Part of the problem or part of the solution . . .
Any honest assessment of the landscape of our country leads us to understand that we are once again torn by the existence and perpetuation of injustice, inequality and racism. I am admittedly no expert in any of these issues. But it is time for all Christians to actively stand against inequality, injustice, and racism in our communities. These are huge issues and huge problems. I am not one to say that I have the solution for the problems that exist. Nevertheless, we can all be part of the solution. I want to encourage each of you to decide to be a part of the solution. Do your own self-evaluation and determine what racial tendencies that you hide unconsciously or express overtly. Become more self-aware of those, if you struggle to see those then ask others to help you see the areas that you are blind to. Covenant to weed out those places in your own heart. And seek to actively become part of the solution. When racism and Injustice exist in our world there is no being neutral or standing on the sidelines. If we are not actively engaging in being part of the solution, then we are by default becoming part of the problem. As Christians we must realize and actively represent that we are all God's children. God made us each and every one. We are all loved by our creator without prejudice or favoritism. And as Christians we must reflect the love of our creator and acknowledge that we are all created in His image. Our diversity does not need to be a cause of fear but a reason for celebration, because it is through our diversity that we are able to more fully realize what it means for us to become the beautiful body of Christ.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Jeff
Any honest assessment of the landscape of our country leads us to understand that we are once again torn by the existence and perpetuation of injustice, inequality and racism. I am admittedly no expert in any of these issues. But it is time for all Christians to actively stand against inequality, injustice, and racism in our communities. These are huge issues and huge problems. I am not one to say that I have the solution for the problems that exist. Nevertheless, we can all be part of the solution. I want to encourage each of you to decide to be a part of the solution. Do your own self-evaluation and determine what racial tendencies that you hide unconsciously or express overtly. Become more self-aware of those, if you struggle to see those then ask others to help you see the areas that you are blind to. Covenant to weed out those places in your own heart. And seek to actively become part of the solution. When racism and Injustice exist in our world there is no being neutral or standing on the sidelines. If we are not actively engaging in being part of the solution, then we are by default becoming part of the problem. As Christians we must realize and actively represent that we are all God's children. God made us each and every one. We are all loved by our creator without prejudice or favoritism. And as Christians we must reflect the love of our creator and acknowledge that we are all created in His image. Our diversity does not need to be a cause of fear but a reason for celebration, because it is through our diversity that we are able to more fully realize what it means for us to become the beautiful body of Christ.
Prayerfully,
Pastor Jeff
Loss and Grief . . . how to be a friend
Recently, there have been several families within our extended faith community that have suffered from the grief/loss that death creates. I wanted to take a few moments and provide some perspective on how to care for those grieving specifically from the effects of death.
When seeking to help people who have experienced a family death or the death of a close friend, we often do not know the best way to respond or become nervous or apprehensive about being able to respond. My goal with this brief blog is to help provide a framework for being the presence of Christ to those wrestling with grief.
The very first thing that we should do as Christians is validate the grief that the other person is experiencing. They are dealing with the feelings of loss and grief and mourning and sadness all for very valid and legitimate reasons. In many cases they have just experienced a devastating heart break. Those feelings need to be validated. It is fitting and right for them to feel any of those emotions if it does not lead to harming themselves or someone else.
One of the worst things that anyone can do to someone grieving is invalidate their feelings. Many times, Christians do this without knowing or understanding what they are doing. These invalidations often come in the form of colloquialisms like, “God just needed another angel in heaven,” or “It was just God‘s plan.” Death may very well be a part of God’s larger plan; however, the acute time of grieving is not the appropriate time to remind a person of God’s greater plan.
Instead, it is a time. just to be with the person. Which brings me to my second point. If you do not know what to say to a grieving person, it is often better to say nothing at all than to inadvertently say something harmful. Just simply be with the person. Some suggestions as to what to say if you are nervous are, “I’m glad to see you,” or “I can’t imagine what you’re feeling right now but I’m here for you.” Also please avoid comparisons like, “I know what it was like when my (Mom/Bother/Uncle) died.” Just because you know what it was like for you does not mean that you know what it is like for the other person. So just simply be still and listen, and most often they will share as they are comfortable in doing so.
