March 12, 2020

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”    
John 3:1-17

Dear Lake B Family, 

 “Practice Social Distance.” This phrase has become a part of our everyday reality since the onset of this coronavirus pandemic.  We have to be wise and ensure - as best as we can - that we are operating with a sense of careful, thoughtful concern for others. 

I think for the Church, all of this is creating interesting conversations for us – especially as we consider that God didn’t practice social distance at all.  Our lectionary reading for the 3rd week of LENT is a strong reminder that God is a social Being.  "The WORD became flesh and dwelt among us."  In fact, God practiced social nearness, social presence. 

My prayer for us is that we use wisdom and actively resist the temptation to practice “isolation,”  which is not how we are created.  Pursue your relationships with even more intentionality.  Call one another.  Check-in.  Connect.  Risk the awkwardness.  This is a perfect time for awkward.  Everything is awkward right now, by which I mean don’t be afraid to initiate with others.

It's so interesting that we are in the Lent season right now, isn’t it?  What is God teaching us about wilderness?  I have been hoping and praying for Lake B that in the midst of this time we would realize not only how fragile our lives are, BUT also how interconnected we are.  I’ve wondered how “viral” God’s love could be in a time like this.  I've wondered how “viral” God’s grace could be in a time like this.  Maybe we will see God’s people rise in this time.  Maybe we can be a part of that “rising” at Lake B.

Each week you will receive a note like this that will include important updates like these:

• Session voted to continue the use of Facebook live-streaming our Sunday services. There will be no “in-person” Sunday services until further notice.  Please keep checking Facebook and the church website for updates.
• Friday, March 20th, we will continue with quarterly Worship Night – but it will also be live-streamed on Facebook starting at 7:00 PM.
• All large group gatherings and events at the church have been canceled.  We are working with the children and youth ministry teams on other options or ways to re-imagine what it looks like for them to gather.
• Lent small groups are continuing to meet weekly in homes. Any changes will be communicated through your small group leaders.  
• Membership class on March 22nd is still scheduled to meet in the Fireside Room at 11:00 AM.
• As an FYI, I am currently working with a few others from our community to assess how Lake B might partner to meet the needs of children, youth and families during this time. We are looking within our congregation as well as at our broader community for resources.  As you may have heard our Governor has asked all schools in King, Pierce and Snohomish county to close operations until at least April 24th.  This is creating severe hardship for many families and we are looking to provide meaningful assistance during this time.
• For more information from Highline Schools go to: www.highlineschools.org

 
Let's continue to gather our hearts in prayer – for healthcare workers, for our business community, for our schools, for families and those who are most at risk during this time, and for the Church to be creative, generous, brave in risking, and compassionate.
 
Finally, we are working here in the office, together every day.  Pray for us, AND if you have nothing to do, come by!  We would love to see you AND could put you to work, too!  Let us know!
  
Grace and peace to you, dear friends, 

Pastor Lina, Session Elders and Staff at Lake B.