A Word from Pastor Nathan

On Tuesday evening, Washington Avenue held its first Elder and Board meetings of the program year. We remembered our last Board meeting in June, when things began to feel hopeful. Now, we’re back in another COVID wave, and infections are increasing. We lamented where we are, but we expressed an unwavering hope in the future God wants and ultimately will have. This expression of faith is evidence of who we are as Christ’s church, and that inspires me each day as your pastor.

Elder Chair Sandy Rieth, Board Chair Mark Mathes, and I continue to monitor the pandemic. To best ensure the health and well-being of our in-person congregation, we’ve decided that if five in-person worshipers test positive for COVID over a three-week period, we will move to an online-only format for worship for the next two weeks. We will record Sunday worship with a skeleton crew, and worship will premiere on Sundays at 6pm. No one wants to go online-only for Sunday worship, and yet we want to promote the health and well-being of our congregation and minimize risk to an acceptable level. Our promise to both our in-person and virtual congregations remains steadfast: WACC will continue to provide worship that is true and meaning-making.

As your pastor, I want to reiterate my respect for each one’s decision on whether to attend
in-person worship. During the time we were separated for 62 weeks, you inspired me in the numerous ways in which you cultivated connection. I’m convinced that we can do this again. Last night’s Board and Elder meetings were an example: We were many people gathered in many places, and yet we ARE one church. The synergy was electric!

Going forward, some church activities will continue online or be postponed. Children Worship & Wonder will be online each Monday with Debbie Walker. Lauri Warfield’s Sunday school class, which was supposed to begin this Sunday, is postponed for now. However, our lay leaders are already discerning creative ways to shift and pivot to offer this bible study opportunity. I didn’t prompt that; our lay leaders did, which thrilled me.

I couldn’t be prouder of you, Washington Avenue, and yet, you continue to show me just how good and faithful you are, which deepens my love and joy for this church and calling. Thanks be to God for you, dear church.