Who is my neighbor? (Luke 10.25f)
“Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4.9)
In essence, to whom am I responsible to love? To witness? To serve?
Breaking through self-focused, self-indulgences may be difficult enough, but is probably more likely when we care for people we love or people like us in race, creed, or color. Chances are we’re more likely to delay or cancel our plans to care for others we like, or who are like us, than if we don’t like them – or they’re not anything like us.
The parable of the Good Samaritan doesn’t push our boundaries or buttons inasmuch as it eliminates them. We’ll need to be careful with this seemingly familiar and innocent parable which sneaks up behind us and spiritually raps us on the back of head and points out who are neighbor really is after all…
Out Of An Abundance of Caution
We will be gathering for worship utilizing large gathering precautions designed to minimize the potential for the spread of any virus. These include:
- The recommendation/request to avoid shaking hands or embracing as a form of greeting. Instead, consider a smile, eye contact and a respectful nod/bow
- The “Greeting” portion of worship will be suspended
- I will not shake hands after worship (or any part of the evening)
- And, as common sense would dictate, please stay home if you are not well
- We have tuned up our technology for live/video feeds and double check that our online giving platform is both secure and operational (this in case significant numbers stay away from worship over time)
But first, before all that, let’s utilize this time of national and global urgency to recognize our vulnerability. World-wide crises are an opportune time to turn way from self-sufficiency and recognize our dependence on our Lord alone! Whether corona virus or terrorist attacks, “in this world you will have trouble – but take heart, I have overcome the world!” – Jesus (John 16.33)
We, at Peace, will take all the necessary steps to protect against virus contagions, while always drawing attention to the One who saved us from the origin of all contagions – sin!
I look forward to seeing you at worship,
Karl
Fellowship Supper at 6PM
Worship at 7PM