So this past week, Amy and two of the three kids were sick. For families with young children, this isn’t unusual. What is unusual is the whole Coronavirus thing going on. Normally, when your kids are sick, you just stay home with them, but it’s not so simple these days.
After a couple of conversations with our doctor, we headed out Thursday afternoon to get tested for the virus. We were told only one family member needed to be tested because “if one of us has it, we all have it” (ask Amy how fun it was to get tested).
They told us that they’d call Saturday or Sunday and that we’re all in quarantine until we find out. So that meant that unless we get a “negative” on Saturday, no church for me on Sunday. I’m thankful for Ed Willoughby and his willingness to step in and be ready to preach for me. (it’s after Noon on Sunday and still no word…)
So here we are - Sunday morning - a few minutes before church starts. Trying to get the kids settled in to join the livestream. I’m headed to the living room - I’ll finish this after the service is over….
Just finished the service - and it’s certainly a whole different experience. During the “lockdown,” my Sunday routine stayed pretty much the same.
• Wake up at 5:00 a.m. - final sermon run-through - then head to church
• Gather for worship (only nine other people, but still in the sanctuary)
• Preaching in the same room with the same pulpit, just to the camera, not a live congregation.
Until today…
So while preparing for the worship service this morning, I thought through some things I’ve learned through all this:
1. The importance of routine & rhythm.
I’m a creature of habit. I need routine. I like my rhythm. Just knowing that I wouldn’t be able to go to church threw me off a bit. I’m absolutely thankful for the livestream, but I’m already longing for routine and to be back physically present with my church family.
2. Distractions abound
Being physically at church is not just routine - it’s singularly focused. There for one purpose. Only one thing going on. Only one option. At home, there are 1,000 distractions and you really have to be ready to begin. 10:30 comes much faster than you expect. It’s hard to stay focused in the living room.
3. Singing is congregational!
It’s weird to sing at home in my living room while watching the service. Even streaming through our TV with the volume up, it was just strange. It certainly highlights for me the joy of congregational singing. No wonder God commanded us to sing together! I’m already looking forward to singing with everyone again.
4. There’s no Substitute for Gathering
I’m very thankful for the livestream, but it’s clearly no substitute for gathering with my brothers and sisters for church. In one sense, I’m glad that we had to do this because now I have a better grasp of what it’s like for those who still aren’t able to join us. Just one week and I’m already longing to see everyone. Those that are in week 15 of all this - I can only imagine the longing you have to gather.
The Bottom Line:
Let’s all be intentional to pray for and reach out to those that are still unable to join us in person. While I’m sure it becomes more “normal” to do church like this - it’s not what we were designed for - it’s not what we need. We’re made for relationship. We’re made for face-to-face interaction.
I’ll certainly let everyone know what the test results are when we get them (hopefully sometime today). In the meantime, let’s redouble our efforts to pray for and connect with one another. Let me know if you want a one-page printout of all our church members to keep in your Bible as a prayer list. I’ll email you a PDF.
I love you all and can’t wait to see you again!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Rob
P.S. – if you haven’t signed up for a Home Group - get in touch with me and I’ll get you in a group. We have room in several groups, including one that with a huge living room where you can participate and social distance at the same time.
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