Which brings me to my final point in trying to help us all deal with grief more appropriately. Listen without needing to fix. The person’s loved one has just died and there is absolutely nothing that you can do to fix the problem. Simply be present, and in so doing . . . be the Presence of Christ.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Jeff
Recently, there have been several families within our extended faith community that have suffered from the grief/loss that death creates. I wanted to take a few moments and provide some perspective on how to care for those grieving specifically from the effects of death.
When seeking to help people who have experienced a family death or the death of a close friend, we often do not know the best way to respond or become nervous or apprehensive about being able to respond. My goal with this brief blog is to help provide a framework for being the presence of Christ to those wrestling with grief.
The very first thing that we should do as Christians is validate the grief that the other person is experiencing. They are dealing with the feelings of loss and grief and mourning and sadness all for very valid and legitimate reasons. In many cases they have just experienced a devastating heart break. Those feelings need to be validated. It is fitting and right for them to feel any of those emotions if it does not lead to harming themselves or someone else.
One of the worst things that anyone can do to someone grieving is invalidate their feelings. Many times, Christians do this without knowing or understanding what they are doing. These invalidations often come in the form of colloquialisms like, “God just needed another angel in heaven,” or “It was just God‘s plan.” Death may very well be a part of God’s larger plan; however, the acute time of grieving is not the appropriate time to remind a person of God’s greater plan.
Instead, it is a time. just to be with the person. Which brings me to my second point. If you do not know what to say to a grieving person, it is often better to say nothing at all than to inadvertently say something harmful. Just simply be with the person. Some suggestions as to what to say if you are nervous are, “I’m glad to see you,” or “I can’t imagine what you’re feeling right now but I’m here for you.” Also please avoid comparisons like, “I know what it was like when my (Mom/Bother/Uncle) died.” Just because you know what it was like for you does not mean that you know what it is like for the other person. So just simply be still and listen, and most often they will share as they are comfortable in doing so.
Which brings me to my final point in trying to help us all deal with grief more appropriately. Listen without needing to fix. The person’s loved one has just died and there is absolutely nothing that you can do to fix the problem. Simply be present, and in so doing . . . be the Presence of Christ.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Jeff
Is “Spiritual Distancing” getting to you, too?
“All’s fair in love and war”, or so the saying goes; but don’t we all know that it’s not true . . . at least for the more civil among us. It does; however, illustrate the point that when faced with explaining or defending our feelings and actions we all too often rely on the simplistic cliché. Pandemics, nonetheless, are neither simple nor cliché and I find that I am almost juxtaposed to myself as I view and experience Covid-19 from the view-points of both a Hospice Chaplain – a health care worker only slightly removed from the front-lines – and that of a Pastor experiencing the spiritual isolation brought on by the requisite “social distancing”.
I’ve heard most of the arguments for churches staying closed as well as those in favor of resuming gathered worship and, frankly, most of the arguments on both sides are well reasoned and easily supported and, in spite of the quandary in which I find myself, I can respect almost all of the arguments on both sides.
Unfortunately, the Bible does not specifically address how to deal with a pandemic. None of the 613 laws found within scripture addresses this issue. We do not have any, “Thou shall wear a face covering”. Or, “Thou shall wash your hands with warm water for 20 seconds every 30 minutes.” It would be nice if God had issued a “just in case” 11th commandment to Moses on Mt. Sinai that said, “Thou shall not catch a pandemic virus.” Then all we would have to do would be simply just not break that commandment.
Are there risks in returning to gathered church worship? The simple answer is “yes.” Are the risks any greater than going to the grocery store, or the beach or resuming visits with your health care provider? Probably not. We all must continue to be diligent in exercising safety precautions and use good judgement; use the brains God gives us.
Further, as your pastor, I must also consider the risks of us continuing to worship in Diaspora. In my humble opinion, we can no longer risk the spiritual isolation that this pandemic has started – the slow atrophy of our God breathed spiritual life and the sharpening that occurs through fellowship. I think that small churches are uniquely able to be the front runners in being able to reassemble – while using all available safety measures and precautions.
