Sometimes home feels a little weird
Reflecting on our first Sunday in the sanctuary
This weekend our congregation gathered in the sanctuary for the first time in three months. It was one of the strangest sensations I have had in a long time. It was wonderful to be back in the surroundings that have helped shaped the worship life of our congregation for nearly a century, but the fact of the matter is that everything has changed at least for a little while.
In order to assure the safety of all the participants, we had blocked off half of the pews. Masks and gloves were available. There was no public singing and communion was modified so that only deacons were reaching into the trays.
Facebook live streaming remained available for those who prefer to worship online. The virtual congregation is intentionally incorporated via discussion in the comments section. We continue to have as many people join us via technology as we do in person.
Wisdom for the moment from the book of Ruth
The text for this week was Ruth 1-2. Part of the reason that I focused on that text is that sometimes when we go back home things are not the way we remember. Even when things are different and there really seems to be no way forward, the story of Ruth reminds us that God is still at work and that a redeemer is available. This seemed to be a critical bit of advice in a moment when nothing makes sense and the situation we left behind seems to be gone forever.
Being back in worship in the sanctuary was bittersweet. It was wonderful to get a chance to see everyone, but the fact so much has changed left me feeling a little bit unsettled. Even though I understand the reasons these changes needed to be made, I am not happy about having to make our congregation’s physical home temporarily a little less welcoming.
We tried to lighten the mood a little bit with some signs scattered around the sanctuary marking off the pews. Everyone rolled with the awkwardness of the situation, but we are all looking forward to the day when we can be fully back together with no restrictions. What a weird time in which to be the church.
