This Boat Is Sailing Just Fine

“Are you there?” “Are you there?” “I can’t see you?” Dropped calls and loss of internet connection happen all the time. There you are talking away, telling a funny story, or sharing something tender from your heart when suddenly communication is cut off. This happened to me recently with my son, Ben, while we were Face Timing. I could see he was on his boat, having a great time. We were laughing and talking and then, suddenly, I lost him. When I tried calling back and he didn’t answer, my first thought was that he’d tragically crashed his boat. (Yes, I am still a mother who worries!) Turns out, Ben was fine and had just temporarily lost cell phone service.

And yet, when we can’t be together it’s hard to know if the people we care about are doing okay. Without in-person worship, how do you know if the older woman who would always smile at you coming into church is doing okay? And, the rambunctious little boy who couldn’t sit still in the pew? How is he doing? The woman in the choir with the beautiful voice, how is she? How about the gentleman who sits near the back on the left, how is he? Or the teenagers, how are they? Without in-person connection, does St. John’s Church still exist?

Yes! I have seen the parish directory to prove it. More than 150 households make up the people who form the body of Christ in this place called St. John’s. I also saw it in Deacon David’s report that 475 pounds of food were donated by you last Saturday at the First Fruits Collection. I heard the faithful spirit of St. John’s Church in the zoom formation conversations on Wednesday evening and Sunday morning. I heard it in the March vestry meeting when person after person reported on their various ministries with vision and passion. Plus, I know there are strangers eager to be part of St. John’s Church because this week a woman stopped me in front of the church and asked when the doors would open again.

As your interim supply priest, with a new set of eyes and ears, let me assure you St. John’s is alive and well. This boat has not crashed, run amuck, or stalled its engine. The day will come when we can regather safely. Until then, pray for one another, our community, our country, and the world. Continue to give generously. Trust the Spirit to empower us. Worship with us virtually. Enter Holy Week with an open heart.

Peace and blessings,

Jenny+