From the General Presbyter

“All in all it’s just another brick in the wall”

Pink Floyd

The opening line of the song that boasts this refrain “We don’t need no education” really speaks to Floyd’s assertion: “We don’t need this type of education.” In this sense, “Another Brick, Part 2” is an anthem about repossessing one’s individuality; it’s a condemnation against the kinds of teachers and systems that, as in Pink’s case, ridicule an imaginative child for writing poetry. I get it! God made us all different and those differences should be celebrated. But sometimes, it’s a problem.

So, we are in the middle of summer and the results are inconclusive. We are in Stage 3-ish in Maryland where the stores are opened, churches are thinking about regathering and people are inching out of their lairs to get more fresh air with other households. And yet the virus, the great equalizer, is looming and lurking and threatening to return us to March, 2020 – lockdown.

For those who want to push the boundaries, like not insisting on masks in public (that means worship), violating social distancing or going to big parties, I have this for you. This is not stifling your individuality, trampling on your civil rights or identifying you with a political party. Just ask Florida, Arizona and California. Feel free not to wear a mask – in your back yard! Otherwise, you put others in peril.

Friends, we are in prickly times; I’ve said this before. Some are tired, bored, angry, sad, defensive, energized, etc. Yet we cannot let our guard down just yet. Regardless of how we feel, “as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.” (Galatians 6:10). We are building a wall against the virus and your contributions are the bricks. This is counter-intuitive to some of us that are welcoming and open by nature, but we want to be around to create that bright future when we can break down walls and be together as church and community!!

– Jackie