A little bit of "normalcy" in a year of uncertainty

 

Ode to a man who this labor of love defined.  He had a love for his wife, his family, his country (see the flag up the drive), his church, and his Lord.  A father named Craig spent time with one of his daughters dragging around railroad ties to make a statement to those passing by this piece of property.  If you turn in, you are coming up a driveway were love reigns.  I am sure there are many who have stopped and will stop to have their photo taken by the "love sign."  

The bit of "normalcy" in a year of uncertainty was realized by me standing by a grave yesterday.  Three saints of our congregation have passed away since COVID-19 has hit our country.  None died because of COVID-19 to my knowledge but the virus definitely affected this family affair when a loved one passes on.  We have adjusted our morning worship services to accommodate a remembrance of the brother or sister in Christ so people can reflect on their spiritual impact on their lives.  This last one allowed the family, who was not in attendance, to view the tributes while gathered in their home because of quarantine practices from other states.

It was more normal for me at the graveside.  A casket, a hearse, the funeral director, the vault truck, and the little white chairs donned the small cemetery in the midst of the trees.  The family gathered to commit the physical body to the ground but also reminded themselves through Scripture of the resurrection to come of those who believe in the Lord, Jesus Christ.  I was so thankful that this family was allowed the opportunity to have this type closure we all need during times like these.  A widow had others around her so she could see that they cared so much that they stopped their lives for her.  For a few precious moments the warmth of the family and friends cut through the chilly November air in DownEast Maine.

Did I mention he was a preacher?  Just up the road from the cemetery is one of the churches he pastored.  It is no longer in use but what you are viewing is the Mill River Baptist Church situated on the curve of this "barely" two lane road.  Notice also the outhouse on the left side?  I grew up going to a church just like this one.  It wasn't situated in the woods but on the corner of a farm field and the little outhouse was strategically placed so mom and dad could watch us going to and fro from the windows while worshiping inside.  

I have been lamenting lately over the affects of this virus on the churches around the world.  I know that Christ will build His church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it but I mourn that some churches might not come back.  They might be like the one pictured above on a little two lane road in the country serving the families of the nearby homes.  Adjustments will need to be made by individual members and families so these little outposts of the gospel can keep going.  May we not lose hope in this time of earthly uncertainty with the mission of certainty that God has given to His church.

Pastor Adam