We have not worshipped together in the sanctuary since early March which seems like a very long time ago.  I, like many of you, have truly missed being together in person and long for the time when it is safe to gather once again. 

Since we are unable to gather right now, let me suggest that the next best thing we can do is gather for a hospitality time via Zoom.  Beginning this coming Sunday, October 25th, Michael and I will host a brief time of connecting and socializing from 9:30 – 10:00 a.m. just prior to the time we encourage you to share in the weekly YouTube video.  To join us for hospitality at 9:30, simply contact Lauren or David for the Zoom link. (It was also included in the October 21, 2020 Wave and the October 25, 2020 Worship Email).

We hope our hospitality time will be an opportunity to renew a sense of community for all of us.  Worship and community are at the heart of our life together as a family of faith.  Here’s what Leo Tolstoy said about our being together as human beings.

I knew before that God gave life to humankind and desires that they should live; now I understand more than that. I understand that God does not wish people to live apart, and therefore God does not reveal to them what each one needs for themself; but God wishes them to live united, and therefore reveals to each of them what is necessary for all. I now understand that though it seems to people that they live by care for themselves, in truth it is love alone by which they live. The who has love is in God, and God is in that person, for God is love.

Having worship and community building (fellowship) time together weekly for my entire adult life was something I had always assumed would just be there.  I now realize what a precious gift worship in community is.  I remind myself each week that we are still the church doing our ministries in new and different ways.  During these days of adjustment and waiting, I find words of George Bernard Shaw to be helpful.

This is the true joy of life, the being used up for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. Life is no “brief candle” to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for a moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

As we gather Sunday morning I already know my spirit will light up when I see your faces after such a long hiatus.  Let’s keep our faith kindled in the light of Christ as we share in a community time of friendship and love.  In the words of Hebrews 10:24-25,

Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not

neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one

another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Michael and I truly look forward to “seeing you” this coming Sunday morning at 9:30!

Let’s light it up…in Community!

Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister