We had a fantastic day in the woods of Camp Kern with our junior high students recently, talking about Holy Week, resurrection, and beyond. Other than the gorgeous trees and the massive rainstorm that rolled through Saturday afternoon, our time was dominated by questions. “Why the footwashing?” “Why Passover?” “Why the cross?” “Why so many different resurrection stories?” “What is an Emmaus?” As we answered these questions, even more inquiries and clarifications arose.
That’s our life, isn’t it? We wonder and seek, only to have more questions rise in our hearts and minds.
I’m grateful that our Christian theology maintains abundant room for questions, wonder, and doubt. Not only is the Bible filled with people and situations seeking answers, but when influential thinker Martin Luther set out to explain the Christian faith to children and their parents, he structured the whole thing around the question, “What does this mean?” Tackling the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Apostles’ Creed, this query provided a springboard into faith-filled wrestling.
We have many questions about our lives together right now. Worship, learning, and interaction patterns are still turned upside down because of our last thirteen months of COVID restrictions. Here are a few of the questions I hear most frequently with some answers.
What happened to 9:30 am worship?
The 9:30 am worship moment is on pause for now, as Pastor Alec and I help cover teaching moments during that time. Lord of Life hosts Learning Hour at 9:30 and, right now, we bounce back-and-forth between online junior high and Sunday school classes, assisting those who are leading, as well as taking our turns to teach. Do you want to be a part of Sunday morning learning for little ones or teens? Contact our Youth Ministry Area Coordinators, Lisa Bacu and Danielle Beneteau,
Why didn’t we pass the offering plate at Easter for in-person worship?
For the foreseeable future, the less contact we share, the better for our well-being, so we will not be passing the offering plate. If you are worshiping in person, you can drop your offering in the designated container at the welcome table or give electronically online, mail in a check, or drop your offering off in the church office. Thank you for your continued generosity and help to fuel ministry.
Do we still commune ourselves?
We celebrate Holy Communion each week, whether we worship in person or online. While we prefer to gather around the altar in a shared space for the Lord’s Supper, we believe that Jesus is present as we eat and drink, drawing us closer to God and into a deeper relationship with one another. For in-person worship, you may use the wafer and juice provided, or bring your own communion elements (bread and wine, cracker and grape juice, other).
How long will online worship continue?
Online worship is now part of our rhythm and will be offered for each worship moment, as well as some other events. (Be sure to watch our Theology For Today discussion panel at 9:30 am, this Sunday.) As a side note, online worship is not virtual worship. Online worship is actual worship, whether watched live-streamed or recorded at a later date. We trust that the Spirit of God shows up each time we gather and our prayer, reflection, and praise is a celebration of our love and adoration. Yes, it is different than what we’ve been used to in the past, but we give thanks for the many ways that God gathers, speaks, feeds, and sends us in this new era.
There are still many questions for which we don’t have answers: “When will we worship together in the sanctuary again?” “When will we break ground for the new multipurpose community space?” “When will the Share the Light project be complete?” “When is our next rummage sale?” For these – and so many more questions – we don’t have answers, yet. We will keep you posted as plans develop.
Thank you for your faithful flexibility during this unusual season of life and ministry. Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement in the ministry to which God calls us at Lord of Life. It is such a joy to share this journey of faith with you as we live, share, and celebrate the unconditional love of the resurrected Jesus with all people!
Still seeking answers,
Pastor Lowell