PHILLIPSTON — Pastor Stephanie Flynn has worked hard to keep her church family connected during the pandemic crisis. This week, June 7, she held another outdoor service, preaching from in front of the Congregational Church to members parked in their cars around the common.
She had called members during the week and asked them what was the best and worst thing about the coronavirus and what would they put in a time capsule to be opened 50 years from this period. She formed her service around the responses she received, and based it on the Bible scripture Ecclesiastes 3: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. The message in verse 2 was close to many hearts — a time to be born and a time to die; many people lost loved ones during this time when it was difficult for family and friends to be together. Verse 5 also touched parishioners – A time to embrace and a time to refrain – hugs are something all have missed.
Some of the best things about the virus:
■Appreciation of things we’ve taken for granted.
■More time together with the family.
■Eating meals together with everyone home..
■Blessed to be able to work from home.
■Playing board games.
■Having a break.
■Not having to taxi kids everywhere.
■Parents participating with teacher’s lessons to her kids.
■Gratitude for technology.
■Having time to get projects done.
■Can dress leisurely and not have to rush to catch early school bus.
■Reaching out to the needy.
■Less traffic.
■More people gardening.
Some of the worst things about the virus:
■Handling the deaths.
■People out of work.
■Kids missing sports.
■Physical distancing.
■Missing classroom teachers.
■Challenges of remote learning.
■Missing special events.
■Not being able to leave the house.
■Missing extended family.
■Separation from friends.
■Long lines at stores.
■Putting on weight.
Items suggested for the time capsule:
■Photo of long line at Market Basket.
■Masks, especially designer ones.
■Letter describing the times.
■Toilet paper, a rare commodity.
■The email from the principal saying “No More School”
■A six-foot long yardstick to show distancing.
■A Bible
■A quote : “A fearful country needs a fearless church.”
■A quarantine Boy Scout patch from the distancing camp trip.
■Anything but the coronavirus.
■Pastor Stephanie for all she did for her church.
Pastor Stephanie prayed for unity during this time of racial tension, a time to break down walls and build bridges. Andrew Flynn played classical pieces on his saxophone that filled the common with an atmosphere of peace.
The service faced the fact that this has been a hard time, but more importantly, it’s a time when we have grown in many positive ways and had time to reflect on what’s really important in our lives. We will have appreciations we never had before. Singing “God Be with You Till We Meet Again” made us think about how wonderful it will be when we can worship close together in His house again.
The next outdoor service will be on Father’s Day, June 21, with a mission canned goods offering. Your donations have been gratefully received by needy families.