An open letter to all of those returning to church now…
Hi there!!
It’s so nice to see you! Here are a few things that you should know before you sit next to me.
- It’s so good to see your face! In case you can’t tell, I am smiling at you under my mask. Our first interaction may be awkward. I am a hugger/hand shaker, so no contact kinda throws me for a loop. I don’t really know what to do. But, welcome back! We can bump elbows, I guess? I don’t care if your vaccinated or not, masked or not. We’re kids of the same father, so I’m excited to worship with you.
- My first time back at church was very emotional. Yours might be as well. There’s no judgement here. Do your thing.
- Fair warning: I have gotten very used to the empty chairs around me. My praise has gotten big and loud, and my arm reach is longer than I thought. Our family has been through some *stuff* in the past year (as I’m sure yours has as well), and it has changed the way I worship. I have grown accustomed to being able to wave my arms or even sway without anyone near me, so I’m sorry if I accidentally touch or bump you. I’ll try to control myself. There have been times that worship has had me completely undone, and I have lost track of what was going on around me. I’ll try to keep it together today.
- I used to sing alto in the choir. Even though it has been years, in my head, I still know the harmonies to the music. Hopefully, my mask will muffle the off-key singing.
- Just know that when the pastor says “Turn to your neighbor and say blah blah blah…” I will turn to you and say blah blah blah. If you don’t turn my way, it’s no problem.
- During the sermon, I will do my best to stay quiet. But sometimes, the pastor will say a certain thing that registers in my soul, and I can’t help but shout out. It was much different when I was in my living room and could yell from the comfort of my own couch. I will try to keep in mind that there are others around me.
- I would love to talk to you after the service. Fair warning: My hearing is awful. Talking through the masks is even worse. So, if I invade your private space, it’s only to hear you better.
I think that covers everything. You’ve been warned- ha ha! Church is different for me now. It has always been my refueling station for the week, but it is even more so now than every before. This time is my source of peace, comfort and joy to get me through the week to come. I know it is for you, too.
“I just wanna move Your heart, get caught within Your gaze.
Right here in Your presence, God is where I wanna stay.
Oh just to dwell in Your house, waste my hours and my days on You
Oh, on You”
(Lyrics from Move Your Heart by Upperroom)
~Shiney
