Good afternoon, ” I have much to write to you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name. ” 3rd John 13-14
I write to you, Poole Mennonite , and others, everyday. I started around March 11, 2020, and have continued writing almost each day since. I wonder how many words and prayers have been taken up on the airwaves ? I used to write every Friday, but it seemed to be an intense time, the first lockdown. I never intended to continue this as part of my ministry. I thought the Pandemic would last a month, or two at the most, but it has continued. We are now in our third wave of infections.
I would rather meet you in person. John writes this to his community. Even back then , over 2000 years ago, he could not be there in person. What did he lose when he could not visit ? Was he too busy or was it too dangerous to visit. Christianity was against the ways of the Empire at this point ( around 90-200 CE ), so John wrote them a letter. Some of the people at Poole I have not seen for over a year. I became full time/long-term pastor on April 1, 2020, and have not seen some of you. We had an outdoor Bible study last summer. We have had two tries with in-person worship ( with masks). I visited with some of you outside on porches and lawns. but, I have not seen some of you. It is my fault.
Will we survive as a congregation ( My sermon on May 9) ? Being absent from one another for the most part of a year, is a strain on the community. I do not know how long John was not able to visit his community. He was a leader among them and others, and was worried he could not visit. What if I cannot visit for another year ?
What are some things that we can do to stay together ? We zoom, we tape our service. I post readings and photos on our Facebook page. I send cards to people. I wished you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Easter. What do you need to be connected to Poole, so we can go forward ? ” The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name !!!!!” from John.
Shalom and strength for the community of faith,
Fred
Soaring like Vultures lifted up by unseen Hands Trust, silent enters my fears Monica Pieper Landoni 2021
