Lately I have seen a beautiful sight, people hanging out after service to talk. Covid made parishioners nervous to stay and chat. But now, with so many getting the vaccine, that is changing. We have missed the simple blessing of catching up with our church friends. There is a theological name for this thing we’ve missed. It’s called the consolation of the saints.
I heard Dr. Biermann of Concordia seminary talk about this on a podcast recently. He was worried that believers would get out of the habit of meeting together. The consolation of the saints is good and healthy for us. I agree. We all need Glendale Lutheran church as a hub of encouragement in the faith. It’s no little thing to see a dear friend you have known at church for decades and ask “How are you?” It gives us an opportunity to minister to one another. It also gives us the chance to meet new people. I am always heartened by our congregation’s hospitality to newcomers. Even now we are getting new families. Thank you to those of you who have welcomed them. We also have had more families with kids, returning. The noise of children has been a missed sound. The church needs it desperately.
I still want to reiterate that everyone needs to come back on their own timetable. It is between you and God. There is no shame in worshipping online. Some churches are stopping their online streaming so that members are forced back. That is cruel. Instead, we are looking to upgrade our cameras and viewing experience. There is no question that being here and receiving the sacrament is better than being at home. But if you have to worship from home we want you to feel like you are here. Someday soon Covid will be a memory and the saints will all be together again to console each other.
