“… I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

 (Ephesians 4:1-3)

I begin with an apology for my tardiness with this August newsletter.  In my defense, I actually HAD one for last Sunday, but it required a recall.  It was all about the impending restart of the six-week “Spiritual Gifts Class” that never reached week three due to the infamous “Ides of March,” 2020.

Why did I have to recall the August 1 newsletter?  Sadly, due to the rise in Covid cases.  Our elders met that morning before worship to discuss how God would have us respond to the enormous flare in the pandemic.  We have decided to return to more extreme social distancing practices:

†       Different family units are asked to remain at least six-feet apart,

†       We request masks be worn by all regardless of vaccination status,

†       Passing of the Peace will be in the form a hand wave from a distance,

†       Offering plates will return to the handrails by the exit doors,

†       Our choir will have another indefinite break,

†       Communion will be handed to you by masked, gloved elders, AND

†       Fellowship Opportunities and Christian Education Classes – including the Spiritual Gifts Class – will be put on hold … AGAIN!

By my emphasis on that final word of the list don’t hear me as questioning our elders.  I believe the decision to be a wise one.  It’s just that … well, it’s hard not to be discouraged, isn’t it?  I mean, we thought we were past all this!  Vaccines are readily available to all, and our congregation is between 85 and 90% vaccinated (If this seems low, remember that children under 12 are not eligible for vaccinations yet).  Now we have to wear masks again?!  AAAUUUGGGHHHH!

But we protect lives by doing so.  Remember the text above: “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”  By wearing masks and social distancing, we work toward fulfillment of that text.

AND, by the way, we are almost 1 ½ years into this pandemic!  I want you to know how proud of and grateful I am to you, my church family, because we have stayed together, and grown together, and encouraged each other, and not allowed each other to lose heart.  May it be so evermore!

Blessings!  Pastor Bill