Sunday, April 4, 2021.
If one were placing a pin to chart what led to our demise, there would be several points within our history where a pin could be dropped. But in our more recent history one could certainly place a pin upon the weeks shortly after the COVID-19 stay-at-home issues were lifted. It was a time of great chaos in our rush to get back to normal.
When this virus first began we all assumed it would cause many churches to close their doors. We had figured it would be primarily for economic reasons. There was no way, we thought, that giving in a pandemic could keep up. But something phenomenal happened. Many churches cut excess and at the same time giving actually stayed relatively steady. Financially the church was sustained.
Churches actually grew closer to one another in the midst of being physically separated. As more and more white space grew on our calendars we began to realize what was actually significant. We started to call people again. We found ways to do the things which were really significant to us, but there were many things which never happened and we found ourselves okay with that.
We began developing small groups with deep and meaningful relationships. We truly needed one another in this time. We became creative in expressing love. We no longer relied upon a handshake, a hug, a nod, or being in physical proximity to one another. We had an ache within us for our fellow man and we innovatively pursued one another. Love was a verb.
And somewhere in the midst of all this we began to learn the language of lament. Our bickering diminished and we began to experience joy which had long gone dormant, having been choked out by the cares of the world. We felt as if our lives were not our own. Our days felt numbered. ‘Who knows what tomorrow will bring’ was both a crushing and a freeing truth for us.
And families. It was phenomenal to see fathers opening up Bible’s within their homes. There was a learning curve, for sure. But family worship became a thing. We weren’t sure how to navigate some of this theologically but there was something sweet about a parent holding grape juice and crackers and shepherding family in the Lord’s supper.
Yes, COVID-19 became a time when we pulled closer together as a church but also our little churches (our homes) became strengthened. And I don’t have time to mention the creative ways our people sought to engage our community, love our widows, care for the orphan and fatherless. The church was the church.
Then we returned to normal. Or tried.
Ballparks opened up. They opened up a shortened baseball season. Football season started on time. Schools opened back up. Our schedules once again filled up with activity.
It wasn’t a smooth opening either. We endured months of political back and forth as we held our general election still in November. Blame for COVID-19 response was passed around, nobody grabbing a piece for themselves. Conspiracy theories ran rampant. We’re more fractured than we’ve ever been. Some folks are still afraid to hug or go out into public. The fear is still there and that created much tension in the early stages. Some were eager to get back quickly others were more reserved. Everybody was emotional. And so the bickering went to a full rage.
Today is Easter. Our sanctuary was packed this morning. We had been planning this tremendous celebration for a couple months. Many folks had a part. And it went beautifully. As far as production quality we knocked it out of the park. We had a great worship experience. I think the sermon was engaging. Next Sunday we’ll do it again…but just with a few less visitors.
I might come in a little later on Monday morning before we gear up for our next big event. Our calendar for Spring and Summer is filling up quickly. For the past couple of weeks I don’t think I’ve eaten a single meal with my family around the dinner table. And I’m not alone in that, we’re all playing catch up. It’s been tough to get back to normal, but we’re trying.
After awhile we’ll be pretty much back to where we were before COVID-19. A fractured people, filled with rage, suspicious of one another, broken families, pulling ourselves up by our own efforts and self-dependence, who occasionally go to church which is mostly centered around an experience instead of a lifestyle.
We’re trying so hard to get back to normal…
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Photo source: here
