Page 2 - Presbyterian Connection – Spring 2021
P. 2

2 SPRING 2021
PRESBYTERIAN
Reflecting
with the
Psalms
Connection
MESSAGE FROM THE MODERATOR
presbyterian.ca
   By the Rev. Amanda Currie, Moderator of the General Assembly
In the midst of trouble, persecution or threat, the psalmists voice their complaints with the question, “How long, O Lord, how long?” As this is- sue of the Presbyterian Connection goes out, a whole year has passed since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared on March 11, 2020.
When we’d first begun the adjust- ments to our daily lives—things like working from home, online school, cancelled travel plans and virtual ways of doing church—most of us imagined it would be a matter of weeks. Church folk commented that Lent 2020 was “the Lentiest Lent we ever Lented,” and we looked forward to things getting back to normal by Easter. It would be a truly joyous cel- ebration with everyone back together again!
As I wrote a reflection for the PCC website on March 14, 2020, based on the Sunday Psalms for Lent of Year A in the Lectionary, I knew that the church and the world would need to trust in God to make it through this crisis, but I had no idea how much or how long it would take. Indeed, we still don’t know how long this pan- demic will continue to plague us with new variants emerging, limited suc- cess in flattening new waves and the slow roll-out of the vaccines.
But I would like to be like the psalmist who first voices a com- plaint, and then says to God (perhaps with an emotion-filled shake in the voice), “But I will trust in you.” So, I’ve selected some verses from the
Lectionary Psalms for Lent of Year B, as a way to look back on the dif- ficulties, learnings and blessings of the past year. Perhaps some of my experience will resonate with yours.
Psalm 25:4–5: Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.
This year of pandemic has been a time of learning for me. I’ve learned new skills related to video conferenc- ing, live-streaming and video edit- ing. But more than just the practical skills, I’ve learned that authentic min- istry can take place even online and still have a significant impact. I’ve learned to be courageous in jumping in and giving it a try and been hap- pily surprised by what God could do among us in these new forums.
Psalm 22:27: All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the na- tions shall worship before him.
While I haven’t been able to travel in the last year, it has nonetheless been a year of connecting across Canada and growing awareness of the worldwide church. My little con- gregation in Regina has received visitors from Canada and around the world through our live-streamed ser- vices, and I’ve had the opportunity to preach in Presbyterian churches in Canada, Guyana and with the Ca- nadian Council of Churches through video conferencing and pre-recorded videos. Even if we initially used the language of churches being “closed” because of the coronavirus, the pan- demic restrictions could not stop all the families of the nations from turn- ing to the Lord in the midst of the cri- sis and worshipping God.
Psalm 19:1: The heavens are tell- ing the glory of God, and the firma- ment proclaims God’s handiwork.
In a year without travel and without in-person events, I spent a lot of time on the computer (of course) but I also spent a lot of time outside. Making a commitment to walk and pray every day last summer not only gave me a way to connect with Presbyterians across the country and be unified with others in our prayers, but it also
prompted me to open my eyes and appreciate the beauty and wonder of God’s Creation. I live in the “land of living skies” that is Saskatchewan, and I was blessed by the scenery each day, whether I was walking in my neighbourhood or in one of the beautiful areas outside the city.
Psalm 31:9, 14, 15a: Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also. But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand.
Last year was very difficult in many ways. In addition to the isolation and loneliness caused by the pandemic restrictions, there was the actual ill- ness. For many months, I listened to the stories of those personally im- pacted and watched the numbers of infections and deaths with concern and sorrow. But eventually COVID-19 hit my community directly.
By January 2021, eight mem- bers of my congregation had tested positive—mostly folks either living or working in long-term care. One of our members died just before Christmas, less than two weeks after contracting the virus. We’re waiting until springtime to have her funeral as well as several other funerals for folks who died during the pandemic from other causes. It is challenging to keep going with that heavy load of sorrow and grief, but we are walking together as congregations, and trust- ing that God will sustain us through these days.
Psalm 107:1–3a: O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Let
the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands.
We have not ceased to worship in this year of pandemic. Most in my congregation are worshipping with us online, and some are joining us who attended only rarely in person. Others are receiving sermons and services by mail so they can read, pray and reflect at home without the Internet. Although the world is strug- gling so much, God’s steadfast love remains, and we are giving thanks. Indeed, our awareness of our need for God seems to be prompting many to reach out for help and the strength to endure.
Psalm 51:6–7: You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
The pandemic has revealed a lot of difficult issues to be concerned about—not only that our health care system has limitations and that a viral pandemic has the power to ex- ceed them, but that our society is plagued by inequalities that must be recognized, acknowledged and rec- tified. We might have predicted that Black and Indigenous people would be disproportionately affected by the pandemic. We should have known that our long-term care facilities would not be able to manage such an infectious disease effectively.
And yet, it has taken sweeping protests, persistent demonstrations and continual media attention to wake us up to the unjust systems
that we continue to empower. When the pandemic does finally come to an end, may we not simply return to business as usual, but continue the work of listening, repenting, respond- ing and healing.
Psalm 118:24: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
In a recent online gathering for prayer and support, one of my col- leagues shared about the pandemic as a time when he has been learn- ing to live in the moment. It made me realize that I’m not always very good at doing that.
My mind goes back to wonderful memories of pre-pandemic times— church suppers and celebrations, hugs shared between friends, gentle touches of comfort offered in crises, choristers and congregations singing side by side, access to patients in hospitals and long-term care homes. I also long for the future and the end of the pandemic. I imagine the pos- sibilities for travel, and connection at gatherings, like summer camp—the way it is supposed to be.
But I am determined to see the good in each day even now—giving thanks for life, health, relationships and ministry that is enduring and even thriving in this time. This is the day that God has made! God is with me in it, and I am blessed when I open my eyes to see God’s presence and action here and now. I am grateful for the additional time I’ve been given to serve as moderator (even though it has been very different), and I’ll do my best to rejoice and be glad in each day as I continue to serve.
































































   1   2   3   4   5