Greetings …
In my moments of quiet thought this week I have been struck by the things that I am missing, not only the big things, but the seemingly small things that form part of my usual routine. For while they are small, these little routines also give some meaning to where I find myself and how I live my life. Like making sure I have some money in the pocket of my alb so I can add that to the open plate offering at church – it might seem only a small thing but this action says something about what I value.
How we give at church has been just one of those things that we have had to think about differently, yet the generous giving of the congregation is still happening, with members creatively continuing to bring their offerings. Please see the note in the Church News from Ann Pine and Harriet Ziegler which talks about this more.
Another thing I have missed is the opportunity to share in the Communion meal with you all. The results of the Church Re-opening Survey we invited people to respond to showed that many others have also missed this, with sharing Communion being the second most important
thing people were looking forward to when they could return to church.
While we are not able to return to our church building as yet, we are able to share in
Communion together, in our own homes. It will be different as we will be apart, but I am able to preside in the church so that we can partake as one body. In keeping with our usual pattern of sharing Communion on the first Sunday of the month, I plan that this will be part of our service on Sunday 6 September, and I hope that you will feel you can partake with me. You will just need to have a small piece of bread (or a cracker or similar) and something to drink (maybe juice or wine) ready so you can participate. I look forward to sharing this with you.
As I have reflected on the little things I am missing, I have also been reminded on what I have been gifted in the person of Christ. May you, too, continue to feel God’s presence with you this week and in the weeks ahead.
Blessings – Heather.