Dear Church,
I spent all morning working on a project. I enlisted all three of my kids’ help and by lunch, with only one trip to Lowe’s, it was finished. I sat back and enjoyed the view of my newest masterpiece before heading inside for lunch. Just before finishing eating, I heard a crash and discovered my masterpiece had fallen down. Crushed and humbled I spent the early afternoon taking apart my project and planning how I would do it differently tomorrow.
Four months into our 2020 pandemic it felt like we were finally making progress towards life as we once knew it. Restaurants were opening and permission had been given for churches to open their doors under strict rules. We were moving forward and the view is was looking good. Then it happened. Numbers started to rise too rapidly, and we found the governor asking us to take a step back in our progress. In ways it felt like my collapsing structure. Many of us were disappointed. Many of us were upset. Many of us wanted to cry. Many of us wanted to scream. Many of us wanted to point fingers. Really, all we wanted was to see our friends and get a lot of overdue hugs.
Unfortunately, we are not in a position to return to in-person worship or Bible study. We are not yet able to be together for the safety of one another and to slow the progress of Covid-19.
BUT, the good news is that we are still making progress. We are still having worship, Bible study, fellowship and Sunday school. We are persisting and we will make it back into the walls of the church. Let us move forward with hope and expectation, not giving up on using everything at our disposable to meet with one another, care for one another, and to grow our relationship with Christ.
And remember, if you need anything, please reach out. The office is open (9:00 to 1:00, Monday through Thursday) for phone calls, emails, receiving mail and essential drop off/pick up of items. I am available through my cell phone and email: 951-587-5145 or stacydickson@me.com Becky is available for any family needs. And we have each other.
I miss you all dearly, but I will see you online and in the communion line.
Blessings and love, Pastor Stacy