The election is over, but COVID is still here. Don’t you wish they both would have ended? Alas, that is not the case. Instead of going away, case numbers, hospitalizations and deaths are all on the rise (fortunately, the death rate is not climbing as fast, at this point). While we are still doing well, compared to the rest of the country, we are not immune. This morning on my drive to church I heard a report that cases in New Hampshire have doubled in the last two weeks. As we know, as cases rise, deaths rise as well, just not as fast.

I say this, not to depress you, but rather because it causes me concern as we have begun to hold in-person worship services. While it has been well received by those who attended, it is not a foregone conclusion that they are here to stay or we will hold them indefinitely. Each month, and as necessary, council will revisit the decision to hold in-person worship and whether or not it is the right or wise thing to do. While we take into consideration if people want an in-person worship and will attend, that is not the deciding factor. We look at community spread. We look at treads across the country. We talk about what our role is as a church in helping to mitigate the virus. All this is to say, whatever we decide to do as we move into winter, we do not make any decision lightly. Council is a place where many and varied decisions are offered and heard. We may not always agree, but we do support what we decide.

As we continue to discern our way forward, I ask that you pray for several different groups...

Churches as they continue to figure out new ways of worshipping and being together.
All medical caregivers as they continue to put their health at risk to help those who are sick and suffering.
Counselors and all mental health professionals as they continue to deal with a rise in depression and anxiety in people of all ages.
Leaders in our community and country as they make decisions to keep people safe, knowing whatever they decide it will make some people irate.
School administrators, teachers and support staff as they continue to do their best to educate our youth in a way that has never been done before while keep them and their communities safe.
People who currently have the virus and are afraid of how it will affect them and those who are fighting for their life.
People who have lost a loved one to the virus as they are entering into the Holiday season.
For all who are feeling “COVID Fatigue,” to strengthen our resolve to do the steps necessary to limit the spread of the virus.
Anyone else or group that you can think of that is not listed above.

I listened to a podcast yesterday that featured a conversation with Dr. Michael Osterholm. He is a leading epidemiologist and infectious disease doctor in the country. He talked about this being the season of the pandemic in the same way we have a baseball or football season. Each season is not forever, but for a period of time. It will come to an end, but we need to prepare for the season. Maybe we need to think of the time we are in as the 2020-21 COVID season. There will only be one, but we are in the middle of it right now. Let’s play our part, as well as we can, so it will be as short of a season as possible.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Tim