Still the Church

A few weeks ago, we made the difficult decision to cancel our worship gatherings on Sunday mornings until further notice. That decision comes at a cost. A few days before we made that decision, I had the opportunity to meet with the Ladies Society.

At that meeting I asked the Oma’s one question:

What does this community mean to you?

Their response is in the video at the bottom of this page.

After listening to the Oma’s, it became very clear how much this community means to them. Come to think of it, how much does this community mean to so many of us. Which could lead to the question, “Are we still the church if we are not meeting together regularly in our church building?”

The answer is a profound yes. We are still the church.

Just because a church takes a break from gathering physically doesn’t mean it ceases to be the church. A church is not a building, but so much more. We will continue to engage one another through digital means. We will continue to write blogs, record messages and make phone calls and texts to one another. And about all else, we will continue to believe that God is more than enough for our current realities and is working for us.
Our culture needs something it does not have. It needs the peace that surpasses all understanding. As a church of believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we must not give in to fear, but instead called to meet all things with faith. As someone once said, “Worry doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strength.”

Philippians 4 says,
The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Now back to where we started with the Oma’s. One of the reasons why we’re no longer meeting together is an act of love. Love for one another. A love that says we want to obey and distance ourselves in order to not put family at risk. That sacrifice comes at a cost. The truth is we miss you. I miss those Oma’s. I miss seeing all the kids on a Sunday morning and I miss playing sports with our youth on Thursday nights. This list of things I miss could go on for some time.

So, what are some practical steps we can take to continue to connect.
We can lift one another up in prayer?
We can make some phone calls throughout our week to people who could use some encouragement?
We can continue to be safe and love those around us?
We can find ways to bless people who are in need?
Let’s be a community that flourishes in these new realities. Let’s be a community that loves one another!

I love you. I miss you.

Blessings to you.
Randy