We need each other and we cannot worship or be the most profound example of the Body of Christ without each other. Zoom and other technology platforms have served their roles and will continue to do so for those who cannot yet return to services safely. We need to return to the gathered church and do so in the safest possible way. Know that as we plan our return to gathered worship on May 24th we do not do so haphazardly. We return to gathered worship while taking every possible safety precaution available to us. Your physical safety and your spiritual well-being are both our greatest concerns. We look forward to seeing each other on the 24th, in person or online.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeff
“All’s fair in love and war”, or so the saying goes; but don’t we all know that it’s not true . . . at least for the more civil among us. It does; however, illustrate the point that when faced with explaining or defending our feelings and actions we all too often rely on the simplistic cliché. Pandemics, nonetheless, are neither simple nor cliché and I find that I am almost juxtaposed to myself as I view and experience Covid-19 from the view-points of both a Hospice Chaplain – a health care worker only slightly removed from the front-lines – and that of a Pastor experiencing the spiritual isolation brought on by the requisite “social distancing”.
I’ve heard most of the arguments for churches staying closed as well as those in favor of resuming gathered worship and, frankly, most of the arguments on both sides are well reasoned and easily supported and, in spite of the quandary in which I find myself, I can respect almost all of the arguments on both sides.
Unfortunately, the Bible does not specifically address how to deal with a pandemic. None of the 613 laws found within scripture addresses this issue. We do not have any, “Thou shall wear a face covering”. Or, “Thou shall wash your hands with warm water for 20 seconds every 30 minutes.” It would be nice if God had issued a “just in case” 11th commandment to Moses on Mt. Sinai that said, “Thou shall not catch a pandemic virus.” Then all we would have to do would be simply just not break that commandment.
Are there risks in returning to gathered church worship? The simple answer is “yes.” Are the risks any greater than going to the grocery store, or the beach or resuming visits with your health care provider? Probably not. We all must continue to be diligent in exercising safety precautions and use good judgement; use the brains God gives us.
Further, as your pastor, I must also consider the risks of us continuing to worship in Diaspora. In my humble opinion, we can no longer risk the spiritual isolation that this pandemic has started – the slow atrophy of our God breathed spiritual life and the sharpening that occurs through fellowship. I think that small churches are uniquely able to be the front runners in being able to reassemble – while using all available safety measures and precautions.
We need each other and we cannot worship or be the most profound example of the Body of Christ without each other. Zoom and other technology platforms have served their roles and will continue to do so for those who cannot yet return to services safely. We need to return to the gathered church and do so in the safest possible way. Know that as we plan our return to gathered worship on May 24th we do not do so haphazardly. We return to gathered worship while taking every possible safety precaution available to us. Your physical safety and your spiritual well-being are both our greatest concerns. We look forward to seeing each other on the 24th, in person or online.
Blessings,
Pastor Jeff
Moms, Moments and Memories . . .
You’re all familiar with the joke . . . Three days each year all churches are “CME” Churches, because we tend to have higher attendance on Christmas, Mother’s Day and Easter. Be that as it may, Mother’s Day probably elicits a wider variety of emotions and memories than do the others.
For me, Mother’s Day is a bitter-sweet day. The Thursday before Mother’s Day in 2009, my mother was diagnosed with what would become terminal cancer. While you may think you have the “best mom in the world”, I’m pretty sure that title belongs to mine. Life, indeed, goes on and since her death, I have been “adopted” as an adult by my wonderful stepmother who, in turn, has been adopted by us as our “Meme”. Consequently, I have many “phases” of Mother’s Day to celebrate, and I find that even now, over a decade later, especially on days like this, mom is intensely missed.
Some share stories similar to mine, others never had the opportunity to know or enjoy life with their mom, and still others may have experienced an adversarial relationship with their mother. Nevertheless; it’s ok that Mother’s Day stimulates such a wide array of emotions and memories; after all, we each approach this special day from every conceivable angle and at different seasons of our and our mother’s lives and “celebration” may not always be part of the equation at that particular moment.
