know when we’ll share bread and wine in front of the altar. We don't know when we’ll tell stories, while sipping coffee or tea. We don’t know when our children will race down the halls to get to a learning moment and hear about Jesus.
But, what we do know is that we are the Body of Christ, bound together by the Spirit of God, and called to love and serve – wherever and however that may be!
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
Pastor Lowell