Dear Grace Lutheran,
Yesterday, the church around the world celebrated Jesus' ascension. On ascension day, Jesus is taken to heaven, but not with out a game plan for what to do next for those who remain. Not this weekend, but next weekend, we will celebrate Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit. And with the coming of the Spirit, the power and wisdom to witness to the love of God to all the world. I cannot help but wonder what this "in-between" time must have felt like for the disciples.
We too, find ourselves in a new "in-between" time. Having received news from the CDC, President, and Governor with new regulations for the new station we now reside in pandemic life. We know, up to this point, coronavirus has not been linear or predictable. We know there is still uncertainty on the horizon. And we know our precautions thus far still apply: Outdoor gatherings are safer; indoor gatherings are made safer with masks and physical distancing. We also rejoice in the many ways we have been able to gradually return to seeing each other face to face, worship together safely and continue to distribute vaccinations so that we might continue along this path.
We will continue this weekend in worship to abide by the regulations our re-open team has worked diligently to create for the well-being of all who enter our building at this time. This means, for this weekend, we require masks and physical distancing in worship. Grace's vision board is meeting on Tuesday next week to discuss our game plan own moving forward. We hope that as we discern our next best steps, you would hold us with grace and in your prayers.
Blessings,
Pastor Maria Markman
