I ordered lunch a few minutes ago and sat at my table to jot down my thoughts. Like many of you, there has been a lot for me and our team to consider over the last few days. Upon entrance to the restaurant, I was asked to wear a mask, but now that I’m seated and consuming my meal, my mask is on the table beside me. 

Yesterday I had a cup of coffee in another local establishment, and witnessed a commotion with the cashier and a guest. The guest refused to wear a mask upon entry, because of the latest Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations regarding vaccinated individuals. The person behind the counter was most likely a high school student, and he struggled to handle the situation as it escalated before him. Within seconds, the other customers waiting in line divided into two camps; those agreeing with the unmasked patron, and those in support of the ill-equipped youngster simply trying to do his job. 

Upon the CDC’s recommendation(s), the State of NY issued its own guidelines this week regarding Covid-19 vaccinations. These guidelines created two classifications of people; two different sets of rules to abide by. How does that mixed messaging translate to local businesses? More importantly, how do we make sure that this doesn’t negatively effect the united gathering of the local church?

First, we must acknowledge that we are Biblically to be a people of unity, bound together by a God-given desire to lift up a Christ-like banner of love in all situations. We are God’s people. We are the Church. We are to honor and respect one another, and there is to be not even a hint of division among us. Behavior like what I witnessed in the coffee shop has no place in the local Church. We are one. We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord. 

As a church, we want to make decisions that are sensitive, responsible, and forward-moving in hope. We recognize that the new guidance provided to us differentiates between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. We see vaccination as a Christian liberty issue, with neither choice being an issue of spiritual maturity or of sin. What we must realize though is that we have a responsibility to love one another well and to look out for one another. As Philippians 2:3 tells us: “...in humility, value others above yourself, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”

When attending our worship service this weekend, May 23rd, you will notice that we have relaxed our mask mandates to match the guidelines given to us. As a matter of personal conscience, we would ask that you exercise a prayerful balance of personal freedom and love for your fellow man. In all things, we will be a unified community who love and respect each other. 

If you have family in our weekly programming, you should know that there is very little guidance given regarding the local church for young people. We have been, and will continue to monitor closely the directions given for children and youth in public schools, as well as instructions given to summer camps. In that light, we are making no changes at the present time to our protocols for children and youth, or for the adult volunteers working with our children and youth. 

Finally, if you and I bump into each other this Sunday, you will find that I will be wearing a mask. I meet and interact with a lot of people every week. If I’m vaccinated, you will know that I’ll be doing this, because I want to show love and kindness toward each and every person I meet. If I’m not vaccinated, you will also know that I’ll be doing this because I want to show love and kindness to each and every person I meet. Maybe you’ll never know which :-)

I love you all, and I can’t wait to be with you this weekend. Isn’t it good to be together? We are one in the spirit, we are one in the Lord.

Grace and Peace be with you all!

Pastor Milo

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There's no place like home for the holidays. But this year will definitely look and feel differently than years past. How can we be intentional about being Home for Christmas in 2020?

Staying Home

Normally, there is great anticipation for the in-laws coming to stay, an endless list of gifts to shop for, and just a general wanting your kids stay off of the "naughty" list for once. This year, while we all want the picture perfect Christmas with our families to be just like it "always" was, consider the unique memories that could be made this year. Take advantage of the intimacy of the moment. "Remember that special year when it was just the two of us that celebrated Christmas together? 

Coming Home

For someone who has been away for a while, the return trip might be a little bumpy. Whether its an adult businessperson returning to their high school bedroom for a couple nights, a college student returning after a semester abroad, or a teen returning home after an extended hospital stay, keep a couple things in mind. Do your best to pick up where you left off by interacting with friends and family you haven't seen in a while, understanding that they don't know the "new" you. Don't pick up where you didn't leave off by pretending a relationship was super close before. Start on the right foot, and trust the rest will fall in place. One day at a time...

Leaving Home

Perhaps this is the final Christmas before the oldest daughter gets married, the last son graduates high school, or the parents move out of the old homestead. Make some great memories together without putting so much pressure that this is the year we must all remember doing all our favorite things together for all time. Dial it back a notch and enjoy the time you have. Even if everyone is going to get in their cars and drive away in the morning and leave, choose to enjoy what you have right here and right now. Tomorrow has enough worry for itself...

Going Home

It's no surprise that the holidays are difficult for those who have recently lost loved ones. Knowing that they are in a "better place," or are "no longer in pain," or that they were "needed in heaven" doesn't make the emptiness our hearts, or the knot in our stomachs go away. Still, celebrating the memories of your loved one by talking through their old Christmas quirks and traditions can be very refreshing. It's also a good reminder to check in on someone else who may be having a difficult time this Christmas. Let them know: "I am always just a phone call away," or if you prefer "I have a ton of bacon in my car with your name on it!" It will mean the world to them! Just be there... 

The Apostle Paul closes his second letter to young Timothy by including a few personal remarks. He is writing the letter just before winter, and makes a few requests that help us see his longing for home. He asks for his jacket. He could ask him to purchase one at the local market, but he longs for what is familiar. He also asks to speak to Mark in person. He wants to enjoy some sweet conversation in a previously damaged relationship that had been reconciled. Finally, he says: The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all. 2 Tim 4:22

Friend, whatever Home for Christmas looks like for you this year, I pray that the Lord will be with your spirit. I pray that you will experience God's grace, and show the warm light of Jesus Christ to the ones you love. Merry Christmas!

Pastor Milo

@milowilson

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