I know you are thinking I am trying to be cute as I talk about a certain pastor and it turns out to be me. This is not the case. I have been accused by some (mostly my wife) of being indecisive at times. When Kim wants to irritate me she calls me “wishy washy”. After making the comment I usually enter into a self righteous trade about the tremendous burden on my shoulders and then I change my mind and decide everyone has their burdens and I should just accept the criticism… or should I?… I don’t know ! Well anyway I was a “certain” person on Sunday as I entered our church council meeting to discuss reopening plans. I was pretty sure I knew what we needed to do. My opinion… June 28th- open for business… OUTSIDE!!! I would not be moved about beginning indoors until July 5th with restrictions. But to quote my hero and great philosopher Jethro Bodine of Beverly Hillbillies fame… “I have changed ‘mah’ mind”.
Your church staff met with our church council yesterday and they represented a fairly accurate cross section of our congregation. We listened to various opinions and viewpoints and I figured there were a few with a view similar to mine until… those with a personal knowledge of public health, those who were dealing with public situations on a regular basis, and finally our own Health Promotion Team medical professionals shared their observations. My once solid stance weakened as I listened to the shared information and data, and I soon came to the conclusions, I am lonely. I miss Sundays with this wonderful congregation, and I want to meet again soon but we don’t need to. This was the consensus of the group as well. We are not the victims of some conspiracy to curtail the gathering together of believers but a congregation that cares about the well being of our community, our country, and the world. I encourage all in attendance to take responsibility for our decision and to emphasize that our Christian faith tells us to be concerned for others and because of that we have a new reopening schedule. Many of us are “ready to ruuuumble!” but its not for the best. I believe the wisest decision was made. We will be open for indoor worship, with restrictions, on August 9th which will be Graduate recognition Sunday. Be looking online and “on paper” for details.
Until that time there are opportunities to gather reasonably. We had a great response to our Wednesday on the Porch last week and we will continue… weather permitting and there is the possibility of meeting in the FLC should the weather not be suitable for the Cornerstone Patio. We also have Sunday School classes meeting in person and online and if you are in the area stop by the Cornerstone Building and visit.
I miss y’all.
Andy O.