Dear Synod,
We are good partners together in Christ as a synod these days. You have opened yourselves up to new ways of being the church. I have been encouraged by the way you have shared with me what is happening in and through your congregations. St. Paul says: “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap a harvest time, if we do not give up. So then whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10) I thank you, for following smart and faithful practices, both as individuals, and as congregations. We are called as Christians, to care deeply not only about ourselves, but the whole world God loves so much.
I encourage you to continue to worship regularly with your own or a neighboring congregation’s live-streaming or video worship. I heard from our synod pastors this past week, both in phone calls, zoom meetings, and through online sermons, some very deep truths of our faith of including:
+ We are children forever in God’s eyes, in this life and the next
+ Our prayers for others work to strengthen us as well as them
+ We need to model both love and safe practices to our neighbors these days
+ Our lives are hid in Christ, we don’t need to live in fear that immobilizes us, and creates panic
+ Jesus’ resurrection has changed the way we see all of life, including the tragedies of life
+ We grieve many things about this pandemic, of course, but not as those who have no hope
+ Remember, Christians believe in community more than individualism: thank those on the front lines of mental and medical help these days
+ We don’t need to “explain” tragedies as much as live faithfully into them by God’s strength
Guidance from our Church and from our Governor
reminds us that the pandemic is far from over and in fact it is a continuous moving target. Jesus, remember, called us to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” and that is what I want to impress upon all of us these days. Be smart and keep tuned to the realities of covid-19 spread, of the fact that you could be a carrier of the virus, and not know it, that remaining in place is the way we serve each other and keep infections down. Stay 6 feet apart if you must be out in public and then wear a mask. Connect often with each other by phone very intentionally these days. Not only your loved ones, but your congregational fellow members, especially the vulnerable and lonely, it is a true ministry to others while we are following stay at home orders.
Check this important resource for faith communities dealing with worship, funerals, weddings, congregational ministries:
Be a witness of God’s love and grace in Christ.
Many of you are becoming new or renewed “evangelists” (people sharing the good news of Christ’s love for the world) as you are at stay at home orders these days. You are actively inviting people to listen to your congregation’s online worship services, your pastor or youth leader’s weekly video devotions, and even copying sermons and devotional links and sending them to friends, new acquaintances or inactive members with the encouragement of why they were important to you! This is powerful and is yet another way you not standing still, but are active with the faith God gave you for the good of all. Thank you. Continue or begin to do this, it is what is meant by the “priesthood of all believers” of which you are all a part.
Bishop’s Sermon and worship video:
Sunday May 3, 2020
As I’ve stated in my video and other pastoral letters, the week-end of May 1-3 is a “Week-end off” for our Rostered Leaders (This is in addition to any vacation time). The worship video with sermon and printed sermon will be available this
Friday, April 24th
so that you all have time to have it up and ready for May 3rd.
A Prayer of Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
O Loving God,
To turn away from you is to fall, to turn toward you is to rise, and to stand before you is to abide forever. Grant us, dear God,
In all our duties your help,
In all our uncertainties your guidance;
In all our dangers your protection,
And in all our sorrows your peace;
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Be at peace in Christ.
Keep the Faith.
Share the Faith.
+Bishop Thomas M. Aitken