A Few Important Updates
At the October meeting of the Church Council, the decision was made to cancel this year’s Christmas pageant due to the ongoing pandemic. Viewpoints from different perspectives were considered and while most agreed it would be nice to be able to do it, in the end the practical and precautionary reasons to hold off made the most sense. I realize that some of our community will be sad and disappointed. I am sad and disappointed. At the beginning of summer I was very hopeful we would be able to do the pageant this coming December. Unfortunately, the up-and-down nature of COVID-19 and its mutant variants leave us in a continued period of uncertainty. Keeping our church family and friends healthy and safe remains a high priority.
Some of the reasons for the decision include: the challenge of casting when many may choose not to participate or commit this far in advance, the close proximity of cast members receiving make up indoors, the physical assistance of costuming indoors, children under 12 years of age not being able to be vaccinated, providing a meal in the Fellowship Hall for approximately 150 people simultaneously, and having a sanctuary full of guests and visitors – or not knowing whether many would even come given the uncertainty of where things will be come early December.
Disappointing as this may be for some, we look forward to future years when we can resume the pageant safely and successfully. The Neighborhood Church Christmas pageant is a long and strong tradition. But our concern and care for our church family and wider community is even stronger. In the meantime, we will continue to find new and meaningful ways to keep us connected to our faith, to God, and to each other.
To that end, we will kick off the fall season on Sunday, September 26 with an all church picnic outdoors following worship. It will be held BYO-picnic style and all are welcome. There will be activities for children and a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends new and old. If you feel comfortable gathering for this event outdoors, I hope you will join us.
Also, beginning Sunday, September 26th, we will be adding some additional elements to the in-person worship service allowing the congregation to have greater participation. This will include things like the Lord’s Prayer, Affirmation of Faith and Closing Sentences. We are exploring ways to make choral singing possible (limited as it may be). The online service will continue in its current form.
Whenever faced with potential discouragement I always remember the words of the Psalmist, “The Lord is good, his steadfast love endures forever.” And this sentence Anne Frank scribbled and posted on a piece of paper in her place of hiding from the Nazi’s, “In spite of everything, life is good.”
Looking forward to a good fall season – together physically and/or in spirit!
Rev. Dr. David D. Young
Senior Minister
This article appeared in the Wave on September 15, 2021