Fighting To Be The Church

 Hello Church,

There is a tree in the church building.  It's in the lobby by the window.  It's one of the few decorations that are up now.  It is also a symbol of determination and stubbornness.  It has lights on it.  You can see it when you drive by.  You might not see anyone else, but you'll see the tree.

With uncertainty and always-changing circumstances in 2020 continuing through December, the pandemic has put many congregations in a state of unease.  At the very least, congregations are having conversations about how or if to have in-person worship.  At the very most, in-person worship is being suspended during...... *gasp*.... Advent!

But the tree in the lobby is up.  You can see it when you drive by.

The balance of being safe, but also practicing our religion is becoming a weary discussion.  Personally, it's tiring me out.  Some want in-person worship no matter what and have been there every Sunday.  Others don't and haven't been seen in-person since March.  It's difficult to say either is wrong since we can't agree on what 'wrong' means.

But the tree in the lobby is up.  You can see it when you drive by.

Across the country churches and pastors have taken their local and state governments to court to retain the right to assemble as they desire.  Some have won.  Some have lost.  This is yet more evidence to suggest that we don't know what the heck is going on or what should go on.  

At Emmanuel we put the tree up.  This year it seems to be more than just the normal decoration.  This year it seems to be statement.  Yes, I know, for you who are quick to point out that the Christmas tree has roots in pagan religion, please don't send me emails... that's another tired conversation.  The truth is that, for this year especially, putting the tree up symbolizes Emmanuel's determination to celebrate Advent and Christmas no matter what germs are floating in the air around us.  Whether we are in the building or not, the church still moves forward toward Christ.... and in the season it is in regards to the manger.

So the tree in the lobby is up.  When you drive by and see it, remember that we, the church, are still here.  We are not idly standing by and waiting to be the church again.  We are fighting for ways to assemble safely and we will continue to continue communicating such at our Facebook page.  

Pray for us and all churches as we navigate the most difficult Advent that I've seen in my lifetime and probably yours too.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Gobble, Gobble

 Hello Church,

As Thanksgiving feasts near, many of us we be experiencing them a bit differently than usual.  For us, not as much of the family will be together in on space.  This certainly detracts from tradition for us.  Thanksgiving Day will be perhaps be one of the most significant moments that define how this year's pandemic has really impacted us.

Regardless what this week looks like for you, be encouraged.  Look for the moments that show how God is still among us... and then give thanks.

In the included picture, kids from Holly Hill elementary wrote what they were thankful for on each feather of the turkey.  These feathers were made by the Boones for the pre-schoolers whom they sponsor.  Maybe when it is time for your turkey, you can talk about what you are thankful for (don't write it on the turkey.  Ink doesn't taste good).

God is Good,

Pastor Joe

Stay Safe <----> Do Good

 Hello Church,

2020 is the year where the church feels the tension between doing nothing and doing something.  The pandemic encourages us to do nothing... it's the best way to stay safe.  God encourages us to find opportunities to do good to all people even in the midst of tribulations.  Thus the tension.

We at Emmanuel have been living that tension.  We haven't done nothing.  We continue to be very active at Holly Hill Elementary.  We have also done a Yard Sale, made Easter Eggs, and did a food drive. We most recently are involved in the Salvation Army's Angel Tag Tree ministry.  There is also the 8? different ways we have had worship services this year.

But the other side of the truth is that we--and rightfully so--are more hesitant.   Our Faith and theology of doing good is coming up against our science of staying safe.  So how do we continue through this?

Another truth:  the Faith of doing good and the science of staying safe has always been the case.  Throughout the centuries our Christian ancestors had to weigh these two things.  In some cases the risk wasn't getting sick.  The risk was being put in prison or being killed or being alienated by family.  In February perhaps these truths seem to be dramatic stories that we could quietly be thankful we didn't need to live through.  Now?

Another truth:  the mortality rate of Covid is extremely low.  However, that isn't really the point.  The point is that our comfortable, luxurious way of life has been disrupted by all the different ways we are dealing with Covid.  At the very least it is aggravating.  At the very most it is scary and tragic.

Another truth:  we still need to be the church.  Certainly it has and will and should look different.  We will need to be more discerning about how to do ministry in a measured and safe way, but this doesn't negate us from doing ministry at all.

As we get ready for another Christian year (Nov 29th is the 1st Sunday of Advent), we should also be getting ready to take another step in learning how to be the church in a different kind of world.  We have a meeting tonight at 7:30 to start the brainstorming.  Pray for us.

God is Good

Pastor Joe

When Emmanuel Does Things Right!

 Hello Church,

Last week was a little tongue-in-cheek fun.  I hope I didn't offend any of my Baptist, Presbyterian, Catholic, Episcopalian or non-denominational friends.  I do have a habit of not taking myself too seriously.

This week?  Something also fun, but not so tongue-in-cheek.  I received a series of pics from a church member (Connie Wallace).  She is a part of our partnership with Holly Hill Elementary.  She donated little pumpkins to the teachers she sponsors... enough for all the kids to decorate.  It was a hit!

I can't share the pics here because of rules about posting pics of kids on the internet without permission from the parents.  I will share them in our Thursday newsletter.  If you want to receive our newsletter, you can email me at pastorjoe@emmanuel-umc.com or put in the comment section below.

It is good to watch relationships develop between the church and the community.  Small churches can often spend time lamenting how little they can do for the community.  Not Emmanuel.  We do what we can and sometimes find out it is more than we thought.  Our relationship with Holly Hill is blossoming.  It is a real connection that we are making with the school staff.  It is exciting.

Over the last year plus, we have donated food, bought postage, gave Halloween candy, delivered school supplies, made covid masks, provided breakfast and lunch, sent encouraging emails and many other things that I may not even be aware of.  Included here is a pic of what Kim and I gave the staff earlier this year.

It is a lesson to all of us.  Don't complain about what you can't do.  Focus on what you can do.  Let God work through you.  Give healthy relationships a chance to develop.  It is the best place where unconditional love can flow.

God is Good,

Pastor Joe