Dear HLPC family,
I think in the days ahead the fallout from the lockdowns and social distancing will become more and more apparent- as if it hasn’t already. We are not meant to live in isolation. Sadly, some who live alone have borne the brunt of the effects of having to stay away from any kind of gathering. It’s hard for me to believe, but there are some in our church family I’ve not laid eyes on since March. That’s astonishing- and very sad.
Hebrews 10:24-25 speaks of our need to be together. Corporate worship and fellowship is not a bonus of Christian living- like a vacation or a nice meal- it’s more akin to the oxygen of the Christian life. It’s a real need. That’s what makes this crisis so hard and burdensome. We are trying to balance safe practices in regard to the virus with attending to one of the most basic needs we have as believers and image bearers. God has always existed in relationship as Triune. As image bearers, we are made for relationships. We are designed to be together.
I say all that not to guilt any of you who have stayed away from our corporate worship- I know there are legitimate reasons for some to stay away, particularly for those in high risk categories for COVID. I say this so we will all grasp the pain and loneliness around us and even in our own homes.
Let me exhort you all to reach out to someone. Please call someone you haven’t seen or spoken to in a while. Do it TODAY. Don’t put it off. Let’s continue to pray that God eradicates this virus so that fellowship and worship become the oxygen for us they are meant to be and that we are able to breathe deeply, in a manner of speaking, once again.
Your Pastor,