From the Pastors Desk - November 01, 2020
It generally refers to the idea that people from Minnesota can be outwardly pleasant or helpful (Like helping you dig your car out of snow when it is -20◦ outside) but somehow, it takes a turn toward passive aggressive friction. Do a google search, you might find some of the examples amusing. . . unless maybe you are from Minnesota. I don’t think that there is an “Ohio Nice,” but one of the things I have found during this brief time of staying in Virginia is that there might be an Ohio friendly and I think without realizing it, over the past decade plus that I have lived in Ohio I have taken on this. When I am out walking my dog, I say hello to those I encounter. I will ask some people who look confused if I can help. One of the things I still need to figure out is how to give a stranger a friendly smile while wearing a Covid mask.
Yes, here it is November, and we are still struggling with a virus that has held us hostage for longer than I think most of us ever dreamed! I remember when we needed to close our building. It was hard. In the meantime, Good Shepherd has learned to worship by mail and online. We’ve learned to use our parking lot in new ways and how to make reservations and be socially distant in our own building. I think it is safe to say that it has not been fun for anyone. Being in the Fellowship Hall Sunday School with refreshments. Gathering food items for Thanksgiving baskets rather than writing a check, yes, it would be better. And yes, I have every confidence we will do that again, but here we are in the meantime.
Together, however, we are the church, and we are still sharing the Good News with others. I encourage you to take heart. Look at what is happening. Good Shepherd never “closed.” Good Shepherd is still being God’s Hands and doing God’s Work.
By the time you read this, the Church will be nearing the season of Advent, the start of a new church year. In Advent the Church focuses it yearning on the coming of Emmanuel, God-with-us, both as the Babe of Bethlehem and the Christ at the end of time. As we enter this season, may we recall once again, what it means for us to be the people of God at work in the world.
Pastor Leah Schafer
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