One of my favorite experiences from Mother’s Day this year was taking my daughters shopping for gifts for their mom. They thought she needed everything from a swimming pool to stuffed teddy bears . . . neither of which did she get, yet her goodie bag turned out quite well, all things considered. Really, my favorite part of Mother’s Day this year was watching my daughters deliver their mom’s gift bag. I’m quite sure you can easily imagine the scene as they proceeded to open it for her, showing her everything they had picked out - while retelling every detail of the shopping experience - then the best part of all - “Momma, will you open your candy, we would like to try it.” To see the sweet interactions between Momma and daughters is an enduring and heartwarming gift, the image of which is forever etched on the heart.
So, what is the point of all these ramblings about Mother’s Day? Mother’s Day looks and feels different for each of us and, indeed, changes over time. Nevertheless; there is no single person capable of making a bigger impact on a child’s life than their mother. May we all make the most of and cherish the gifts God gives to us, in whatever form they may come.
To quote a legend . . . “Call your Momma. I wish I could call mine."
Pastor Jeff
You’re all familiar with the joke . . . Three days each year all churches are “CME” Churches, because we tend to have higher attendance on Christmas, Mother’s Day and Easter. Be that as it may, Mother’s Day probably elicits a wider variety of emotions and memories than do the others.
For me, Mother’s Day is a bitter-sweet day. The Thursday before Mother’s Day in 2009, my mother was diagnosed with what would become terminal cancer. While you may think you have the “best mom in the world”, I’m pretty sure that title belongs to mine. Life, indeed, goes on and since her death, I have been “adopted” as an adult by my wonderful stepmother who, in turn, has been adopted by us as our “Meme”. Consequently, I have many “phases” of Mother’s Day to celebrate, and I find that even now, over a decade later, especially on days like this, mom is intensely missed.
Some share stories similar to mine, others never had the opportunity to know or enjoy life with their mom, and still others may have experienced an adversarial relationship with their mother. Nevertheless; it’s ok that Mother’s Day stimulates such a wide array of emotions and memories; after all, we each approach this special day from every conceivable angle and at different seasons of our and our mother’s lives and “celebration” may not always be part of the equation at that particular moment.
One of my favorite experiences from Mother’s Day this year was taking my daughters shopping for gifts for their mom. They thought she needed everything from a swimming pool to stuffed teddy bears . . . neither of which did she get, yet her goodie bag turned out quite well, all things considered. Really, my favorite part of Mother’s Day this year was watching my daughters deliver their mom’s gift bag. I’m quite sure you can easily imagine the scene as they proceeded to open it for her, showing her everything they had picked out - while retelling every detail of the shopping experience - then the best part of all - “Momma, will you open your candy, we would like to try it.” To see the sweet interactions between Momma and daughters is an enduring and heartwarming gift, the image of which is forever etched on the heart.
So, what is the point of all these ramblings about Mother’s Day? Mother’s Day looks and feels different for each of us and, indeed, changes over time. Nevertheless; there is no single person capable of making a bigger impact on a child’s life than their mother. May we all make the most of and cherish the gifts God gives to us, in whatever form they may come.
To quote a legend . . . “Call your Momma. I wish I could call mine."
Pastor Jeff
A Better Normal . . .
The gears of restoring normality began to slowly grind forward yesterday, as Governor Ivey began the process of re-opening the State of Alabama.
Experts say that COVID-19 will be around for some indefinite time and possibly have a resurgence in the fall and winter. All the while, researchers and other experts tirelessly work towards better treatments and prevention options, including accelerated human vaccine trials.
Nevertheless; I wonder, “Will things return to normal after all of this is said and done? Is normal something we really want?” Certainly, I hope we are able to live in a world climate in which we experience less fear, anxiety, worry and concern. I also can’t help but wonder whether all of this “crisis” will effectively be treated as just another “inconvenience”, with no lessons learned.
As Christians, we yearn to be able to return to worship and return to church with a closer fellowship. We desire to be able to worship where we can do more than elbow bump, air hug, and wave. We want to be able to embrace each other and the needs of the world as well as the needs of fellow members of our community in a loving way that conveys the compassion and grace of Christ.
