"The end of all things is near..."
1 Peter 4:7

No, I'm not talking about the apocalypse. I'm talking about worshiping online. The end is in sight for our season of online worship and we are preparing to return to in-person worship.

The Leadership Team and I decided that our first official Sunday back to in-person worship will be Sunday, May 9th. Some may have been hoping for a sooner return, and that's understandable. However, as we have said all along, we want to take a cautious approach to the pandemic out of concern for the wellbeing of others.

May 9th gives enough time for the final age group of people to get two shots and wait the required amount of time for full immunity. It also then corresponds to Ascension Sunday, which seems an appropriate liturgical theme to return on as the church once again rises up with our savior.

I want to now take this opportunity to say something explicitly that has perhaps only been implied thus far. That is, I want to encourage everyone to get the vaccine. Both I and the Leadership Team encourage you to do so. There's a lot of misinformation out there that casts suspicion on the vaccine. Don't believe it. There's also a lot of bad politics and bad theology that lead people to reject the vaccine. Don't go down that road. Get the vaccine!

Remember, it's not just about you. It's about the well-being of others also. Maybe you personally aren't worried about getting COVID-19. Ok, that's your prerogative as an individual. But it's not only about you. It's also about not being a spreader to other people. Don't be a spreader. Get the vaccine.

This is perhaps the most profound public way in our time and place to put the love of neighbor into action. Love your neighbor. Get the vaccine. Be like Jesus, who didn't look only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others (read Philippians 2).

If you have trouble with transportation to get the vaccine, please let me know. Between myself, other members of the Leadership Team, as well as others in the congregation, we will find a ride for you to get the vaccine.

I personally got my vaccine a month or so ago.

This is an important and exciting moment. Our public health officials and governor in Ohio have done a good job. They have good, reliable information. Please, get the vaccine.

Looking forward to May 9th with you.