Pastor's DeskPastor Marlene Ciranowicz
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It Has Come to Pass!
Jul/Aug 2021
I know when the pandemic hit in March, 2020; most of us thought it would pass in a month or two. When it did not and we continued to be very restricted in our lives month after month, it seemed like it would
never end. Then came the news of the availability of a Covid vaccine but even then it seemed to take forever to get enough people vaccinated so the restrictions could be lifted. BUT it did happen and as of last Sunday all restrictions have been lifted here at the church EXCEPT the CDC recommendation that masks are required for unvaccinated people.
I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to be able to walk down the aisle last Sunday with no mask instead of having to climb back steps fully masked to get to the pulpit. How amazing it was to be able once again to preach down on the main floor and to greet people at the back of the church, as I had been accustomed to for so many years. Later in the newsletter you will read how the Leadership Board is planning to reopen the rest of the church because the time has arrived. Praise God!
I know we are not out of the woods yet as there are still many unvaccinated people and the variants that have developed appear to be more contagious and life threatening than ever. However, the fact that we
can leave most of these restrictions behind is like a breath of fresh air. So, what is the lesson in all of this? I think it is a great example that even in the darkest moments of our lives, even when we feel our suffering will never end, even when we feel our life can never change, it will. I like the way the Message Bible says it, “The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ - eternal and glorious plans they are! - will have you put together and on your feet for good.” I Peter 5: 10. That’s God’s promise!
But is that really true? Well, all we have to do is look at our lives after the past year and a half and realize that our suffering caused by the pandemic, and there has been much suffering, is slowly but surely coming to an end. We can trust God’s Word because it is true and rest in it. May this encourage you as we all begin to pick up where we left off almost 17 months ago! God is so good…..all the time! Hope to see you soon!
Blessings,
Blessings, Pastor Marlene
I know when the pandemic hit in March, 2020; most of us thought it would pass in a month or two. When it did not and we continued to be very restricted in our lives month after month, it seemed like it would
never end. Then came the news of the availability of a Covid vaccine but even then it seemed to take forever to get enough people vaccinated so the restrictions could be lifted. BUT it did happen and as of last Sunday all restrictions have been lifted here at the church EXCEPT the CDC recommendation that masks are required for unvaccinated people.
I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to be able to walk down the aisle last Sunday with no mask instead of having to climb back steps fully masked to get to the pulpit. How amazing it was to be able once again to preach down on the main floor and to greet people at the back of the church, as I had been accustomed to for so many years. Later in the newsletter you will read how the Leadership Board is planning to reopen the rest of the church because the time has arrived. Praise God!
I know we are not out of the woods yet as there are still many unvaccinated people and the variants that have developed appear to be more contagious and life threatening than ever. However, the fact that we
can leave most of these restrictions behind is like a breath of fresh air. So, what is the lesson in all of this? I think it is a great example that even in the darkest moments of our lives, even when we feel our suffering will never end, even when we feel our life can never change, it will. I like the way the Message Bible says it, “The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ - eternal and glorious plans they are! - will have you put together and on your feet for good.” I Peter 5: 10. That’s God’s promise!
But is that really true? Well, all we have to do is look at our lives after the past year and a half and realize that our suffering caused by the pandemic, and there has been much suffering, is slowly but surely coming to an end. We can trust God’s Word because it is true and rest in it. May this encourage you as we all begin to pick up where we left off almost 17 months ago! God is so good…..all the time! Hope to see you soon!
Blessings,
Blessings, Pastor Marlene