From the General Presbyter

“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.”

Philippians 1:27 NIV

I was looking at an Alban Books catalog and came across a book entitled: Preaching in the Purple Zone, Ministry in the Red-Blue Divide by Leah D. Schade. The description of the contents reads: “This book equips clergy to help their congregations respectfully engage in deliberation about “hot topics” find the values that bind them together and respond faithfully to God’s Word.”

I have not read the book, however, I can resonate with the title. We are currently, once again, in the Purple Zone with COVID-19. For some of us, this is very frustrating because once again, SOMETHING is dividing us! Whether it’s distrust of science, politics, abuse of African Americans, or rampant individualism, we are once again 50-50 and everyone is impacted. Some of us staff members are “dusting off” our masks, ready for the next….whatever.

Paul’s words are prophetic. He writes “whatever happens.” We cannot make anyone do anything, which is one reason why we are stuck with the Delta variant. There are many more reasons as well, why we are in this predicament. Paul also uses the word “striving.” We have to keep striving: striving to get folks vaccinated who can get it (my opinion), striving to get folks to wear masks again when needed, striving not to make it a “pastor versus members” argument on safety issues, which has caused tremendous damage to the body of Christ and striving, above all, the hear the will of God and be faithful.

What will you do in the “Purple Zone”?

– Jackie