Postponed

Postponed

Usually this phrase is used on the rare occasion that all the stars do not align for a regular event and there is a hope that the event will eventually take place. Today, the word postponed has taken on a new form. Church services, fundraisers, baptisms, and book studies have all been halted and, it is sad to say, we do not know when they will start again. Currently, the White House guidelines would have us back in worship for Palm Sunday, April 5th, but the current CDC and PA Health Department recommendations have that time closer to the middle of May. So for now, postponed is our phrase of choosing.

I have been wonderfully surprised about the outpouring of understanding and support for the faith leader’s recommendations and actions to not hold any gatherings at this time; but we always have rebels. Usually, I like questioning the status quo and pushing the limits but in this situation, there is no room for anything but conformity.

This past weekend, a church near Greensburg decided to hold their regular service. This is selfish. Essentially ignoring the experts’ advice, this church is doing nothing but reinforcing Christian entitlement and showing a blatant ignorance of viral infection. I think what upsets me the most is when the pastor is quoted in saying that he declares, anyone in attendance that may be infected, is healed. I have as much hope in God’s miracles as the next sane Christian but this virus will not go away with our hopes. The only solution to the eventual remediation of the COVID-19 virus is to distance ourselves from one another and to not overwhelm our healthcare system with a large influx of sick people.

To anyone that disagrees with me, I would love to know why. If you think that this is an overreaction, you are right, because that is the only way we can combat a viral pandemic. If you are blatantly ignoring the scientists’ warnings and not practicing social distancing, please know that you are part of the problem and not the solution.

On the last Sunday that my churches regularly gathered I said that this is the time for the Church to shine. I 100% believe that the Church is not defined by our regular gatherings of worship, but it is instead defined by our connectedness and compassion. I know that people often define their faith by being regular worshipers and I applaud people for having steadfast devotion. But I urge people to see that their faith is more than showing up to church on Sunday. Doing works of compassion and staying connected with the people you know and love are the most important aspects of our faith. Friends, the Church was made to combat the coronavirus. Yes, this is a huge pain in our stubborn rears, but we have to do everything we can to help our neighbors in this time of need and we have to believe in the power of the Holy Spirit working between us even though we are distant.

I want to make a disclaimer: I have a pretty good BS sniffer and it’s working in overdrive listening to some faith leaders pushing back on social distancing guidelines. It pains me to say this but I think faith leaders are scared that their churches will be financially crippled by society’s response to the spread of this virus. Without regular services and offerings, churches will see a financial hit to our regular budgets, but I have faith to see that we will weather this storm. I have an itching suspicion that there is a financial push to some of these leaders’ ignoring of common sense social distancing practices. Listen to me: if we are making decisions that could infect us or our neighbors because we are afraid of the financial ramifications, those decisions are not faithful. We must do what is in the best interest of our neighbors.



So what are we doing to be the Church when being Church isn’t normal? We have to innovate and try new things. Online prayer services, worshiping from our living rooms (or from bed, if you prefer), zoom Bible studies, etc. will be commonplace for some time. But don’t be afraid of the unknown, have hope that God is working in all of this, and that we will see the beauty of the Church revealed in this season of life.

~Pastor Ryan