Normal for us as Christians isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. Too often, we get in a rut, doing things the way they have always been done. Some have even suggested that the “famous last words” of the church may well be, “We’ve never done it that way before.” How, then, as a Christian community, do we embrace a better normal in the way in which we show and share the love of Christ in meaningful and hopeful ways?
The world didn’t suddenly become in need of Christ because of a pandemic. The world has always been in need of Christ and God’s love and grace. However, the church has not always done a great job of reflecting that love. Perhaps the better normal can look more cooperative. Perhaps the better normal might look like churches working together and embracing their shared virtues and values in preference to the smaller, less significant, beliefs and doctrines that often lead to division rather than co-operation.
By my own estimation (and I could be incorrect) we are probably a month away from Governor Ivey fully reopening the State of Alabama and everything “going back to normal.“ Perhaps, our better normal is a time in which we can allow petty differences to go by the wayside and we can allow our shared communion in Christ to be more important. The world does in fact need us displaying the Presence of Christ, now more than ever. Perhaps, in this better normal there’s a time for us to actually be the church that Christ has called us to be . . . not Christians who try to prove to other Christians that we are more correct, or have a better interpretation, or can quote more scripture.
Perhaps, this is a time for us to quit bragging about all the things that we do and just simply be the Presence of Christ in tangible and concrete ways precisely where we are. My best guess is that if every Christian would just simply be the Presence of Christ in little ways - where they are - then it would be the biggest change, the biggest show of God’s love, that the world has ever seen. Perhaps Saint Francis of Assisi had it right when he said (or, is attributed to have said), “Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere you go, and when necessary, use words.”
Anticipating God's Grace,
Pastor Jeff
The gears of restoring normality began to slowly grind forward yesterday, as Governor Ivey began the process of re-opening the State of Alabama.
Experts say that COVID-19 will be around for some indefinite time and possibly have a resurgence in the fall and winter. All the while, researchers and other experts tirelessly work towards better treatments and prevention options, including accelerated human vaccine trials.
Nevertheless; I wonder, “Will things return to normal after all of this is said and done? Is normal something we really want?” Certainly, I hope we are able to live in a world climate in which we experience less fear, anxiety, worry and concern. I also can’t help but wonder whether all of this “crisis” will effectively be treated as just another “inconvenience”, with no lessons learned.
As Christians, we yearn to be able to return to worship and return to church with a closer fellowship. We desire to be able to worship where we can do more than elbow bump, air hug, and wave. We want to be able to embrace each other and the needs of the world as well as the needs of fellow members of our community in a loving way that conveys the compassion and grace of Christ.
Normal for us as Christians isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. Too often, we get in a rut, doing things the way they have always been done. Some have even suggested that the “famous last words” of the church may well be, “We’ve never done it that way before.” How, then, as a Christian community, do we embrace a better normal in the way in which we show and share the love of Christ in meaningful and hopeful ways?
The world didn’t suddenly become in need of Christ because of a pandemic. The world has always been in need of Christ and God’s love and grace. However, the church has not always done a great job of reflecting that love. Perhaps the better normal can look more cooperative. Perhaps the better normal might look like churches working together and embracing their shared virtues and values in preference to the smaller, less significant, beliefs and doctrines that often lead to division rather than co-operation.
By my own estimation (and I could be incorrect) we are probably a month away from Governor Ivey fully reopening the State of Alabama and everything “going back to normal.“ Perhaps, our better normal is a time in which we can allow petty differences to go by the wayside and we can allow our shared communion in Christ to be more important. The world does in fact need us displaying the Presence of Christ, now more than ever. Perhaps, in this better normal there’s a time for us to actually be the church that Christ has called us to be . . . not Christians who try to prove to other Christians that we are more correct, or have a better interpretation, or can quote more scripture.
Perhaps, this is a time for us to quit bragging about all the things that we do and just simply be the Presence of Christ in tangible and concrete ways precisely where we are. My best guess is that if every Christian would just simply be the Presence of Christ in little ways - where they are - then it would be the biggest change, the biggest show of God’s love, that the world has ever seen. Perhaps Saint Francis of Assisi had it right when he said (or, is attributed to have said), “Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere you go, and when necessary, use words.”
