Who loves you more?

This pandemic has really thrown a wrench in all the things this year.

From shopping at the grocery store to congregating for communal worship, everything looks different.

The prior week’s blog post shed light on the craziness that surrounds preparing for and attending church service.

But, what I didn’t share was my anxiety about attending service during a pandemic.

My anxiety surrounded unknown expectations.

What would service look like with all my kids moving around?

How will we keep them all occupied?

Would they be crazy disruptive?

How would be experience communion?

How do we greet one another without shaking hands?

How would I feel being among a larger number of people?

How would worship feel with a mask?

So many questions swarmed my brain.

I worried the night before.

I worried the morning of, and the entire way to church.

Like sick to my stomach stressed.

It had been six months since we attended an in person service, and watching service at home was increasing in difficulty.

It was time.

We were ready to take the plunge.

So, finally we went and it did not disappoint.

I missed it.

I missed it more than I ancitipated.

Just to be in the presence of other Christians, praising our steadfast God in the midst of all the craziness was emotional and comforting.

Many things flew through my brain while I observed all the differences, and it all boiled down to this:

Our church loves its people.

When the mandate was announced to suspend large gatherings, our church abided.

When the mandate was adjusted to allow for smaller gatherings, our church waited slightly longer to perfect their best practices for a successful pandemic worship for a larger community.

They adjusted its communion process to individually wrapped and ready to take packets.

The sanctuary was divided for the two services so everyone had areas to spread out.

They took time between services to clean the seating areas used by the previous service.

Provided additional means to welcome one another: jazz hands, waving, elbow bump, air high five and more.

Arriving and exiting in a manner that allows social distancing inside the building.

And, mask requirements for worship service.

The choice to implement these changes weren’t made out of fear, but instead made out of love for God’s people.

Following the first service back, my husband and I discussed why we waited so long.

Why were we so comfortable, or more comfortable, grocery shopping than attending service?

Why was that gallon of milk more important than our spiritual growth?

We all know stores (all varying products: grocery, clothing, etc) have taken many precautions to maintain their business.

But, church isn’t a business. It’s a community.

And my church community loved me and my family well by easing my anxiety with their loving adjustments.

I encourage you all as you contemplate attending your church service: hesitations and concerns are totally okay, but I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Matthew 18:20