Dash of Thought - February 2022

Community and Mission

There is an amazing dynamic in many European countries at the moment. On the one hand, positive Covid cases are higher than ever, and on the other hand, governments are talking about lifting pandemic restrictions. The latest virus variant, Omicron, is highly contagious but brings much less severe effects on health and less risk of overloading the health system. We will all be happy when "normality" returns and restrictions on freedom of assembling and movement can be lifted. I am writing these lines from Hungary, where the same relief is palpable.

At the same time, there is also the question in all church circles: Will people come back to worship and other activities as they did before the pandemic? Should we continue online services to reach people who do not come to our church events? Are there valuable digital forms where people can gather and experience community even if they don't physically meet?

There will not be one right answer for all congregations. The situations are too different. But it is important to think not only on what is best for our own members and friends, but towards a wider, larger circle of people with whom we want to engage in conversation about the Gospel. Gathering for fellowship before God and reaching out in living with other people must complement each other. I am curious to see how your congregation will live out these two poles in the coming time. Congregations might learn from each other and enrich each other in what they offer, regionally and nationally.

Bishop Patrick Streiff