As a church weathering COVID, we have endured illness and death. We have been heartbroken.  We have been very conscious of the pain here and around the world. It has been a sobering, disorienting time. 

In our little community, we have tried to keep some semblance of order and care. We have worked hard to maintain safe practices and to find ways to continue our mission and to remain in close touch with one another. We as a congregation have all learned a lot about patience and flexibility.

Now we have hopeful news about COVID-19. 

How many times over the past two years have those of us who are white read books and articles by Black people, listened to podcasts hosted by People of Color, read poems, viewed art, or other exhibits showing their talents and said, “I didn’t know!” or “I wasn’t taught that in school.”? There are so many things we don’t know about our sisters and brothers of color and their American experience, it is clear our journey is one of lifelong learning. The Dismantling Racism Task Force wants to help you to be “in the know.”

I thought I’d awaken to a world in mourning.
Heavy clouds crowding, a society storming.
But there’s something different on this golden morning.
Something magical in the sunlight, wide and warming.

-Amanda Gorman, "The Miracle of Morning"

Although we will remain masked a little longer, in many ways this Easter will look and feel like a return to something more normal.