It’s Sunday – a day I would normally be sitting in a church pew alongside my husband, daughter and granddaughter. It’s been a time away from the physical contact we used to enjoy. We’re now confined to our homes. Yes, we still have access to daily Bible study. We can see videos of our pastor as he preaches his sermons. We can even listen to the beautiful hymns and sing along with them. In fact we have an abundance of those things. I am receiving Bible studies from old and new churches, my synod organization, fellow Christians with words of encouragement and even had the chance to share time on Zoom with some of our church friends.
Still in this time of social distancing there is so much missing. We no longer have the ability to hug each other, to share joys and sadness with a physical touch or to encourage each other with face to face contact. Zoom is nice, but it’s not the same as being there.
Another thing that’s missing is taking part in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. This beautiful rite is a reminder of our need to confess our sins daily, repent, taste God’s perfect love, His forgiveness and our ultimate salvation. I really miss the Lord’s Supper.
As we are coming to the end of the Lenten season and soon will ponder on Jesus Passion, it seems impossible to not be worshipping corporately with fellow believers. Sure the church is just a building, but it’s much more. It’s a gathering – a joining – a celebratory time – a time to encourage, enrich and focus on God’s Word.
When I was a little girl, my mom played a game with us. She’d have us fold our hands with our fingers folding inward. The two pointer fingers would come together and point up. She then would recite this little poem – See the church and see the steeple. Open the doors and see all the people. You’ve probably played that game too. Now when we fold our hands, we do so normally. When the doors are open, there are no people, but God is still there. He’s with us in our isolation also.
This time of aloneness will be over soon. I pray it will be sooner rather than later, but even though we’re apart, we’re joined by a loving God who will get us through this. Once more we’ll be able to hug. We’ll be able to laugh and cry together. We’ll sing together and praise Him through our hymns and prayers. We’ll lift our hands in praise and know that we’re together in all things, even when we’re apart. Until then, let’s thank God on this Sabbath day, for his consistency in an ever changing world.
I feel what you’re saying; and oh your mum put that so well, steeple…
my daughter leads a tiny fellowship here in India, and since the others could not join, we recorded just our family at worship. (looking back at it some bits are fun to watch) : if you’d like here’s the link
God bless, warm wishes.🌻
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It’s such a lonely feeling and I’m sure many are going through the same thing. When we finally join together again it’s going to be like a huge reunion with lots of hugs, laughter and joy.
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I’m sure of that one. 😇. Praying for endurance, and utter joy in His presence and friendship. As we wait, may we be renewed as eagles….
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Amen.
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Our county in Pennsylvania is under a “Stay at Home” order, but the only real thing is that all businesses are shut down. So, the infected people will simply go to Pittsburgh in Allegheny county to shop. Since I usually went to Allegheny county to do my groceries, I don’t see this as an improvement. There is a county in Ohio that is charging people with a misdemeanor if they are out and about. That would keep me at home, but probably not most people.
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Yikes.
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My family and I were talking about this yesterday. My wife was wondering if some people would find the online version of worship the new normal and would not return to church services when the medical crisis is over. My daughter and I both said that some of the nondenominational megachurches might face that problem, but Lutherans would return for the Sacrament and for the experience of the shared liturgy. J.
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I’ve wondered about this as well. My church is small and everyone knows each other and is like family. We’re also Lutherans so I know well all return to church. The online devotions aren’t the same, but they are opening doors to those who need Jesus in their lives. If even one comes to Him through this method we should also rejoice. One good thing that will come from the pandemic is a return to God. Yay❤️
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Well said, Kathy! I am at my wit’s end, done, I’ve had quite enough. God is good though, He is with us, there are even some benefits from this quarantine, but I still really miss my church family.
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Prayers that it will end soon, but it doesn’t appear to be in the near future.😞
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We are all thirsty for for human contact. This is the most difficult part of our isolation from family, friends, and others. Thankfully, we have God with us each day through Word and Prayer.
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That gives me great comfort, but I’m a hugger and this is soooo hard.
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I sitting in your circle. Sure wish it would under one roof. 😀
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Thank you, Kathy. Will this not make us more grateful and closer to each other when we can be together again? Blessings as we wait our Lord’s timing.
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