Listen

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. After he looked around at everything, because it was already late in the evening, he returned to Bethany with the Twelve.

Mark 11:11

Think

A year ago, our church building was closed in response to a new and largely unknown virus that was spreading quickly throughout the world. As we moved quickly to get worship online, we left things pretty much as they were inside. The sanctuary was still set up for Ash Wednesday, and signs announcing our Lenten schedule and worship theme were posted throughout the building.

As it turns out, it’s still pretty much how we left it a year ago. Given the particular contours of our local situation, we have not yet returned to in-person worship indoors. So the posters from Lent 2020 are still up, as are the sign-up sheets for worship volunteers.

It can be a little eerie in the sanctuary, even during the day. My voice echoes in the empty, cavernous space. I look around and see empty pews and imagine who used to sit where — the 8:30 crowd and the 10:30 regulars. And I wonder how and when God will breathe new life into this place once again.

Peter Hanson

Pray

Jesus, you entered Jerusalem knowing what awaited you at the temple and elsewhere. Help me not to worry about the future, to rest assured that you will bring new life to our church once again. Amen.

Go

God calls you to shout out loud that the love and mercy of Jesus never ends.

Go with strength and courage.

Go with a new “Hosanna” on your lips.

Go, be a blessing in the name of the Lord.