From the Pastor’s Study

On a country church sign not too far from here I saw: “Church is Not Suspended But Dispatched.”  I like that notion.  We, as members of the Body of Christ, are sent forth to embody and carry important gifts into the world: the love, peace, mercy, and justice of God shown to us in Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ.  The world needs the witness of faithful people today as much as — or more than — ever.

We may not be gathering for public worship right now
but worship can happen at home
and in our deeds of love and mercy.
We may not be singing songs together in our sanctuary
but we can sing at home and
let our lives ring forth the glory of God’s all-embracing love.
We may not be hearing one another’s voices
as we lift our concerns and celebrations to God in prayer,
but we can pray at home and
let our daily actions be offered to God
as a pleasing sacrifice of generosity and grace. 

So let us never forget that church is a binding tie that is not contained within wooden walls, even the beautiful and simple structure that is Nacoochee Presbyterian Church; rather, church is wherever the love of God and neighbor find expressions in word and deed in a world groaning for new life.  As is always the case but most clearly right now,

We are dispatched in the name of Christ!

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The Session has made two important decisions recently:

• To continue suspending public worship (and dispatch the members!) through the month of July.  This decision was made after the Task Force on Public Worship recommended that we maintain our current online worship until the virus begins to show signs of weakness for at least two weeks.
• To schedule two outdoor fellowship times on the south lawn of the church on Saturday, July 11 and Friday, July 31, with both gatherings at 6:00 pm.  Those who wish to join either or both of these fellowship times will be required to register with names, current email address, physical address, and phone number.  The idea is that we be prepared for contact tracing in case the virus infects one of those who attends the event.  Also, the fellowship times will require everyone to wear a mask, and to bring his/her/their own refreshments.  Those who are able are also asked to bring a chair. The fellowship times will not last longer than an hour (to minimize need for use of the bathrooms).  We scheduled the events more than 14 days apart so we will know before the second gathering if anyone has come down with the virus from the first gathering.

It will be so good to see you all!  I hope you are well and continuing to wash your hands, physically distance from other people not in your family, and wear a mask out in public places!

Peace,

Bob

P.S. Sincere thanks to the many of you who sent cards and gifts to Denise Bobo on her last day in the office and who came to the parking lot to wish her well.