Anticipating God's Grace,
Pastor Jeff
God vs. Chaos . . . guess who wins . . .
It was precisely 7:27 (or thereabout) on Sunday morning, when I realized that my very particular, proactive plans had been preempted by a persistent and all too familiar new plot—chaotic, uncharted change. Unbelievably, an unforeseen, albeit slow, leak had breached the lining of my blow up baptistry. Some quick thinking coupled with the utilization of garage resources bought enough time to conduct the service and celebrate the baptism of young life that has committed to following Jesus.
During these recent weeks, we are all learning new aspects of change and “not being in control.” However, I also hope that we, as a people of God, are learning is that even in our times of “not being in control” (not that we are ever in control or ever have control) there are also many things to celebrate.
On Sunday, I had the privilege to baptize my oldest child...
in my garage
in barely heated water
in a blowup (leaky) baptistry (i.e. borrowed kids swimming pool).
The situation was less than ideal or perfect; yet, it was beautiful and one of the greatest honors of my life. I am reminded that Philip’s baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch was spontaneous and unplanned; and yet, it was exactly as it was supposed to be. Life is messy and, for the most part, outside of our control; but, though the Grace of God we can celebrate all of these messy moments for what they are. These are moments that are ripe with opportunity to draw us closer to our loving God who remains in control in the midst of this chaos that we experience as life.
May your chaos shower you with blessings,
Pastor Jeff
It was precisely 7:27 (or thereabout) on Sunday morning, when I realized that my very particular, proactive plans had been preempted by a persistent and all too familiar new plot—chaotic, uncharted change. Unbelievably, an unforeseen, albeit slow, leak had breached the lining of my blow up baptistry. Some quick thinking coupled with the utilization of garage resources bought enough time to conduct the service and celebrate the baptism of young life that has committed to following Jesus.
During these recent weeks, we are all learning new aspects of change and “not being in control.” However, I also hope that we, as a people of God, are learning is that even in our times of “not being in control” (not that we are ever in control or ever have control) there are also many things to celebrate.
On Sunday, I had the privilege to baptize my oldest child...
in my garage
in barely heated water
in a blowup (leaky) baptistry (i.e. borrowed kids swimming pool).
The situation was less than ideal or perfect; yet, it was beautiful and one of the greatest honors of my life. I am reminded that Philip’s baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch was spontaneous and unplanned; and yet, it was exactly as it was supposed to be. Life is messy and, for the most part, outside of our control; but, though the Grace of God we can celebrate all of these messy moments for what they are. These are moments that are ripe with opportunity to draw us closer to our loving God who remains in control in the midst of this chaos that we experience as life.
May your chaos shower you with blessings,
Pastor Jeff
Reflections for Good Friday . . .
“‘Normal’ will look completely different when this is all over,” was a headline from a major news article this week. This same headline just as easily could have been a prophetic statement made by one of the disciples at the Last Supper. The disciples gathered with Jesus to share, what they expected to be a fairly ordinary supper on the night that their world would be turned upside down—never to return to normal.
The Good Friday Service is typically a solemn time of repentance and reflection. Good Friday serves as a reminder of Christ’s willing sacrifice and death for our sins. We are called to evaluate ourselves and determine if we are in alignment with Christ’s journey and desires for our lives.
Not to remove the solemnness or needed reflection from Good Friday, but “normal looking completely different for the disciples” ended up working out pretty well for them (and for us) in the long run. We know the rest of the Easter Story. Friday was not the end (and neither will this virus be the end).
One small tidbit that I have learned in life is that there is no such thing as normal. For me, “normal looking completely different when this is all over” is not a point of fear. COVID-19 will change all of our lives in lesser to greater ways, but it does not get to define normal. Even without an overarching worldwide pandemic, an honest assessment would reveal that in most of the times that we have felt normal, that’s just about the time when God springs a surprising change.
Nothing was normal about the Last Supper, Jesus’ trial, or his sacrifice. Yet, this abnormality of God’s love being shared with the world became its own pandemic. Let’s face it, normal is overrated. On this Good Friday, perhaps the pandemic of God’s love could be revived, and thus ensure that normal looks completely different when this is all over.
