Special Covid E-News
Dear Congregation,
Your Consistory met last night for our regular monthly meeting. Our time together was spent predominantly discussing: whether or to not gather again for worship, how to care for those who are not currently participating in worship, and how to care for the broader community during this time.
In consideration of the Kent County Health Departments request for churches to not meet in person during this time and the continuing positivity and case rates in Kent and Ottawa County, we have chosen to continue gather only online for worship through January 10. It goes without saying that if the Health Department orders change or if cases and hospitalizations continue to fall, we will reconsider this decision as we long to meet face-to-face as a community.
This is also a good time for us to remember the church is not a building or even a gathering for worship. The church is the people of God and the relationships that bind them together. We are the church. We are the church when small groups gather online or in phone calls. We are the church when we send an encouraging card or drop off Christmas treats at someone’s home. We are the church when we pray in groups of two or three for one another and for our world.
We are the church when we feed hungry kids through Hand2Hand and support financially struggling families through the personal care pantry. We are the church when we actively support teachers and local schools in this challenging school year. (You can do precisely that by writing an encouraging note or card to the staff at Bursley Elementary, our Kids Hope partner, and drop it off at church or my home by Sunday morning to be included with some treats we will be giving them on Monday morning.) We are the church when we visit elderly neighbors and offer a listening ear to overwhelmed parents of school age children. Though we may not be meeting physically together, we are still the church of God both called to God and sent by God in mission to the world he loves.
We also ask you to join us in praying for God’s church during this time, that our actions might bring glory to his name and reveal his love for others; for Zion and our staff, that we might be a light in this community; for our elderly members who are feeling isolated and alone; for those currently sick with Covid-19; for opportunities to share our help in Christ; and for each of us to spread the love of Christ rather than the anger of our culture in all our interactions both in person and on line.
This has been the most difficult year in church life that I can remember, and yet, our God continues to remain faithful. During this season of Advent, our world waits for its deliverance in political figures and vaccines. While we celebrate potential vaccines as well, our hope rests in the coming of Jesus who one day will return and make all things new and whole again. Until that day, may we live in light of his coming kingdom and as faithful ambassadors of his mercy and love.
By his grace,
– Greg
