March 5, 2021
Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
In just a week, we will pass the anniversary of the National Emergency declaration for COVID-19, the closing of public schools by emergency executive order by Governor Pritzker, and the recommendation of the Macon County Health Department to suspend in-person worship and offer on line services for the duration of the emergency. I remember this well, as we had a website that only posted the sermon, a You Tube channel, and only cursory experience with an application called Zoom. In looking at my first notice to the congregation, it was noted that the church would be closed until April 1. Hope and optimism reigned, expected a return as soon as Easter, or maybe until Memorial Day weekend.
We face the grim milestone of nearly 600,000 deaths from COVID-19, a number unheard of since the deadliest war in American history, the Civil War. Macon County has had 182 deaths, and approaching 10,000 cases. 2020 was the year without many events, postponed or cancelled. Our website was transformed in a weeks time, we expanded to include a video devotional, this e-note in addition to our e-newsletter, and getting the necessary software and equipment to broadcast online our worship services.
With masks, closures, and 6 feet always in mind, we waited as the initial wave of illness came through in mid summer, a second wave began in fall, and the worst third wave struck shortly before Thanksgiving through the new year holiday. The pharmaceutical industry went into research and development of a vaccine, giving us at least three effective ways to reduce dangerous cases and, as early studies are revealing, an effective barrier to stop transmission. While it has been difficult to obtain the necessary two doses for the first two, or the single dose just approved last week, several of our congregation's vulnerable population have completed or will complete their shot schedule. I know my name is on the list now, and I wait for contact and scheduling information.
We have lived through a world pandemic with its immeasurable suffering and toll on our lives, our living, and our understanding of strength, vulnerability, and more. Yet as followers of Jesus, even when our building was closed, even when our schedule became disrupted, we may have been anxious, but we were never without hope.
Last weekend we began our in-person service schedule of 5 pm Saturdays, 8 am Sundays & 9:30 am Sundays. I was unsure how our response would be. The Saturday service did not have any attendees, as I had expected, since it is a new day and time altogether. Our early morning 8 am Sunday service was fairly attended, with about half of the 9 am crowd present. Our 9:30 am Sunday service was the later other-half service.
The Sunday morning services also saw the return of Coffee and breakfast muffins to the Narthex. We will continue to serve these each week prior to service. My only request is that if you are planning to take your coffee into the sanctuary, you will use a lidded cup. Communion with our usual wafers and grape juice (rather than the individually wrapped units of tasteless, odorless, and obnoxious Styrofoam like bread) also returned.
Worship This Week: What's Wrong with Religion? The Answer for Negativity is Hope
Have you been around a negative person? No matter what good news you share, what celebration you had, they never share in the joy or believe anyone can find happiness in life. You only know what they are against: gambling, dancing, extending rights to people different than their own group or tribe, other religions, etc. Whether they are like Eeyore of the Winnie the Pooh stories, or a "Nelly Naysayer" at a meeting or a group, it is hard to find them saying anything good happening in the world.
Not that the world is all rainbows and sunshine. There is suffering and pain in it. There is sin in it. But a gift of the Holy Spirit is not discerning everything and everyone wrong in the world.
The good news reminds us that in times of despair and loss there is also still good in the world. Tragedies do happen, but they are more newsworthy because they occur so rarely. The world has experienced less violence than in most of recorded history. Good time gods and religions often run out on us when bad time circumstances appear near.
We are not called to accept fate or injustice as the way the world is supposed to work. Rather, we are to hold to hope. Death, in its many forms, is encountered. Evil still persists. But neither can stop hope. The heart of Christianity is resurrection in the midst of death and sin. When evil and sin is confronted by hope, it cannot last. Gratitude in all circumstances is a powerful way to confront negativity. What we think and believe becomes our future. If we see ourselves as a hammer, everything we touch becomes a nail. If we see hope, we cannot do anything but become it ourselves.
Join me in worship on our website, Facebook at 9:30 am, or in-person at 5 pm Saturday, 8 am Sunday, or 9:30 am Sunday.
Stewardship Update
Thank you for your pledge commitments for 2021! If you have not sent yours in, please do so by mail, by e-mail, and in-person during the week. Your generous support is greatly appreciated always.
WEEK OF COMPASSION UPDATE
Thank you for your generous support of Week of Compassion offering this past month! We have collected nearly $250.00 in contributions toward relief, refugee, and sustainability projects both within the United States and around the world. You may still send in your contribution by mail or in person. You can also contribute online.
CLASSES & GROUPS
STEPHEN MINISTRY With the Sunday worship schedule change, this group now meets at 11 am Sunday following 9:30 am worship. Each session will run about an hour and a half, and you are welcome to step in and check out a session. This 18 session course will be completed in July. Only those who complete the entire series become Stephen Ministers.
See you this weekend,
Blessings to you all,
