It’s now been a year since my church has met in person for Sunday morning worship. I miss the smiles and handshakes from greeters at the door, the choir members who came early to practice and sang every Sunday, the church lunches with lasagna and salad and too many sweets to choose from.
I miss the sound of our voices in congregational singing and responses. I miss standing for the gospel reading. I miss passing the peace in person. I even miss the click of worship binders at the end of the service.
But in this year, I haven’t missed worship—because we’ve been worshipping online and with the printed liturgy that’s faithfully distributed every week. I haven’t missed preaching—since I’ve continued to preach once a month for my church via Zoom and sometimes another two or three times a month for other churches. I haven’t missed God—because God has been in our midst the whole time.
These words from yesterday’s “Preparation for Worship” reminded me again of God’s unfailing presence in our midst:
No one has no need for God.
Everyone needs everything that God provides.
And so we come seeking . . .
Forgiveness that restores and renews,
Grace that amazes and enables,
Community that strengthens and supports,
Truth that informs and guides,
Love that redeems and heals.
And God is truly in our midst.
Glen E. Rainsley
Thanks Be to God: Prayers and Parables for Public Worship
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