Not gathering in this time is a display of love, and life giving to our community.
Not gathering in this time is a display of love, and life giving to our community.
It is difficult not to gather for worship and share communion as we normally do. It is where we find our meaning to be in physical proximity and contact as the Body of Christ. I acknowledge this reality, and I wish I could make COVID-19 go away. The reality we live in right now is that the most dangerous thing we can do is gather. It is destructive to the Body of Christ, harmful to our church community and the wider community. It is a worldwide pandemic, no one's life is unaffected.
Some have expressed resistance to the "powers that be" advising we not gather for worship. Some have even framed it, sometimes playfully, as being an act of civil disobedience to gather and worship against the advice of governmental and medical advisors. It came up at our Diocesan Executive Board, and I shared my perspective, and want to share it here in writing.
There are certainly times for civil disobedience. It is a powerful tool for us as citizens and as Christians to fight against oppressive powers. In this instance, though, the restrictions given against public gatherings, the orders to shelter in place, and to keep social distance are to keep us alive.
As the Body of Christ, we are called to build one another up. The way we do that right now is to be leaders and set the example of NOT GATHERING. We have gotten creative in ways that we connect through technology, and I encourage that effort. Staying home, and encouraging others to stay home. Each contact we have with people is an opportunity to carry the virus to another person.
My wife Laura is a Critical Care Registered Nurse. She and her colleagues are on the front lines of caring for people with this virus. They are putting their lives as risk to care for the ill who come into the hospitals. It is highly contagious and can lead to death. It is not something to take lightly, nor to adopt a juvenile attitude of rebellion against the best medical advice, and social advice we are given.
We at Trinity by the Sea will not be meeting for worship through the entire month of April. We will have a live stream services throughout that time. I encourage everyone to join in either through our Facebook page, or to watch in the email that comes out following the services. The Rev. Ram Lopez phrased it as making decisions from, "...an abundance of Love." Spread the word about the importance of staying home and staying away from others. This time of "fasting from in-person gatherings" as The Most Rev. Michael Curry put it is a sacrifice worth making. This time of fasting will include Easter. We will walk the journey of Holy Week in some creative ways through the technology we have available, and we will arrive, together at Easter, celebrating from our own homes. When we gather physically together again, whenever that may be, it will be a wonderful, joyous celebration indeed. For now, follow the suggested restrictions out of an abundance of love. Each time you choose not to go out, you can make it an offering on the altar of your heart, knowing you have made a loving sacrifice for the sake of the Body of Christ, and all God's Children.
There are important instances when it is difficult or impossible to stay separate my wife is giving medical care to keep people alive, for example; food pantry workers are providing the only food some people will receive during this time; of those and other examples I am aware. Please be sure that if you are in contact with another person is it worth the risk you are taking.
Thank you for showing your love in this way during this time. Make it your Holy Fast for Lent. We are religious people, and we have been through much suffering as a people. This is when we use our tools of prayer, compassion, and worship. This is our cross to bear. Bear it in love.
It is difficult not to gather for worship and share communion as we normally do. It is where we find our meaning to be in physical proximity and contact as the Body of Christ. I acknowledge this reality, and I wish I could make COVID-19 go away. The reality we live in right now is that the most dangerous thing we can do is gather. It is destructive to the Body of Christ, harmful to our church community and the wider community. It is a worldwide pandemic, no one's life is unaffected.
Some have expressed resistance to the "powers that be" advising we not gather for worship. Some have even framed it, sometimes playfully, as being an act of civil disobedience to gather and worship against the advice of governmental and medical advisors. It came up at our Diocesan Executive Board, and I shared my perspective, and want to share it here in writing.
There are certainly times for civil disobedience. It is a powerful tool for us as citizens and as Christians to fight against oppressive powers. In this instance, though, the restrictions given against public gatherings, the orders to shelter in place, and to keep social distance are to keep us alive.
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| Laura hosts a Bible Study on Zoom. |
My wife Laura is a Critical Care Registered Nurse. She and her colleagues are on the front lines of caring for people with this virus. They are putting their lives as risk to care for the ill who come into the hospitals. It is highly contagious and can lead to death. It is not something to take lightly, nor to adopt a juvenile attitude of rebellion against the best medical advice, and social advice we are given.
We at Trinity by the Sea will not be meeting for worship through the entire month of April. We will have a live stream services throughout that time. I encourage everyone to join in either through our Facebook page, or to watch in the email that comes out following the services. The Rev. Ram Lopez phrased it as making decisions from, "...an abundance of Love." Spread the word about the importance of staying home and staying away from others. This time of "fasting from in-person gatherings" as The Most Rev. Michael Curry put it is a sacrifice worth making. This time of fasting will include Easter. We will walk the journey of Holy Week in some creative ways through the technology we have available, and we will arrive, together at Easter, celebrating from our own homes. When we gather physically together again, whenever that may be, it will be a wonderful, joyous celebration indeed. For now, follow the suggested restrictions out of an abundance of love. Each time you choose not to go out, you can make it an offering on the altar of your heart, knowing you have made a loving sacrifice for the sake of the Body of Christ, and all God's Children.
There are important instances when it is difficult or impossible to stay separate my wife is giving medical care to keep people alive, for example; food pantry workers are providing the only food some people will receive during this time; of those and other examples I am aware. Please be sure that if you are in contact with another person is it worth the risk you are taking.
Thank you for showing your love in this way during this time. Make it your Holy Fast for Lent. We are religious people, and we have been through much suffering as a people. This is when we use our tools of prayer, compassion, and worship. This is our cross to bear. Bear it in love.
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