I had the opportunity to preach in February, just a few weeks after having written my comprehensive annual report which began with early 2020, as I described totally normal worship. It then led the reader through a brief period of exploration as staff figured out what we could do after that “normal” period was no longer available to us. Then, the gates opened wide and a period of creative discovery like I’ve never seen began. I’ve been amazed at how many results of this self-expression have burst from our membership in these months at home. As I preached about in mid-February, we are now entering a second cycle, but it doesn’t feel as uneasy as last Lent, that’s for sure. At the time you’re reading this, it was one year ago when we were starting to plan for what seemed like a “Plan B”. (How often have you ever really needed to enter into a “Plan B” before?). Anyway, there’s no need to rehash all of that, because it’s so chillingly fresh in our minds.
During March this year, the only month that is always fully located within Lent, I hope that you will be able to truly experience a thoughtful period of reflection, what Lent is meant to be at Edwards Church. We know that all of Lent will happen in our virtual worship style, there’s no need to wonder. “Wondering”, that is where our minds can fall off track, and I encourage you to stay on track this month. To accomplish that, put your trust in God, put your trust in your worship leaders, tune into our bird services, write a daily devotion, read 31 daily devotions, submit your bird photos, and watch our pre-service slide shows which will highlight all our bird photos, take a hike and listen to the birds, submit a track of your own for our inspiring Lenten Multi-home Ensemble hymn, the familiar “Morning Has Broken”. There’s a lot to do, Edwards Church, let’s have some fun. And, when we have made our way through Lent this year, forty days after we’d begun, I am confident that our collective self will peek our heads out from under this, see higher vaccination numbers, lower infection numbers, and be more equipped than we have since 2019 to take a great big bite out of spring (which also starts in the month of March!).
Blessings,
Rick Seaholm