From our Pastors...

It has been wonderful to start having worship together again! Even though it’s not what we’re used to, it feels good to be together and to worship in person. We miss those who do not feel safe to come to worship, but know that we are together in spirit even if we are not together physically.

If you’ve come to worship, or watched them online, you know that our services have been different. Some things are missing and some things are done differently, but everything has been planned to keep people as safe as possible in the midst of this pandemic time. 

One of the things I really miss in the service right now is the sharing of the peace. I know for many people it feels like a time to greet those sitting close by, but it is actually a time when we give to one another what we say: the peace of Christ. I love to stand in front of the congregation and say, “The peace of Christ be with you always.” And you respond, “And also with you.” It is a holy moment when the peace of Christ is shared in this simple, yet significant, way. I give it to you. You give it back to me. Then we share it with everyone. We go around and have the opportunity to give people the peace that they need. It’s not peace that we give, but peace that Christ gives. 

For different people that peace will take on different meanings and different forms. For some it will be peace in the midst of struggle. For some it will be peace in the midst of an exciting time in their lives. For others it will be peace in the midst of what seems like daily chaos, or peace in the midst of uncertainty or grief. For some it might be a continuation of the peace that they find daily. 

What I know is that we need that peace. We need Christ’s peace in the midst of our lives. I know I’ve needed it lately. When so many things seem uncertain and there are concerns about health, the pandemic, racial tensions, a presidential election coming up, uncertain weather, and so many other things that affect us every day, we need the peace of Christ. It is not just a sense of calm. The peace of Christ is a promise that God is in charge, and God will remain in charge. There is nothing to be afraid of. There is nothing to be troubled about. 

Of course, it’s hard to turn off the worry that goes on in our brains, but Jesus assures us that the peace he gives is more than what the world can give us. It is bigger than the events of daily life. It is bigger than our fears. It is bigger than the pandemic and the uncertainty that can loom so large. 

So… the peace of Christ be with you always. May it be with you today, and tomorrow and as school starts, and as you look to the future, and to the past. May Christ’s peace enfold you in God’s love and wrap you in the assurance that you are not alone in whatever you are facing. You are loved.