News is changing daily – sometimes hourly – and staying up-to-date with developments can fill an evening before you realize how much time has passed. So much of our regular routine has been upset (work, school, entertainment, shopping, and church) that to feel “unsettled” is an understatement. These are difficult, wilderness times that challenge us to live in new ways. We need each others’ prayers.
We are grateful that the church is not a building, but a gathering of faithful people. You and I are the church. We are the church. And, with Christ, we will continue to be the church even as our daily routines unfold in completely different ways. We’ll learn a lot about ourselves, God, and one another in this time.
Along with the staff and a few others, we’ve been working on ways to be the church even when we can’t gather together with the regularity we’re used to. We’ve named five priorities for our congregation as we make our way through this health crisis. Let me tell you a bit about them, and how they’ll help organize our ministry in the weeks and, quite possibly, months ahead:
1 .Emotional, Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Health
COVID-19 is a serious matter, and its effect on our global neighborhood has been painful. In the United States, we might very well face challenges in the next weeks that will challenge our whole selves: heart, soul, mind, and strength. A top priority of our congregation, as we care for one another, is to support health and wholeness. It’s for this reason that we’ve suspended in-person activities, and for this reason that I encourage you to observe the recommendations given by the authorities. Practice social distancing, wash your hands, and stay home if you are experiencing symptoms. Be mindful of high-risk individuals. Even though you think you may manage if you contract COVID-19, those who catch it from you may not.
2. Relationship and Connection
The isolation that comes from social distancing can be a real threat. Many of us depend on our connections with others for our own health and wellness. Indeed, the fact that we are people of faith ties us to one another through Christ. That’s a deep connection. In these weeks, we’ll be calling on one another to help maintain our connection with one another, and to make sure that we all have what we need to manage this time. Please know: If you have a need that you cannot meet on your own, please reach out. Community was made for times like these. If you’d like to help reach out to your St. Stephen neighbors, please respond to this email and I’ll help you with next steps.
3. Worship and Prayer
We are the church because we gather around the word of God and live into the promises of the sacraments – Holy Communion and Baptism – with each new day. A primary way that we do this is through worship, and though we cannot gather in person, we will continue to gather with the help of technology. Each Sunday at 10 a.m. we’ll gather for “virtual worship.” You’ll find a link on the website, a post on Facebook, and we’re even working on the capacity to “call in” if you don’t have access to a computer. We’re working on a home devotional that you can refer to as a guide to your own faith life at home, and we’re also using Facebook as a way to encourage one another throughout the week. I’m praying on Facebook live each night after we get Olivia and Zoe down, and you’re welcome to join, usually about 7:45 p.m.. For the most up-to-date information, “Like” St. Stephen’s Facebook page (click here) and perhaps even consider starting a Facebook account – desperate times, after all - or check the website.
4. Responding to Community Needs
When Jesus describes what it’s like to live life in the context of the kingdom, he describes care for the “least of these”—those who are most in need and in most difficult circumstances. (See Matthew 25.) Even in times of great distress, the church throughout time has always cared for those in greatest need. This time is no different: school closures means kids miss a meal. Restaurant and service industry closures means that families go without a daily wage. People have already been laid off because of this pandemic, and need is great. If you become aware of an opportunity to serve the “least of these” in our community, contact Pastor Dan (dan@ststephenlutheran.org / 515-276-4628, “press 2”) so that we can mobilize as people of faith. Let us be encouraged, because God has called us.
5. Consistent Financial Support
You may have noticed that some churches can be cagey when it comes to asking for gifts and resources. When the world operates normally, this strategy seems to work alright. However, in times of great upset and need, it’s important to be direct. Even though we can’t gather as usual, it is critical we continue give to the congregation and continue with our intended giving. The ministries and staff that your gifts support creates the capacity that our congregation has for ministry. Our mission stretches past the span of time that COVID-19 will affect our day-to-day operations. Your gifts are an essential part of realizing the mission that God has prepared for our congregation. As awkward as it might be to make this plain, it is a necessity.
... and a quick theological word
God did not send COVID-19 to punish anyone for anything. Moreover, no demon, devil, or force of darkness has sent COVID-19 for any purpose, either. If you’ve been tempted by either of these thoughts, please write Romans 8:38 on your forehead: “Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation [sic: including viruses], will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The Good News of God is always true, and the love of Christ is always active. If someone needs to hear this, please tell them.
Let’s continue to keep communication lines open. We’ve never faced a wilderness like this, but even if we’re wandering for forty days or forty years, we can get some solace in knowing that God is in the wilderness with us. So serve God with gladness. Be of good courage. Hold fast to that which is good. Render no one evil for evil. Strengthen the fainthearted, support the weak, help the afflicted, and honor all people. Love and serve the Lord rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit, and may the blessing of Almighty God, Father, +Son, and Holy Spirit, look upon you with favor and give you peace.