Thursday, July 30, 2020
Scripture for the Day
Philippians 4:10-15
The online daily devotional was introduced on March 12, 2020 in an email titled, Coronavirus: UPDATE from Rev. Tony Sundermeier. Showcasing the flexibility and creativity that would become hallmarks of ministry during COVID-19, the first submission in the online devotional found its way to your inboxes on Monday, May 16 with a reflection by Tony Sundermeier on Psalm 81. In a subsequent email to Session and staff, Tony explained the goal of these daily devotionals was to “keep people feeling connected and less isolated.” By the grace of God, these emails have done that job.
My colleagues and I received so many notes of thanks for our contributions. While I heard often from people with whom I am in relationship, I treasure the emails from people I had never met or folks who live outside of Atlanta. “Please share with the staff how much we appreciate this” was a message I passed along a number of times. “Thank you for the song suggestions!” was a familiar refrain when our studies focused on the Psalms during Lent. One person said she loved how each devotional was stamped with the personality of the pastor. “It’s like we are getting to know each of you better every day.” In all honesty and openness, I also received some constructive comments. One person said, “Why can’t the pastors offer more uplifting reflections on scripture. We need a word of hope these days!” My email in reply began with an “Oh no!” as I had just submitted my interpretation on a psalm of lament.
I have the honor today of writing the final installment of the current form of the staff’s daily devotional. (It’s not an earned honor, by the way. I rise to the occasion offered by my spot in our random rotation of writers.) I am also pleased to announce what devotional development is up next. For the month of August, you’ll be hearing from congregants on the topic, “What We Miss About Church.” The hope is that in sharing what we miss, we will remember who we are called to be. You’ll hear from teens and 80-year-olds, parents and empty nesters, people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, folks with PhDs and retirees, “healthy” folks and the immunocompromised, people on the left and right sides of the political spectrum. We are so diverse and yet we are siblings in Christ. Wherever we come from, we are bound by the ties the Spirit tethers on Sabbath hours in our sacred space. Trust me. You’ll see as the emails unfold in August. May God be with you till we meet again.
