Easter Amid a Pandemic, Again
I find myself looking back, one year ago, during the early stages of the pandemic our regional leadership rallied with congregational care, support and resources toward a recovery. We believe/d our efforts needed to accompany our congregations’ strong returns. All throughout the year, our congregations have experienced the generosity, support and care from many of our General Church ministries as well. Like many of you, I struggle with what and how will it look like for us to recover. Many have lost loved ones and so much amid this pandemic. It is difficult to process how this year has seen the viral spread, become politicized and debated. We have seen for some in the public, denial of the viral spread, challenging and interpreting the necessary protocols as if it is some powerlessness. We have seen the rise of hate and violence and injustices and the list goes on. I pray for our clergy and congregations, every day. There are no shortages of challenges nor in opportunities for us to rise and respond.
We are a part of a new narrative and different day. We have seen new ministries born, Rev. Wilfredo Del Pilar had dreams of cars filling the driveways of the church building at Community Worship Center, Gardena and this becoming real before his eyes as people all around sought for prayers and free produce. While indoor church worship was unavailable, our parking lots were transformed into spaces to worship and breathe, safely.
Outdoor Worship at Community Worship Center in Gardena
McCarty Memorial Christian Church opened its Holy grounds and its Holy week for more than 450 people from around the community to become vaccinated. We have congregations and clergy planning and preparing for ministries in the pews as well as the virtual seats. These are dreaming and sharing the gospel in new and living ways. While we struggle with who we are becoming. The church “is constrained to insist that there is no route to an empty tomb except by way of the cross.” (Stookey, 1996, pg. 89) There are still great mysteries, ministries, missions and opportunities to behold.
Vaccinations at McCarty Memorial Christian Church
During this Holy week, amid a pandemic again, we can find innovation, strength, courage and power in the resurrected Christ. We walk by faith and not by sight. We do not walk alone, we have each other and promises from the One who was raised from the dead and who is never to forsake us on this journey. I believe we are yet still becoming. Have a Happy Easter.
“Have mercy on your people, Lord, and give us a breathing space in the midst of so many troubles.”
– Neumark, 2012, pg. 40
P.S. Please read the jointly written article by NAPAD writers and guests, “Together We Stand.”