There the LORD made for them a statute and an ordinance and there he put them to the test. He said, "If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God, and do what is right in his sight, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will not bring upon you any of the diseases that I brought upon the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you." + Exodus 15:25b-26
Greetings members of CLC!
So what is up with the wearing of masks? We started May with the requirement of wearing masks for nearly all human interactions, but now looking towards June there is a change which makes the not wearing of masks ok. This is disorientating to say the least. How is a faithful community like CLC to respond?
A change CLC made based on the ReOpening Worship Action Team’s considered response is that those who have been fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks in worship or in the church building. This is based on scientific research. There was a wonderful worship service on Pentecost, May 23, when people could worship in the church without masks. There were smiles; there were grins; and I even looked for someone to stick their tongue out for fun.
The truth is that we have been captive to a pandemic which has lasted over a year. Our lives have changed. Our norms have changed. Our sensibilities have changed. This past week, I went to a doctor’s office where masks were not required, and I was most surprised. It seems that change is the only constant.
In the midst of the progression of COVID-19, it is our call as Christians to remain faithful and steadfast in God’s care. We are loved by God as children of God and that is true no matter what – no matter what! So as a community of Christian faith, we move forward knowing that all of us are loved and cared for even in the midst of disease or more.
There is no getting around it – this has been a very difficult period of time. But together, we can make it better. We are empowered by God to make this world into a better place.
So, let us go forth strengthened by God’s blessing. Let us know that God is more powerful than any virus. And may we rest assured that we are in God’s care for life everlasting. Thanks be to God. Amen.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Justin