June 2 Update from Eliana Maxim

"...be filled with the Spirit, as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:19-20)

Dear friends,

This past Tuesday, as I, along with presbytery staff, sat in my backyard under the blazing sun, I couldn’t help but have this verse running through my mind. Here we were, finally having our weekly staff meeting in person. Although I am not a particularly skilled singer, I was ready to burst into song. There is no doubt that we were created to be in relationship with one another, and the gift of presence is a huge component of it all. I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to express and experience this gift. 

These past 15 months have been challenging for our congregations, pastors, and elders. What it meant to be church, to do church, was turned upside down almost overnight. As the PCUSA’s Stated Clerk Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson likes to say, “and just like that, our pastors had to learn how to be television evangelists” with all the technological complexities involved, meanwhile caring – distantly –  for their flock, moderating Zoom meetings...after Zoom meetings...after more Zoom meetings. And now as we begin the planning and executing of returning to in-person worship we realize that simply going back to how things were in February 2020 is impossible, and something new and different needs to be imagined and offered. 

As you all consider what that may mean for your congregation, I’d like to extend a special invitation to all our pastors serving churches who are planning this for the summer and fall. 

We’ve invited Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow to facilitate a 90-minute workshop on June 23 exploring the variety of worship options available to churches post-social distancing and quarantining. Space is limited so I urge you to register early. The event is being sponsored by the Commission on Ministry at no cost to our pastors. 

We all know these have been challenging times in church leadership, but we also know that God is about doing something new and life giving among us. My prayer is that though we may grieve for what we have missed or lost this past year, we would also give thanks for what is and what can be... with psalms and hymns and spirituals, together being the body of Christ, seeking God’s will for us all. 

In grace and peace, 

Rev. Eliana Maxim
Co-Executive Presbyter