Revelation 14:12 (ESV) Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
Dear Family and Friends of Union Church,
I am often asked, because of my skinny frame and lack of body fat, if I am a runner. Apart from chasing my grandson, Avery, which I do with joy, I am not a runner in the sense of regular distance running. (I have simply been blessed with good metabolism!) Consequently, I have never had the pleasure (is that the right word?) of running a marathon. However, I understand from testimony by those who have run the Pittsburgh marathon, that there are some killer hills involved! The worst being a slow, gradual climb, in the middle of the race, that feels like it will never end!
Could there be a more fitting metaphor for the circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic? This summer was like hitting a nice, level stretch of the race – beautiful weather, the opportunity to be outdoors, lower infection rate…then came the fall months. It feels like we hit a steady climb that is never going to end. Now, with new restrictions announced by Governor Wolf and health experts, in the midst of Advent and two weeks before Christmas no less, the slope just got steeper. It is not only about the ways that each of us are personally challenged by the current rise in the infection rate. It is also about our neighbors who are essential workers, the healthcare workers who are working long hours with no end in sight. It is about the loss of jobs, income and impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable in our society. It is about the families who have lost loved ones to the virus. The country has now, for several days straight, lost as many lives each day as were lost on 9/11. That fact alone feels like the burning of the lungs, and the pain in the leg muscles as the runner keeps pushing up the steady slope, spurred on only by the certain hope that there is a finish line!
Endurance is a major theme in The Revelation of John. We’ll be dwelling on that theme this Sunday in worship, and the timing could not be better. We need now, more than ever, to be encouraged by the irrevocable and undeniable promises of the Triune God that our victory is secured and that our faith in Jesus Christ will not disappoint! There is a finish line, and not simply an end to this pandemic. There is a larger storyline in play. I invite you to read through Revelation 14 in anticipation of worship this Sunday. Pay attention to the ways that John’s vision, found in that chapter, grounds the call to endurance. The Holy Spirit speaks these words, not as a shot in the dark, but because the Lord God, Almighty, reigns! I encourage you to find hope in that truth, even as we join our hearts in prayer for our friends, neighbors and community.
Given the new restrictions announced by Governor Wolf yesterday, in consultation with the Session, we have decided to suspend in-person worship, beginning this Sunday, December 13, at least through January 3, 2021. We do so for the health and safety of our church family as well as the well-being of our healthcare workers, healthcare system, and neighbors. We will continue to worship online via the Union Church YouTube channel. This week will be a Live Stream. We will most likely move to a pre-recorded worship for the following weeks, including Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve online will include both the early Family Service, as well as the traditional candlelight service. We’ll provide further details about Christmas Eve worship next week.
I also encourage you to remember the needs of our mission partners and ongoing ministry at Union. The Mission Team will be at the main church entrance again this Sunday, from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to receive in-person donations for the Guatemala baskets, and gift cards and gifts for the Angel Tree and Bradley Center. You may also make year-end contributions online or via regular mail.
Friends, let’s push on toward the goal that lays before us, and by faith anticipate the victor’s crown! We run the race together – may the Spirit of the Lord God, Almighty, sustain you now and in the days to come!
Peace,
Tom
