Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
What an important reminder for us now, in increasingly anxious and fearful days.
I trust you are aware of the ongoing threat of COVID-19, including the threat it poses to members of our population. There are certainly differences of opinion regarding the appropriate response to this threat. Some feel that this outbreak is similar to the flu, and that we should have faith over fear. Others are increasingly concerned by the perspective and guidelines from the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control. You may be aware that their updates yesterday include cancelling planned gatherings of over 250 people and, in smaller groups, practicing “social distancing” of at least 6 feet or more.
Which would be tough for us, wouldn’t it? We’re huggers!
Yesterday evening, Good Shepherd’s Session and Staff gathered for an emergency meeting to discuss our response to this crisis. (What an incredible leadership team we have!) We had, before us, a myriad of options. As we thought together about our worship schedule this Sunday, we did not want to be led by a spirit of fear (recalling God’s oft repeated command “Do not be afraid!”). At the same time, we take very seriously the call to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” As we prayed and discussed and discerned together, I believe the Lord began to move our perspectives into greater alignment. Only our God can do that. Only our God can move within us toward a spirit of unity and agreement. The world divides, God unites.
So, throughout March, we are not cancelling church, but we will not meet together in a worship gathering at 11600 Los Alamitos Blvd. (or on Tuesday nights for The Open Table.) I get tears in my eyes as I write that. I believe with all my heart that worshipping together (physically, in person, every week) should be one of the highest priorities of our lives. But “church” in the New Testament is never a place. Not once. It is always, and only, a people. And you are the church whether you are at 11600 Los Alamitos Blvd. or not.
And so, we will continue to be the church, wherever we are.
Here’s what that means for us:
First, we will upload and share, via e-mail, on Sunday at 10am, an opportunity to worship the Risen and Reigning Lord of the Sabbath from within our homes. If you’re receiving and reading this e-mail now, you will be able to do so. It will be simple to join in. And I hope you will avail yourself of the opportunity to do so.
Preparations for a thoughtful, meaningful, Biblical understanding of practicing Sabbath and creating margin in our lives has been prepared this week by one of the members of our Teaching Team. This message will change your life! The study guide is here.
We will miss being together in person. But don’t miss God's message to us this week. It will be God's Word for us.
And you can even worship in your pajamas! Talk about Sabbath!
Secondly, and just as important as the first: When the world is at its worst, the church of Jesus Christ is at its best. We are not only those who worship, looking UP. We are those who lean IN to community, and lead OUT in service. This has always been who the church is.
In his book on the rise of Christianity, Rodney Stark comments about how the early Christians never ran from epidemics, but instead ran toward them. He puts it this way: “Thus, at a time when all other faiths were called to question, Christianity offered explanation and comfort. Even more important, Christian doctrine provided a prescription for action. That is, the Christian way appeared to work."
Recognizing the increased vulnerability for mature members of our congregation during this anxious time, younger members have already begun contacting me, offering to serve others. (Again, tears in my eyes.) So, if you have any needs please click gdshp.ch/3aUzZLr to share how other members of Christ’s body can serve you during this anxious season.
We find ourselves here, in the season of Lent, trying to rest, trying to remember the Israelites 40 years in the wilderness and Jesus' 40 days in the desert. But, always, without fail, may we remember that it is darkest before the dawn. That we have to go through Friday before getting to Sunday. And, perhaps most importantly, that God is with us in the darkness, throughout Friday, and that He, and He alone, is pointing us toward Sunday.
While I won't see you Sunday, I will be with you, through the power and the presence of God's Holy Spirit, which binds all of God's people together. Grace and Peace be with you.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4.6-7
