For One Year Online

Sunday, March 14, 2021

GATHERING WORDS

Today marks one year since we began worshipping together online. We have experienced every festival and season gathered into one body from our separate homes and devices. We have celebrated and grieved the layers of pandemic life, holding space for every emotion along the way.

Let’s honor the loss and change we’ve endured this year with one minute of silent reflection.

It is difficult to comprehend the scale of death, to hold the pain of this last year. Our brains don’t know what to do with big numbers - 520,000 Americans dead and 3 million lives lost worldwide*. Our hearts try to pace themselves when it comes to grief. So know that when you feel overwhelmed, there is grace. And when you feel desensitized, there is also grace. The weight of this year will also require time to settle, to find words and new purpose. It cannot come all at once, nor can we bear it that way.

“Come to me, you who are worn out and weary, weighed down and burdened. Come to me for safety and mending and rest.” - Jesus (Matthew 11:28-29)

*Approximation at date of publication.

LITANY

It has been a year

of worship online

singing from couches

chatting the peace.

It has been a year

of deep abiding love.

Thousands of tiny altars

set by pantry rations,

lit by the candles we raise

to rejoice in baptism

promises that travel

for God is with us.

It has been a year

of deep abiding love.

It has been a year

since church left the building,

for streets and homes,

phone calls and greeting cards,

YouTube and Zoom.

It has been a year

of deep abiding love.

The Spirit is leading,

holy breath even while

we mask against aerosols

forget to unmute

fail to keep our distance.

It has been a year

of deep abiding love.

It has been a year

weary layers bearing down

grief compounding

rising and falling like tides

and waves of every emotion.

It has been a year

of deep abiding love.

It has been a year

of patience and paradox

despair and great hope

weary sighs and resilience

transcending time and space.

It has been a year

of deep abiding love.