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Dealing with doubt and uncertainty is driving us all to be a little out of sorts. We continue to be forced to find ways to shift and mobilize, and be gracious with one another. We do not get to have all the answers that we want - in the way we want them - in the time that we want them. Instead, we learn to walk this road of life together. To share our stories and our beliefs.  To understand that we have been given a Savoir - who has defeated death in order that we might have life - and to live it abundantly.

We may not be able to see Jesus as the disciples saw Jesus - but we can see Jesus in the life and action of caring for one another and the world around us.  

On Sunday I talked about the disciples being locked in the upper room because of their fear of the world order of the time.  Along with how we here are feeling “locked” behind our masks and away from personal interactions that we crave.  And into those “locked spaces” Jesus shows up.  And the first thing he says is “Shalom” (our English translations say “Peace be with you”)

In the Bible, shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness and delight.  It is one of the key words and images for salvation. Shalom is revealed as the reconciliation of all things to God through the work of Christ: this idea, as it is experienced, is multidimensional, complete well-being (physical, psychological, social, and spiritual); flowing from all of one’s relationships being put right -  with God, with(in) oneself, and with others.

Can we find ways (even in our current restrictive state) to find ways that we can intentionally move through our doubt and understand that we are feeling “captive” because we really belong TO one another, WITH one another.

We really do look forward to the days when we can eat pot-luck meals INSIDE with our community and not feel restricted.  But for now - we trust in the day that community will be a part of daily life and we will find ways to connect deeply and live with Shalom in the meantime…

Peace to you in Christ,
Pastor Erin