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