1+1=1

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I am sure you look at this equation and wonder what planet I came from. Often I refer to this as the mathematics of marriage, with two becoming one, yet there is a remainder of 2. This letter, however, is not about two individuals coming together to become one married unit. This is about two services becoming one, as we experiment moving forward. Beginning Sunday, May 9, 2021, Mother’s Day, we will begin a six-month trial of having just one service, at 10 a.m. instead of the two services we have now  (9 a.m. and 11 a.m.).

While this may seem to be happening fast, Session has been dialoguing about this since I began my service at Westminster. Three things played a significant role in this decision: the pandemic, Easter Sunday, and a desire to come together as one congregation, because  we are stronger when we work together to do God’s work.

The pandemic impacted us and the rest of the world, in ways we couldn’t have imagined. But out of this turmoil, we were able to begin an online ministry that will continue to build its following of “digital disciples.”  This continues to grow and develop. For a congregation with members living elsewhere part of the year, it’s a great way to stay in touch. For parents who must stay home with a sick child, it’s a valuable connection. The pandemic did more than just nurture virtual worship. It reminded all of us how much we miss seeing each other - something we likely took for granted in the past. We received calls in the office and occasional visits from members asking, “When are we going to get back together?”

 

Easter Sunday was the day when we all got back together. Not in two services, but with one service at 10 a.m. It featured both contemporary and  traditional music and the added joy of a brass quartet. Numerous people commented “Why couldn’t we do this every week?” Granted, not every week is Easter, nor do we have “house quartet” to perform each Sunday. In light of this experience, however,  Session felt that now was the time to try this out for six months.

Coupled with these reasons, we felt it was time to come together, get to know each other better, and celebrate our oneness, in the midst of our diversity.

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Make no mistake. Unity is more than bringing people into the same room at the same time. Each of us must embrace the changes. This means reaching out to those we don’t know that well because we’ve worshiped at different times. Everyone is compromising something, but we pray that all will strongly participate in this new service, as we move forward. We hope to see all of you at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary on May 9, if not before. Praise the Lord!

                               

 

Blessings, Pastor Roger