At the same time, we are considering what new ministry we are being called to take up in light of our mission and the current situation - not simply within this church, but with our neighbors in the Lehigh Valley. The Board of Deacons, for example, is working on possibilities for us to reach out in loving service to those who are engaged in social distancing and/or self-quarantine.
We want to ensure that they not only have adequate food and supplies and also continue to be in emotional and spiritual community with others. We will have more to say about that and how you can help, as plans unfold. And if you have decided to self-quarantine, please notify Pastor Sue Bennetch (
sbennetch@fpc-bethlehem.org
) so we can stay in touch with you.
With all this in mind, I want to conclude with a theological reflection. In just a few weeks, we will observe Maundy Thursday, the day on which Jesus gave a “new commandment” to his disciples on their last night together before his arrest. The word “Maundy” comes from Latin for “mandate,” or commandment.
After the Last Supper, Jesus told his disciples, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
In saying this, Jesus called his disciples to a literal Christ-like love: “
just
as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” That is our calling and our blessing, in these days just as in any other day.
The actions the Session has taken so far, in terms of what we are maintaining and stopping and starting, are all designed to fulfill that mandate in light of current events. How we do that will probably continue to change as events do, but loving one another, especially those who are most vulnerable in our congregation and our community, will remain our constant purpose and focus, as we continue to pray and live the words of the classic hymn: “God of grace, and God of glory…grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour…for the living of these days…lest we miss your kingdom’s goal…serving you whom we adore.”
Grace and Peace,
JC