Friends,
For a little over a year now we have experienced very challenging times. We have seen so many go through such hardships. We have witnessed great conflict and controversy across the world. Even through all this, we have persevered. I want you all to know you are in my continued thoughts and prayers.
There have been many questions, concerns, confusion, and even joy brought to my attention about the CDC’s recently released recommendations. Just like in the past, the controversy and disagreements continue to ensue across our world. Even so, we must take time to love each other, even among our differences. We must remember to be patient with each other, and give each other freedom to worship.
Across the world, the church and pastors have taken great criticism throughout the pandemic for not doing this, actually do that, or not doing that. So many have opinions, but volunteers to collaborate to work through those differing opinions are left for others to sort out. At BentonUMC, I feel we have done a fantastic job with keeping everyone safe and still allowing worship to continue. Now we are at a crossroads. One where I feel it is time to speak out on.
For over this past year I have been silent as I have witnessed people from all over the world do things freely and yet criticize the church for wanting the same type of freedoms. I have witnessed people in restaurants eating and only a few feet away from the person who is coughing in another booth just two feet behind them. Yet, criticizing worship in church as being too dangerous. I have witnessed people at sporting events sitting close to each other and not wearing masks properly. Yet, criticizing worship in church as being too dangerous. I have seen people of all ages engaging each other in all sorts of physical activity with no masks, not properly worn masks, or just going over to a friend’s house for a sleep over after the big game. And, if we’re being honest, many of us have met with those who are close to us without limitations. Yet, the same critical lens comes at the church from the bullies on the playground using the outdated double societal standard that seeks to insert their ideologies upon others, so the comments across the world continued, worship in church is too dangerous.
A very wise teacher has said it best, “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
Yes, I understand my letter will upset some and liberate others. As a Christian who does not sit on the fence of complacency, I know what it is like to be both loved and hated. Both of which, should I truly follow Jesus, which I do, I have no control over the perception of others, so I adhere to only pleasing One, the Lord my God!
Going forward, until any different recommendations are given, BentonUMC will be changing its policy with masks. The change is simple, “Masks are encouraged, but not required.” I met with anyone who wanted to have a voice in the matter last Sunday after worship to discuss this decision. This decision was not one I made on my own. We need to respect people where they are at and give them room to make their own heath decisions at this point. If you want to listen online, you can. If you still want to wear a mask because it masks you feel more comfortable, you can. If you choose not to wear a mask, you can. Would you prefer to sit out in the eating area to be spaced from people, you can. The beauty of free will that God has given us is the reality that He has never robbed our ability to choose. We reap what we sow with the decisions we make. Yes, you decide! It is my hope that you pray, discern, have patience with those around you, be kind, and most importantly, love like Jesus.
As I close, please know that if anyone is vaccinated or not is no one’s business. We cannot and we should not speak down of others. Yes, I am fully vaccinated. I also dearly love friends and family who will never get the vaccination. The last thing I would never do is ask someone in church if they’re vaccinated. We as a church should not be asking that question. If you trust the vaccine, great. Some may decide to trust God and the vaccine, great. Some may decide, for whatever conviction they have, to trust God alone, great. We can be part of the great divide worldwide or we can be a lighthouse for people to come home. That, my friends, is what you must decide.
With The Love Of Christ,
Pastor Ed
For a little over a year now we have experienced very challenging times. We have seen so many go through such hardships. We have witnessed great conflict and controversy across the world. Even through all this, we have persevered. I want you all to know you are in my continued thoughts and prayers.
There have been many questions, concerns, confusion, and even joy brought to my attention about the CDC’s recently released recommendations. Just like in the past, the controversy and disagreements continue to ensue across our world. Even so, we must take time to love each other, even among our differences. We must remember to be patient with each other, and give each other freedom to worship.
Across the world, the church and pastors have taken great criticism throughout the pandemic for not doing this, actually do that, or not doing that. So many have opinions, but volunteers to collaborate to work through those differing opinions are left for others to sort out. At BentonUMC, I feel we have done a fantastic job with keeping everyone safe and still allowing worship to continue. Now we are at a crossroads. One where I feel it is time to speak out on.
For over this past year I have been silent as I have witnessed people from all over the world do things freely and yet criticize the church for wanting the same type of freedoms. I have witnessed people in restaurants eating and only a few feet away from the person who is coughing in another booth just two feet behind them. Yet, criticizing worship in church as being too dangerous. I have witnessed people at sporting events sitting close to each other and not wearing masks properly. Yet, criticizing worship in church as being too dangerous. I have seen people of all ages engaging each other in all sorts of physical activity with no masks, not properly worn masks, or just going over to a friend’s house for a sleep over after the big game. And, if we’re being honest, many of us have met with those who are close to us without limitations. Yet, the same critical lens comes at the church from the bullies on the playground using the outdated double societal standard that seeks to insert their ideologies upon others, so the comments across the world continued, worship in church is too dangerous.
A very wise teacher has said it best, “You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
Yes, I understand my letter will upset some and liberate others. As a Christian who does not sit on the fence of complacency, I know what it is like to be both loved and hated. Both of which, should I truly follow Jesus, which I do, I have no control over the perception of others, so I adhere to only pleasing One, the Lord my God!
Going forward, until any different recommendations are given, BentonUMC will be changing its policy with masks. The change is simple, “Masks are encouraged, but not required.” I met with anyone who wanted to have a voice in the matter last Sunday after worship to discuss this decision. This decision was not one I made on my own. We need to respect people where they are at and give them room to make their own heath decisions at this point. If you want to listen online, you can. If you still want to wear a mask because it masks you feel more comfortable, you can. If you choose not to wear a mask, you can. Would you prefer to sit out in the eating area to be spaced from people, you can. The beauty of free will that God has given us is the reality that He has never robbed our ability to choose. We reap what we sow with the decisions we make. Yes, you decide! It is my hope that you pray, discern, have patience with those around you, be kind, and most importantly, love like Jesus.
As I close, please know that if anyone is vaccinated or not is no one’s business. We cannot and we should not speak down of others. Yes, I am fully vaccinated. I also dearly love friends and family who will never get the vaccination. The last thing I would never do is ask someone in church if they’re vaccinated. We as a church should not be asking that question. If you trust the vaccine, great. Some may decide to trust God and the vaccine, great. Some may decide, for whatever conviction they have, to trust God alone, great. We can be part of the great divide worldwide or we can be a lighthouse for people to come home. That, my friends, is what you must decide.
With The Love Of Christ,
Pastor Ed