A Letter from Bonnie
Dear friends, Hope is a wonderful thing. It is a gift. Hope restored and renewed strengthens us and helps us face the challenges of the days we are facing.
Between a pandemic which has claimed more than 174,000 lives in the US; the pandemic of systemic racism, white supremacy and white privilege that continues to plague our siblings of color; the political, spiritual, and emotional divides which seek to separate us, natural disasters plaguing our nation and others, there is much which drains our hope. Yet, we are called to be people of hope. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reminds us: “I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power (Ephesians 1:17-19).
In all these challenges, there is good news. Churches are continuing to worship and celebrate their faith. Communities of faith continue to do the work of mission and ministry in communities addressing the needs of those around them. Ministers are finding new ways to provide pastoral care and leadership. Worship attendance, at least virtually, have increased. Safe church practices have been recreated and redesigned to include social distancing, wearing masks, taking temperatures, avoiding congregational singing, changing greeting, offering and communion practice, and following CDC guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing.
I continue to be so proud of the worship and work taking place in our churches, the leadership of our pastors and the covenantal commitments being honored. You are each and all a blessing to me.
I have one more reason to hope in these days. Those of you who have been following my husband Steve’s health issues. I am so happy to share with you that he is in a COVID step down unit following three asymptomatic weeks and a negative COVID test. We are making progress and I am thrilled to be sharing this with you. Thank you for your continued prayers. I am so grateful for your support.
Friends keep the faith. Hang on to hope. Feel the presence of God. Walk together.
Blessings, Bonnie