Nothing but Patience
There is a legend about a woman who prayed to God for patience. In answer, she received nothing but trouble. She then said to the Lord, “I did not pray for trouble, I prayed for patience.” The Lord answered her, “How else will you learn patience, or even know you have it?”
I do not believe God gives us trouble or suffering as an answer to prayer any more than I believe God’s finger is helping to pull the trigger on the gun of a mass murderer during these days of ours. I do believe however, that God can help us through whatever troubles and suffering come in life. Which is why I believe God did not cause our current pandemic. Yet, as a result of it I have learned patience – and I bet you have too. All that is to say, it has been a long time coming to regather at the church and our patience has been tested. Our outdoor worship has been successful in many ways and now I am very pleased to announce that beginning Sunday, May 23rd we will be moving back into the sanctuary for live, in-person worship. After careful consideration, the staff, reopening taskforce, and Church Council have unanimously affirmed this decision – urging that we do so with continued concern for the safety and well-being of our members, friends, staff and volunteers. To that end, reservations will still be required, masks will be worn and social distancing will be observed. Unison prayers may be spoken while singing will be limited to soloists. The service will be similar in length and style to what we’ve done for the past year and the same online version will continue to be available. Our hope is to meet the greatest needs for our church family in the immediate future. Over time as things progress, we look forward to phasing in additional elements like Sunday School, Hospitality Hour and choral singing as soon as it is safe to do so.
Worship is at the center of our life as the body of Christ – and we have been able to do that in a new and different way due to the pandemic. Now we are able to return to communal worship in the company of one another (for those who are comfortable doing so) in the familiarity of our sanctuary.
Worship is like a strong tree whose beauty is derived from the continuous
renewal of its leaves, but whose strength comes from the old trunk, with
solid roots in the ground.Pope Paul VI
2021 is turning out to be a year of embracing the new (and renewed) while being rooted in the strength of our faith and religious traditions. Wherever you find yourself during these transitional days - I am grateful for our life as The Neighborhood Church and wish you blessings, good health, and a growing faith and trust in God…and oh yes, patience…for we are getting through this to the other side…together!
With Gratitude,
Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister
This article appeared in the Wave on May 12, 2021