Hi, Friends,
I've been getting this question a lot lately. When will we get back together for worship? I know we are all grateful for the online presence, cards, letters, and phone calls, but there is nothing like in-person worship and fellowship. We miss the hugs, smiles, and the sharing in communion, gathering for Bible study, and lifting our voices together in song.
We went back to online worship on November 22, 2020, just as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays approached. We were anticipating the rise in Covid-19 cases as people gathered for the holidays. Sadly, as anticipated, we all watched as cases, hospitalizations, and deaths soared to unprecedented levels during this time. Many of you have dealt with, or are still dealing with, the impact of this surge. Your Church prays with you.
The good news is that we are seeing the beginnings of what we hope will be a significant drop in all of those same stats. Jefferson County is still definitely in the Red category, masks are still being mandated, and some new variants of the virus spread more easily, so we cannot let our guard down, but I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.
As vaccines become more readily available I encourage everyone that can to be vaccinated. My appointment for my first vaccine shot is today and I am so grateful.
What does this mean for worship? While I can't announce a certain date, I can say that we are moving in the right direction. The picture above indicates some of the hopes I have for us.
The ceramic vial is for ashes, the cross is made from Palms, and the communion cup focuses on the core of our faith which is the love of God expressed to us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These are symbols of Lent, which begins on February 17th with Ash Wednesday and takes us through to Easter on April 4th.
Expect a letter from me the second week of February with announcements of our Lent and Easter plans.
We have made it this far together. Let's hold on and play it safe for just a while longer so that as many as possible will be able to gather with us again in worship.
Stay safe and be in good health. I love you all. God is with us!
First United,
Pastor Tish
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
