Not In Kansas Anymore

​"Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore." Dorothy’s world had changed, and the one thing she knew was that she was in unfamiliar territory.
 
I’ve a feeling that this world we’re in now has changed, and we know that what was comfortable and familiar has been chased out the door by the coronavirus.
 
While for most of us, this is a very different world, we wish to get back to what was normal. But we know that whatever normal looked like, it will not look the same after this era of social distancing has passed.
 
Sundays feel so lonely for me right now.  I long for the hugs, handshakes, and words of affection that we share with each other.  I understand why things have to be as they are, but it doesn’t keep me from missing what was. I keep reminding myself that this is temporary, but whenever the threat has passed, it will not be too soon for most of us.
 
In the meantime, we are attempting to stay as connected as we can. I hope you are able to view our Sunday services that are now appearing on You Tube, Facebook, and our church’s website. I am certainly open to any feedback you wish to share with me.
 
While we’re in this “in between” time – moving from what was to what will be, I will be working to find ways to keep us connected. We still have electronic means of communication, and I hope you’re using these. I hope we’re calling the lonely. I hope we’re checking on the vulnerable, and I hope we’re doing all that we can to help someone who needs something we can do.
 
If things progress as quickly as I hope they will, we will be announcing a couple of new things that will be available to help keep us connected.  Look for emails coming later this week.
 
Meanwhile, we’re living off the map. We’re making it up as we go. We’re creating a new normal. (How’s that for spouting clichés?)
 
How about these words from an old hymn? “Sorrow and change in all that I can see. Oh, Thou, who changest not, abide with me.”
 
Wherever this takes us, we are confident that God is already there.
 
See you soon. What we do here matters.