West Chelmsford United Methodist Church
Thursday, March 28, 2024
 
 


 


What a month it has been! When the month of March began the coronavirus as a glimmer on the horizon. It was something in China and Italy; we in this country were more concerned with primary elections for president and preparations for the March Madness Basketball Tournament, and whatever was going on in your personal life then. It seems so long ago now. But here we are, a month later, staying in our homes, most of us not working, and not spending time with people outside a small orbit of family and close friends.
Our lives have been dramatically changed, at least for now. And that’s part of the problem – how long will we need to do this? And what damage will it do to the economy – that is, to our livelihoods? Where will the money come from to pay our bills? And lurking behind those concerns is the virus itself, which is highly contagious and for some it can be deadly.
In the face of all of this anxiety and uncertainty our church and our faith remain constant. At the church we have transitioned to an online form of worship on the Zoom meeting app. We know it is not perfect and cannot meet all needs, but for now it seems to be the best we can offer, and it was welcomed by the many families who gathered with us last Sunday morning on Zoom. We are preparing for a Holy Week and Easter without being together physically, yet bound together by God’s Spirit as we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Throughout its history the church of Jesus Christ has endured the calamities that affected its people, whether it was other pandemics, war, natural disasters and whatever else life can throw at humanity. But always the church has been a beacon of hope during those times. I believe it will be a beacon of hope during these times as well. So, as we say these days, stay safe – and stay faithful to the God who will be with us through this time.


Reverend Mack