January 16, 2021
Friends,
So, how are we and where are we going? As a church, I mean.
I’m happy to say that as a church, we’re good, and we’re also headed in the right direction.
And when I say we’re good, I mean that God is doing great things here at Peace despite the pandemic. Some examples…our Sunday worship numbers are healthy. Our live-stream services on Facebook and those recorded on our website are getting increased views. We are now averaging more than 50 live-views at our 8:30 a.m. service (A view means one device is logged on. Multiply the number of devices by 1.5 or 2 to get a best guess at the number of people who are watching.). Our Lessons and Carols service had a total of almost 100 views!
In addition to that, my online Revelation study is getting more views that I ever had people attending on a Sunday morning. High school and middle school youth groups and Sunday School are happening through Zoom. Sunday School for younger kids is a homemade video that Andrew puts together and releases on Sunday mornings. There has been a virtual women’s Christmas tea and online women’s Bible studies. Later this month, we will participate in a Zoom seminar hosted by a local group of Christian counselors. The focus will be on isolation and loneliness brought on by the pandemic.
As for live events, we had a pumpkin pie give-away in November. That event also collected an SUV’s worth of food for Loaves and Fishes, a food pantry in Naperville. In December we sang Christmas carols from our cars in the church parking lot. That brought in a lot of people. Other live events have happened in connection with one of our social ministries, Care and Share. This year they met under-resourced families in the parking lot to give them turkey dinners in November and Christmas presents in December. We’re also planning a collection for PADS (a network of homeless shelters) in February and a blood drive in March. Our most consistent live event is our preschool and daycare. They meet five days a week. And in case you were wondering, even three-year-olds can wear a mask! Why can’t some adults?
So, how is Peace doing during Covid-19? Peace is alive and well and as busy as ever, although it sure looks different.
Now, where are we going? No clue. Not kidding.
I quit predicting the future about a year ago. Only God knows where we’re headed. But that’s good news! Because God absolutely does know exactly where we’re going and how he plans to get us there. He’s seen us through this last year. He’ll see us through the next hundred. Let me put it this way. Do you have any friends you would trust to lead you blindfolded through a minefield? I do. His name is Jesus. Alcoholics who attend AA have a saying we all need to live by, especially now: “I can’t. God can. I think I’ll let him.”
Now, how about in-person worship? I can’t blame you for being curious. The Leadership Council, the staff, and I talk about this a lot. We’re probably not quite all on the same page. But there is a consensus, and the consensus is to continue to follow the state guidelines. Those guidelines currently limit gatherings to ten people or fewer, and so we worship online. As the guidelines change, so will our response. The staff meets weekly. The Council meets monthly. We’re always talking about this. And as the situation changes, so will we.
Finally, will you do me a favor? I miss seeing you. Call me, text me, email me. Let me know how you are and what if anything your church can be doing for you. Peace is alive and well. Peace is here for you. So am I. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
In Christ,
Pastor Marty Hufford
