In 1969 The Beatles released a song entitled Here Comes the Sun. The first verse begins “Little darling it's been a long cold lonely winter. Little darling it seems like years since it’s been here.” I think those lyrics reflect how many of us are feeling about Covid. But little by little, we see signs of hope. Case numbers continue to decline. Restrictions are being eased. People are returning to family gatherings, sporting events, travel and even church.
The thing that I've wondered about all through Covid is “how will we know?” The shutdown began in a moment. Decisions were made. Closures were announced. Virtually overnight, life as we knew It came to a screeching halt. But clearly the return would not happen overnight. It would be a gradual process. And, in truth, each of us must decide when we are ready to re-engage.
There are many ways to serve at Rock Church; hospitality, tech, children’s and student ministry, facilities team, care ministry and much more. Go to rock-church.org/serve for more information.
I ask this question particularly in regards to our faith life. An important aspect of being a Christ follower is community. That community can be created online. And during this past year we have worked hard to try to maintain Christian community digitally. But there is something about in-person community that is important. So I guess the question I would like each of us to ask is “Is it time?” Is it time to get back to in-person worship? Is it time to rediscover our places of serving Christ in ministry? Is it time to reconnect to an in-person life group?
For some of you, particularly those who are at higher risk because of underlying health concerns, the answer to that question may be “Not quite yet.” But for some of us, maybe it's time. With reasonable precautions, maybe it's time to come together once again as the family of God for in-person worship. Or for some, maybe we are not yet ready for that larger setting, but it's time to get back to in person lifegroups.
I realize that each of us must make our own decision based on our unique circumstances. But I would encourage us to think about, pray about, this question: is it time? For some, online worship is the right decision and we will continue to offer a great online service every week. For others, it's time to come back together in person. In whatever way God is leading, I look forward to us being together this weekend, in person or online at Rock Church.
Have a blessed week. Love One Another!
In Christ,
Pastor Steve