Tonight’s theme for the Peace Dialogue is “Be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves,” an instruction from Jesus in Matthew 10.  This verse is one of a handful that have been much on my heart since the challenges of the coronavirus have been upon us.

The wisdom needed to embrace today’s pain and unrest with the right measures of humility, of empathy and solidarity is also on my heart. I fervently pray for this, and for the way to opened for God’s children to learn from one another and stand up for one another.

Back to Pandemic #1.  The Council has decided that we will not worship weekly on Sunday morning inside the sanctuary until RALLY DAY, which is September 13th.  Watch for details on some opportunities to gather care-fully outdoors this summer at 5051, and remember that the sanctuary is OPEN by appointment for prayer and communion now and throughout the summer.  

I commend our leaders for their wisdom in taking these things into account: the readiness of many congregants to resume carefully at the first opportunity (thank you for the 18 survey responses!), the concern of a possible resurgence of diagnoses in Chicago following the recent protests, the concern for your health and comfort at the thought of gathering in our very hot sanctuary, with masks and a prohibition on hand and ceiling fans.

We are also mindful of feedback received regarding the benefits of Zoom gatherings during this “in between” season, as people are able to gather regardless of physical limitation or location. This reality indeed makes me less anxious about a delay in our return, even as my heart longs to do so.  (In other good news, the trustees and several lay leaders have done amazing work on crafting logistical plans, liturgy changes and acquiring necessary supplies.) No pun intended, but we now have some breathing room to really plan well for the incredible JOY of being together. Rallying together, on September 13th.

Learn more at Sunday’s congregational meeting, including the joy of welcoming FIVE NEW MEMBERS this week!  We’re delighted that Tanya, Maria, Kate, Sally and Naureen have joined and will be welcoming them officially in liturgy in September.  Together, in worship Sundays and throughout the week, may we be knit together in wisdom and for Christ’s love.

In Christ’s Peace,
Pastor Jacki