Dear Ones of St Columba's,

Last Sunday after livestream Eucharist and zoom coffee hour, during the time that in prior weeks would have been pop-up church, I listened to Gov. Inslee announce new stay at home orders for Washington state. Like many of us, I watch the virus numbers almost every day. I knew it was coming, and wanted this to happen. With a respiratory therapist husband whose job has become more difficult by the day for several weeks now I believe that we need to stay at home. 

And still, there is a part of my heart that sank with a thud, when it finally happened. Not this again. 

I do not know about you, but this past spring was tough for me. It was not easy to suddenly be deprived of in person social contact with people outside my household, or to just as suddenly deal with levels of fear I had not imagined possible before, fear about becoming sick, or my spouse becoming sick, or some of you getting sick. Last time we were ordered to stay at home was traumatic and boring and awful. And while my household has not dramatically shifted our practices, I have so enjoyed pop-up church, and some safe socially distanced visits with friends, and family, and some of you. I don't want to shut it all down again. 

So I have been reminding myself what was great about the last time we all were under stay at home orders. Do you know what was great? You. You were great. This faith community's response to crisis was amazing. We decided immediately to stay connected, stay church, and take care of each other and we did that to the max of our capacity. When we could not gather in person we gathered via livestream and zoom. When we could not distribute Eucharist to everyone we kept the celebration of it alive in the best way we could. When we could not gather for coffee hour and catch up time we formed buddy groups and had coffee hour on zoom. We have learned how to love, pray, and keep track of each other without needing to be physically together. And our commitment to this practice of loving and praying no matter what? Friends this has kept me going and been a deep well of encouragement for me. I hope it has also been this for you.

This fall Meghan and I preached for four weeks from the book of Philippians. We chose to do this not just because the lectionary gave us the opportunity but also because Philippians is a letter of love and encouragement from Paul to a community of Christians he cannot be physically present with. He loves them from a distance through his lived example and through the best tech of his day - a written letter. 

You have been Paul to me, this pandemic. You the people of St. Columba's in how you have lived this distance, how you have used the best tech of our day to stay connected; you have been the source of encouragement, courage, and hope that this Vicar of yours has needed. 

Which is all to say - we know how to do this. We know how to be love and light for each other and for our vulnerable neighbors in and through this, again. When my courage falters, friends, I think of you, and I know that I will make it. We will stay connected, and stay church and keep on living our love for God and each other all the way through this, and into the years beyond. 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

Dear ones, let us take encouragement from the words of Paul, and from each other. 

May the peace of God guard your hearts and minds, in Christ Jesus, as we navigate the road ahead, together.

with care and gratitude,

Alissa