We’re all relatively clear on the facts:
We are in the midst of a global crisis that is frightening and anxiety-producing. We are concerned for the health of our loved ones, the health of our financial investments, and the health and stability of our plans and daily rhythms.
We know that the coronavirus is serious. We’ve learned about the symptoms that accompany the virus, and we’ve become familiar with the terms ‘presumptive positive,’ ‘quarantine’ and ‘self-isolation.’
We also know from doctors and scientists that soap and good handwashing habits can deal a significant blow to the virus (As is true in any cold or flu season, those who are not well should not share their germs and that they should limit their exposure to others.) ‘Social distancing’ is being encouraged nationwide, and people are rethinking their plans for traveling and gathering together. Semesters are being cut short. Conferences are being canceled. Everyday connections that we’ve taken for granted are being severed because of the virus’ spread.
We’re also aware that there’s a good bit of misinformation about, and that opportunities for fueling anxiety--if not outright panic--are rampant online and on TV. We know full-well the effect this has on our blood pressure and our mental health.
Finally, we’re keenly aware that the crisis could grow worse and ultimately creep over our protective mountain ranges and impact our local community.
So yes, we are familiar with the facts.
One thing is less certain: How does our faith speak to the current moment? What does it mean for our practice of gathering together to be the Church when authorities are suggesting that we resist gathering at all?
A couple of thoughts:
First, the Gospels teach us that Jesus was no stranger to illness, fear, or anxiety. Jesus was not only aware of the pain and suffering of those who were not well, Jesus actively sought out ways to bring healing and wholeness. The first lesson for us is that Jesus is the Great Physician and will care for us now and forevermore.
Second, Jesus brought about healing to bring people together. It was common practice for those afflicted with sickness and disease to be quarantined and cut off from family and friends. The Hebrew Bible was explicit about isolating most anyone who had
a condition that seemed suspect, including (but certainly not limited to) those who were menstruating, had touched someone who was sick, or who had itchy skin themselves. These, and many other individuals who were deemed unclean, could not participate in the life of the community. The second lesson for the Church is to recall that our mission, like Christ’s, is to bring about healing so that people will not be separated or cut off from one another. Jesus brings people together. Jesus restores community. Jesus gathers us together. We are rooted together because of Christ.
Third, church gatherings have been demeaned, discouraged, and outlawed since Jesus’s resurrection. Frankly, this is ‘old hat.’ In fact, the Church has thrived during times that it was forced to vanish from the public eye. When the culture or society has frowned on the idea of church, God’s people have found its strongest footing. Why? Because God does His best work in adversity. It’s the story of the resurrection, truly. And since our identity in Christ is made manifest in our friendships—and yes, our gatherings—you cannot simply stop being church. What is the lesson here for the Church at this time? We certainly are not going to stop being Church, regardless of the threats. This is precisely the time when the Church must be the Church.
So how will we continue to do that when life as we know it may have to change?
If we learn that our rhythms of being church must change, the church will adapt so that we can continue to “Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.” Be assured that our church will be the church regardless of any changes that might come our way. Administratively, we will do our best to communicate any changes to the work of our church and will strive in all things to offer a way for everyone to be connected. We will use all means (read: technology) to do just that.
In the meantime, there are several things we can do to be church together:
1.) Be church by recommitting your time, energy, resources, and attention to the work that we’re doing. The doors to our church will be open this Sunday, and we will be able to come and experience Sunday School and Worship free of the fear of contracting an illness. We’ll do that by limiting the opportunities for you to touch our facility or other people. Additionally, we are adapting our cleaning processes so that we can provide the most sanitized environment that we can. Our sanctuary can hold up to 500 attendees. We have plenty of room to spread out. Our number one goal is to ensure that our sanctuary is just that—a refuge from fear and anxiety and a way to encounter the Living God. If you are unable to attend, we will make sure that you’re able to ‘participate’ remotely through the use of technology.
2.) Care for others by texting them, emailing them, calling them, and loving them. I don’t have to tell you all the many ways that we can do this. Check-in with the elderly couple who knows your children’s names. Go shopping for those who are under the weather. Offer encouragement and prayers to those who are uncomfortable or distressed. This is what the church does. Let’s make sure this does not suffer.
3.) Care for yourself. Be smart. Listen to the right voices for your information. Be prepared, but don’t panic. Have supplies for the common cold on hand, but don’t hoard. Build up your immune system by eating well, sleeping well, and getting some exercise. And for heaven’s sake, be sure to go outside! The beauty of our mountains, forests, streams, and waterfalls reveal God’s glory and eternal provision.
God’s work in the world through the Body of Christ cannot be stopped or quarantined. Globally, we are in a tough spot. But history proves that we’ve seen tough spots before and survived them. Regardless of what lies ahead, God is the alpha and omega. God is the beginning and the end. Because of this, we have the faith to channel our inner-Brit and proclaim, “Stay calm and carry on…”
…With a fist-bump, of course.