Heart and Mind

On Sunday, the 4th of July, we will have our first in-person service in the church. It will be quite a day. We have not gathered together in the sanctuary for over a year. After the service,  everyone will also have the opportunity to gather in the social hall for the social hour.

As the church follows the MDHHS guidelines, beginning on June 22nd, no masks are required in the church, by either the vaccinated or unvaccinated. Outside groups, such as AA and LifeRing, may also use the church facilities.

For those who are unable to attend church services or committee meetings, all church services and church meetings are available with Zoom. Church services will also be put on the church’s Facebook page. At this time, it is unknown if there will be “break-out sessions” after the church service. While it would be nice to continue the “break-out sessions,” how they could be managed, and who would manage them, needs to be determined.

So, things like break-out sessions, the best cupboard for glasses, what we will do for music, are just some of topics that we will be dealing with in the coming months. This is exciting, as well as challenging. I would take this opportunity to remind everyone that, rather than seeing everything needing to be back together for the 4th of July, the 4th of July is when we will, together, begin to put things back. The 4th of July is not a deadline. To continue my analogy, on the 4th of July we are only beginning to reset our upturned tables. Especially when it comes to using the Social Hall—as with using any new space, it will take a while for things to be found, and for things to find their proper place. It is like when you move into a new house; first you put it one place, but then after you start using it, you discover that it would work out better in another place. It will take some time to allow the organic order to make itself clear, and there will be gaps and inefficiencies—not to mention differing opinions as to which are the best ways.

Likewise, the order of the church service will be different for a while. Because we do not have a music director or regular accompanist, we will do the music we are able to do, as we are able to do it. And until August, there are no plans to have worship associates. The service may appear a little bare in certain spaces, but with time, it will be filled, renewed, and enriched.

I encourage everyone to keep in mind that the important thing is that we are together. We remained together when we could not gather in person, and on the 4th of July, whatever the tone or capability, the celebration is about how we are together, no matter the distance. Whether on zoom, or in person, or in mind and spirit, the 4th of July will be the day we appreciate the many ways we are, and remain, together. So in whatever capacity you choose or are able, at 11 O’Clock on the 4th of July, “Come, Come, Whoever You Are…”