We’re getting there

Dear Friends:

Well, we’re getting there. No masks needed outside. Greatly reduced restrictions if you’re vaccinated. In person gatherings, still with some precautions, but much less than before. Hugs, even.

I find it kind of surreal at times. I look at a group of people and think “Oh no—they are so close together!” and then think, “Oh, it’s OK, we’re outside, and I’m pretty sure most of them are vaccinated.” I went to a social gathering outside a few weeks ago, and suddenly realized I had to think harder about what to wear than I had in awhile! Top and bottom had to match, and body image issues that don’t matter when all someone sees is my face were suddenly alive and well again.

After 30+ years of hardly ever being at home together in the evening, Tim and I have kind of gotten used to hanging out in the evening, watching our shows, being a little more relaxed about the pace of dinner . . . . but now I can see we are headed back to the “ships that pass in the night” schedule again. Scheduling in general with others is once again punctuated with, “Oh, sorry, that dates not good for me, how about . . . ?” and “No, I have a dentist appointment then . . . how about?” etc.

I think many of us have mixed feelings now about Zoom vs. in person meetings . . . there are definite communication and social advantages to in person now that it feels safe—but—we have to go back to allowing time between meetings for travel time (probably not a bad thing) and sometimes being out late at night.

During the worst of the shutdown, we all promised ourselves that we wouldn’t go back to the hectic pace of before, we’d allow for time and space for quiet time with each other, with God, by ourselves. But it will be hard. We’ll need to work together on it, finding that balance between getting the work done and not always working on things.

Elsewhere in the newsletter, you’ll see information about new “rules” at Trinity, as determined by the Session at our May meeting; a new protocol for outdoor worship, as well as some guidelines for other activities. With God’s help, may we find opportunities to be together, with skilled and intentional use of the new tools we’ve gained through this time (Zoom, Livestream) to continue to build community near and far.

Blessings and I hope to SEE you soon (in person!)