August 2020
I’m writing this just before heading out to Rhode Island for daughter Genevieve’s (outdoor, socially distanced) wedding to Brian Wallden. We are thrilled for them, and committed to being rigorous about our safety before going, while away, and as we return. I know that for many the idea of wearing masks, being told to stay apart, washing hands, has grown wearisome….but it is essential. We are called to love our neighbors and helping to protect someone else by taking these steps is definitely the Golden Rule in action.
There are other things that have changed and some that have grown during this pandemic. Our Virtual Church services on Wednesdays and Sundays have gained popularity beyond the immediate membership and location of North Church. We’re looking for ways to continue to grow our virtual ministry, which will continue even when the day comes that we can meet together in person. I believe this is where God is calling us to make a difference in our world. Thanks to everyone who’s joined us for zoom meetings and now, zoom coffee hour and Sunday School! Our Annual Program Meeting will also be held on zoom – a program that allows people to join from computers, smart phones or regular phones (audio only, obviously) – and has become an important way for us to collaborate and share fellowship. The connection information for the meetings, coffee hour and Sunday School comes out each week in our emailed planner.
Some things never change, most especially God’s love and care for us, given before we’ve ever earned it, bestowed freely, even when we turn away, even when we feel we don’t deserve it. It’s easy to forget to turn to God when we are glued to the news, trying to understand all the information, worrying about the future, feeling small and scared. But that is when God is closest to us, there at the foot of the cross. So take a moment away from all the media and other influences, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and discover again the good news that we are loved completely, beyond all reason, and beckoned to love this world and its people in the same way.
Faithfully,
Rev. Mary E. Biedron
I’m writing this just before heading out to Rhode Island for daughter Genevieve’s (outdoor, socially distanced) wedding to Brian Wallden. We are thrilled for them, and committed to being rigorous about our safety before going, while away, and as we return. I know that for many the idea of wearing masks, being told to stay apart, washing hands, has grown wearisome….but it is essential. We are called to love our neighbors and helping to protect someone else by taking these steps is definitely the Golden Rule in action.
There are other things that have changed and some that have grown during this pandemic. Our Virtual Church services on Wednesdays and Sundays have gained popularity beyond the immediate membership and location of North Church. We’re looking for ways to continue to grow our virtual ministry, which will continue even when the day comes that we can meet together in person. I believe this is where God is calling us to make a difference in our world. Thanks to everyone who’s joined us for zoom meetings and now, zoom coffee hour and Sunday School! Our Annual Program Meeting will also be held on zoom – a program that allows people to join from computers, smart phones or regular phones (audio only, obviously) – and has become an important way for us to collaborate and share fellowship. The connection information for the meetings, coffee hour and Sunday School comes out each week in our emailed planner.
Some things never change, most especially God’s love and care for us, given before we’ve ever earned it, bestowed freely, even when we turn away, even when we feel we don’t deserve it. It’s easy to forget to turn to God when we are glued to the news, trying to understand all the information, worrying about the future, feeling small and scared. But that is when God is closest to us, there at the foot of the cross. So take a moment away from all the media and other influences, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and discover again the good news that we are loved completely, beyond all reason, and beckoned to love this world and its people in the same way.
Faithfully,
Rev. Mary E. Biedron