Blessings
Pastor Jeff
“‘Normal’ will look completely different when this is all over,” was a headline from a major news article this week. This same headline just as easily could have been a prophetic statement made by one of the disciples at the Last Supper. The disciples gathered with Jesus to share, what they expected to be a fairly ordinary supper on the night that their world would be turned upside down—never to return to normal.
The Good Friday Service is typically a solemn time of repentance and reflection. Good Friday serves as a reminder of Christ’s willing sacrifice and death for our sins. We are called to evaluate ourselves and determine if we are in alignment with Christ’s journey and desires for our lives.
Not to remove the solemnness or needed reflection from Good Friday, but “normal looking completely different for the disciples” ended up working out pretty well for them (and for us) in the long run. We know the rest of the Easter Story. Friday was not the end (and neither will this virus be the end).
One small tidbit that I have learned in life is that there is no such thing as normal. For me, “normal looking completely different when this is all over” is not a point of fear. COVID-19 will change all of our lives in lesser to greater ways, but it does not get to define normal. Even without an overarching worldwide pandemic, an honest assessment would reveal that in most of the times that we have felt normal, that’s just about the time when God springs a surprising change.
Nothing was normal about the Last Supper, Jesus’ trial, or his sacrifice. Yet, this abnormality of God’s love being shared with the world became its own pandemic. Let’s face it, normal is overrated. On this Good Friday, perhaps the pandemic of God’s love could be revived, and thus ensure that normal looks completely different when this is all over.
Blessings
Pastor Jeff
From Pastor Jeff . . .
In light of everything that has happened recently in life and in our changing world (not to mention our new church diaspora), I have been encouraged to begin a blog to be posted on our church website. I will attempt to offer these posts weekly. My humble offering this week is twofold. First, I want to enlist your help in naming this blog. Please email or text me your submissions. Some possible titles to get your creative brains going:
Pastor Ponderings
Short Supplications
Reverent Reflections
Secondly, I want to offer a thought on the current COVID-19 pandemic and it’s effect on church community. I am finding that one of my most disliked words these days is “uncharted.” Yes, these days living with and surviving the COVID-19 virus are uncharted and unprecedented. However, the path that many people are walking in these uncharted times is taking them down a path of fear. (I continue to stress the importance of using the good sense that God gave you and use all prescribed precautions.)
However, when Christopher Columbus set out to discover a faster route to the Indies, the route was uncharted. When the Hebrews set out to discover the Promised Land, the route was uncharted. When Lewis and Clark set out to discover the western portion of America, the route was uncharted. I would argue that in each of these examples the people discovered people, places, and things that they did not expect to find (and sometimes did not find what was expected).
Instead of viewing these challenging times though a lens of fear, look at these uncharted times as an opportunity for discovery — and you may be very surprised by the epiphanies that God reveals.
Pastor Jeff
In light of everything that has happened recently in life and in our changing world (not to mention our new church diaspora), I have been encouraged to begin a blog to be posted on our church website. I will attempt to offer these posts weekly. My humble offering this week is twofold. First, I want to enlist your help in naming this blog. Please email or text me your submissions. Some possible titles to get your creative brains going:
Pastor Ponderings
Short Supplications
Reverent Reflections
Secondly, I want to offer a thought on the current COVID-19 pandemic and it’s effect on church community. I am finding that one of my most disliked words these days is “uncharted.” Yes, these days living with and surviving the COVID-19 virus are uncharted and unprecedented. However, the path that many people are walking in these uncharted times is taking them down a path of fear. (I continue to stress the importance of using the good sense that God gave you and use all prescribed precautions.)
However, when Christopher Columbus set out to discover a faster route to the Indies, the route was uncharted. When the Hebrews set out to discover the Promised Land, the route was uncharted. When Lewis and Clark set out to discover the western portion of America, the route was uncharted. I would argue that in each of these examples the people discovered people, places, and things that they did not expect to find (and sometimes did not find what was expected).
Instead of viewing these challenging times though a lens of fear, look at these uncharted times as an opportunity for discovery — and you may be very surprised by the epiphanies that God reveals.
Pastor Jeff