Advent/Christmas 2020
A message from Pastor Bill
Dear Reconciliation Family,
“Things are really different this year.”
I don’t know how many times I’ve heard that — and said it — but it is true. We are doing things very differently this year, and will continue into 2021. I wanted to take a few minutes to share with you a few changes to an already different year.
Christmas Eve service will be virtual. “Home for Christmas” is our theme, and gift bags have been prepared to help make your Christmas worship experience as meaningful as possible. We will be celebrating Holy Communion (virtually) as part of this service.
Instructions for preparation of Communion are included in the gift bags, and will be provided during the broadcast of the service. The service will be posted at 4pm on Christmas Eve. You may access on our website virtual services, on Facebook, or our YouTube channel.
The two Sundays following Christmas (12/27 & 1/3) will feature worship from the NC Synod. Our crew needs some down time/vacation, so we will be led in worship by members of our Synod.
The Church Council has approved offering Communion for all services moving forward. This means that all of our broadcasts will offer the celebration of Communion, and each person may receive the sacrament at their choosing.
Because winter is upon us, and the weather is much more unpredictable, we will discontinue in-person (parking lot) worship until Easter. We feel that by offering Communion through the online service, we are providing the most complete worship experience possible under the circumstances. I know part of the joy of worship is seeing one another in person, and I miss seeing you probably more than you will miss seeing me. But without knowing week-to-week what the weather will be, we feel like this is the best option. Thank you for your understanding.
We are looking forward to the start-up of our new live-stream worship. Equipment has been ordered. Plans for installation are being prepared. Training and practice will soon follow. Lots of time and energy will be devoted to getting this new offering up and running in the spring. We are very excited about what this will mean for our congregation, and I hope you will be, too.
Lastly, I miss you all. We have shared this time of separation, gathering restrictions, worry, and grief like a time in the wilderness. It has not been easy. We have been tested, and we are tired. But knowing you are watching our broadcasts, joining in ZOOM gatherings, calling and contacting one another, and praying for each other gives me hope and courage. I pray you have felt that as well. I know this wilderness time will end. And I know that our gracious and loving God has been with us through it all, preparing us for what is to follow.
May you know the joy and wonder of Christ’s birth among us. May the Spirit hold you close. May you stay safe and healthy.
Peace,
Pastor Bill
