Pastor’s Corner: Already Out of Date

March 18, 2020

By the time you read this, this column will be out of date.

COVID-19 (an acronym for COrona VIrus Disease of 2019) has been pronounced a pandemic by the specialists at the World Health Organization. While very few people have been diagnosed with the disease here in Hawai’i, and none on this island, that seems very likely to change by the time you read this. We receive new information every day.

(Update: One person has been diagnosed on Hawai’i Island as of 3/20/2020)

Last week, UCC Conference leaders in several states where the disease has been spreading advised congregations not to hold gatherings for worship. The 2020 Merrie Monarch Festival has been canceled. Long-term care facilities on this island will not admit visitors to see the residents. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has closed worship services worldwide.  

The Board of Deacons has concluded the same: it is time to defer meeting in person for worship. At this time, we have decided on a two-week pause, but we may need to extend it based on conditions.

We will share prayers and reflections via live video over the Internet. You will receive access information when it is ready via email. If you would like to be certain that you receive that information, please call the office. Let us know what your correct email address is or if there is another way that we should notify you.

We will also need to think about how we care for one another. People may spend long periods of time at home, cut off from their jobs (and their income). Some people may not be able to get to the grocery store. Some living alone may miss the comfort of a human voice. We will all, I think, long for the days we can greet each other with a hug or a handshake again.

Friends, this is likely to be a lonely and difficult season. Let us assure one another of our love for one another. Let us be assured, one and all, of the love of God.

With aloha,

Pastor Eric