May 2020 Newsletter Article
Oftentimes, I write these newsletter articles with an eye to upcoming
events. This month, I’ve decided to “turn around” and reflect on the last
month at St. Paul’s. I’m doing this for two reasons. First, it’s hard to know
what the month of May will look like. I’m hoping still for some form of
Confirmation service, receiving new members, and welcoming a new
intern. But at this point, we just don’t know. Second, as I look back on the
month of April, I realize that it was a most unique, and in some ways
challenging, month in the life of our congregation. The following are some
general thoughts that kept coming back to me in these long days and
weeks in an empty church building.
Most days, and especially on Sundays, I am reminded that a church
building is not supposed to be empty. Now don’t get me wrong, I am in full
support of the actions of our council to suspend our activities for the time
being. But it isn’t supposed to be like this. This current separation is yet
another consequence of the fall and of the brokenness of this world. It
makes me long even more for the day when there will be no more sorrow,
pain, and death (Rev. 21:4). You see, one of the most common and helpful
descriptions of hell is separation. Those in hell experience separation from
everything good, for eternity. In contrast, the saints in heaven experience
the sweet fellowship of the eternal presence of God (Rev. 21:3). Gathering
with the saints here on earth gives us a taste of what that sweet fellowship
will be like, as we come together to enjoy God’s presence with us in His
Word.
God has given us the church to be a place where we encourage each other,
share God’s Word with one another, love and serve one another, and work
together to share the Gospel in our community and our world. Yes, that
can be done online to an extent, but I thank God that the hope of heaven is
not found in any kind of digital experience, but rather in the joy of the
physical presence of God and one another. The church is not supposed to
be empty. We need each other!
For now, though, here’s another recurring thought I’ve had. I thank God for
you people. On more than one occasion over the last six weeks, I have been
overwhelmed with gratitude and love for you. You haven’t grumbled or
complained (You have taught me a lesson in that!). You have served one
another as opportunities have been presented. You have kept in touch with
each other. You have participated online. You have been the Church, even
when we haven’t been able to meet in person. You’ve made the best of a
difficult situation. Thank you for that.
One more thought. I’m excited for the future! One of the beautiful promises
of Scripture is that God is at work in all circumstances. God hasn’t used
these last six weeks for vacation. He’s been busy, and that’s exciting. Our
online presence has extended the reach of the Gospel through our
congregation, and that will continue. I pray that this time has been one of
growth in faith for you. Maybe that has happened because of various trials,
maybe it’s simply because you have more time, and maybe that’s a good
thing. I’m excited for heaven, but assuming that’s still a number of years
into my future, I’m excited to get a taste of it before then, when we start
meeting again in person. Until that time, God Bless you as you continue to
grow in Him.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Micah