|
After 5-plus years, we have made a major change to our Church -- we are now Community Church of Desert Hot Springs! While we remember with appreciation our original founding as the combining of St Anthony in the Desert Episcopal Church and Community United Methodist Church of Desert Hot Springs (and the generous support of the Diocese of San Diego,) our congregation decided to fully embrace our goal to be a place where any Christian can feel part of the community. We welcome people of all denominations!
In some ways, this is an ironic concept, as several of our active members are "snowbirds," living outside of Desert Hot Springs for part of each year. In other ways, I think this is the way that churches are intended to function -- broadening the community to include people from everywhere over Zoom, Facebook, and other social media avenues! According to recent news reports, the Covid Pandemic is officially over. We know that the virus is still present, and we need to be cautious and aware, but much of life is returning to "normal." Several things have been changed by the restrictions of the past few years, however, like the following: *Educational levels have been affected, along with learning styles and methods. *Working remotely is not only acceptable, but preferred in many professions *Church attendance has dropped again, as people who couldn't "go to church" discovered the convenience of Zoom worship, or simply stopped making the effort at all. *An epidemic of loneliness is sweeping over the country and the world, with rates of depression and disconnection increasing along with suicide hotline calls. I have to wonder how the Church generally, and Community Church of DHS will respond to these last two changes. My contacts with other Pastors indicate that everyone is wondering about our future, and the relevance of in-person worship. I, for one, find gathering in person far better, even if it means getting up early on Sunday! But not all people are like me. Will churches just feel helpless, or decry people's reluctance to make in-person worship a part of their weekly activities? Will we wait until God somehow moves to get the bodies back in the pews? Or will we emphasize our ability to use Zoom, Facebook Live, or YouTube to be "the Church That Comes To You?" Let's think about how we can capitalize on that latter concept - can we intentionally tell people that those who can't get out to church can still find a place to learn about God? Can we share our Zoom link with our friends? Can we share our new Facebook page on our own pages, and regularly check out what is being posted? People need the Lord, we all agree on that. But not everyone will "come to church!" So let's find ways to make Community Church of Desert Hot Springs "The Church That Comes To You."
0 Comments
One of our favorite hymns goes like this:
"I serve a risen Savior, he's in the world today; I know that he is living, whatever others say. I see his hand of mercy, I hear his voice of cheer, and just the time I need him, he's always near. He lives, he lives, Christ Jesus lives today! You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart." The truth of EASTER confirms our faith! Jesus is alive and well, and He's living in the hearts of millions of His followers. We who follow Him celebrate His life and love. We who follow Him become His living presence. We who follow Him become extensions of His living presence. It is my hope and desire that we will join together this Lent and Easter in ministry to the world beyond our own doorsteps by sharing our faith with others. Let us commit ourselves to extending the love of Christ beyond the local church into the world! |
RSS Feed