On Sunday,
we offered a live stream worship service that was intended to be done with no
persons in attendance - other than ten members from the choir and one or two
worship helpers (piano accompanist and sound person). We had twelve in attendance, but we had
another 74 watch the broadcast via the Boxcaster website, 20 on the First UMC
YouTube channel and 305 views on our FaceBook page. I received a number of texts from persons who
really appreciated the live stream service - I was grateful that we have the
ability to worship with others in their own home as an option during these days
when we are being strongly encouraged to sequester ourselves off from the world
in order to protect us from the spread of the coronavirus.
We did have
two persons who showed up – one was someone we just didn’t call to let them
know they should stay home and be safe. The
other was someone that I did not know – a stranger, just showed up on this random
Sunday. She sat in the back through the
entire service.
One of our
members talked with this person after worship.
She had decided that she needed to just go to church yesterday. She needed to be in a place of worship. She had a relative who had been a member of
First Church, so she chose this church to come to.
With everything that is going on in the world, her decision to seek a
word of comfort and hope means everything.
Her actions tell me this is what we are all searching for – a word of
comfort and hope in these chaotic days – these moments when the future really
seems clouded and the direction unclear.
I don’t
think it would be much of a stretch for us to see ourselves in a similar
position of not only this young woman, but of the
crippled woman in the story from today’s devotion. Unable to stand up straight, she cannot see
what’s in front of her. Unable to plan
only one step at a time. She cannot know
what the future holds.
Isn’t this
our story – right now? There are no accurate
predictions or estimates or projections on how long this pandemic situation
might last. I sometimes feel a bit downcast
with that awareness. Not because I’m
afraid or in fear for myself. I’m much more concerned for
others, for their well-being.
Yet,
knowing that Jesus will never be far from us, I know that we can look up. Because Jesus will never overlook us, I believe that we need
to look up.
Keep the
faith. Not sure when, but brighter days
are ahead. I just know it!
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