October is upon us. October is generally a time of settling into rhythms, enjoying the cooling weather, thinking about pumpkins and football. For me, this will be the first autumn I have experienced in nearly a decade. In Malaysia we lived near enough to the equator that every day of the year was essentially the same length and temperature. I am very much looking forward to being in a place that apples can grow so that I can enjoy some apple cider.
At the same time, this is not an ordinary October. Many of our plans are still uncertain and changing. New ways of doing this are being thrust upon us. I have spent September getting to know some of you, but there are still many St. Matthew communities that I have not met. With the shortening days and continued social distance, it can be easy to feel isolated. As a church community, we are trying to find ways to connect as best we can, but I am sure that everyone experiences the ways that we are still separated.
Many ministries are working quite hard to find ways to connect and to plan activities as possible. Please do pay attention to announcements on the weekly eblasts and here in The Messenger. There is quite a bit going on, and much excitement behind some new ideas. I am incredibly thankful for the number of energized people striving to make things work in an unsettled situation. I am also sure, though, that unforeseen challenges will continue to come up and all of us will continue to feel disconnected at times. In this, we must remember Jesus’ promise to the disciples in Matthew 28:20 of being with them even to the end of the age. In Christ we are always connected.
Part of what we miss are familiar rituals that make us feel connected. One suggestion is to try out new rituals and spiritual practices that can help overcome the sense of disconnection. For example, each day you could pick up your directory and look through the names that start with a particular letter. Say a short prayer for each of those families, whether you know them well or not. Then move to the next letter the next day. These kinds of practices build a daily sense of connection with your church family. Starting new practices is not easy, but it can help build a rhythm that helps us see how Christ continues to connect us all.
Pastor Eric
pastor@stmattew-lutheran.org
Please note that Pastor Eric will take his Sabbath time on Fridays. He will respond to emergencies on Fridays but will otherwise not immediately return messages on those days.