SERMON SNAPSHOT: Sunday, October 18, 2020

Dear Friends in Christ –

There is a line from Fiddler on the Roof. The village has been attacked. The Jewish community is forced to load up what they can carry to escape the escalating violence. They embrace and say goodbye to friends whom they may never see again, they say to each other, “Next year in Jerusalem.” The phrase embodies their longing for home – a place that offers safety, familiarity, community, comfort.

Many of you have asked, “When are we allowed back - back into the sanctuary in community, into the familiar that we may feel anchored, safe, encouraged in these times?” Answer: This Sunday! This Sunday we return to worship in proximity, safely distanced, masked up, together. Will it be the same? Yes. Will it be different? Yes. Will the Spirit of God be with us? Oh, yes. We will have the chance to inhale the essence of the space that has gathered and held God’s own for two centuries.

The text is Revelation 20. The title? "Sometimes the Dragon Wins."

Folks, we have learned that the building cannot contain our ministry. The building cannot restrict our responsibility to each other or the claims of the gospel. But the building stands as a beacon for us and those who are to come who long for that which they may not even know they yearn for – the mysterious power and love of Jesus.

So, bring your mask. Wash your hands. Come home. We will live stream the service for those unable to attend. Let’s come together online, or in the pew. See you Sunday.

In great anticipation –