Maintaining Our Unity as COVID-19 Continues
Back in mid-April, we were mostly huddled in our homes, uncertain about what we were dealing with in COVID-19. In fact, only 4% of churches were meeting for in-person services back then.
Today we still have a lot to learn about the virus. There's still a lot of uncertainty. But we've also learned more of what we're facing.
So, we're pressing forward, rebuilding our habit of gathering, and seeking to worship Jesus together, in-person, while taking carefully chosen precautions.
A lot of churches are doing exactly that. Lifeway Research just reported that 71% of churches are currently meeting in person, and 99% of those are taking steps to protect those who gather from the virus.
But some other trends are emerging that we need to be aware of. We need to keep our eyes wide open as we continue forward.
There are two trends I want to briefly draw your attention to in this post.
First, there are many churches that have met, and then have had to shut back down due to the virus spreading within their congregation.
That exact thing may happen to us. But that's okay. We will walk through it together if that happens.
Second, as is happening out in the world, a sharp divide is emerging in many churches. As churches work to make their environment safe, many churchgoers are polarizing into groups that want either more precautions to be taken, or less. Some are making such a sharp point of this that real contention is materializing within churches.
We may have to temporarily shut back down at Colomokee, but we certainly don't have to divide in that way!
I praise God that -- at Colomokee -- we are remaining unified as we walk through this.
Sure, folks have different ideas about how to handle things, but you have been overwhelmingly gracious, self-sacrificing, and pulled together in a spirit of unity.
I simply want to thank you for walking in unity, and I encourage you to continue in that unity … especially as as we watch our country go through such a hyper-polarized and divisive chapter in its history.
I love you. I'm thankful for you. Let's maintain this God-given unity as we move forward!
Pastor Josh