Living in Coronavirusworld 247: Transfiguration

 2/8

the snow remains....

Tonight our Bible study turns to Mark 9:2-9, the lectionary gospel for Transfiguration Sunday. This is one of those “gateway” holy days, like Christ the King and Trinity Sunday, that lead us from one season to the next. In this case from Epiphany to Lent. The season that began with the shining star of Bethlehem ends with one final blast of light. 

(We find the same story in Matthew 17: 1-8 and Luke 9: 28-36.)

Our story begins six days after Jesus’ first prediction of his passion. With him are Peter, James and John, his inner circle. Perhaps his “rock,” his brother and the “disciple Jesus loved.” They turn up together often in Mark, eventually in Gethsemane.

One o the issues here is the essence of transfiguration as opposed to transformation. It’s a word we don’t use often. One example is in Julia Ward Howe’s “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,

With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me;

As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free!

While God is marching on.

Her sense of an apocalyptic moment in the US Civil War, especially as relates to the abolition of slavery. 

In the Roman and Orthodox traditions, the Transfiguration occurs on August 6th, the day of the incineration of Hiroshima in one blinding flash of light that literally vaporized people. What does transfigured mean in the light of that light?

Jesus’ clothes became “dazzling white,”  something that occurs again in the Easter scene where the young man in the empty tomb is dressed in “dazzling white.” (16:5)

Jesus is seen with Moses and Elijah. Peter, impulsive as always, wants to build three booths. (Like the booths of the Sukkot holiday.) The three dimples were “terrified,” ie, awestruck. (Again, echoed in the Easter story where the worm left and said nothing because they were afraid, filled with terror and amazement. A voice is heard, echoing the voice at Jesus’ baptism declaring “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” Only this time the voice is directed not to Jesus, but to the disciples…listen to him…And Jesus again tells them to “tell no one…”

This has been for them a mountain top experience. And naturally they want to stay. But Jesus makes it clear you can’t stay, you have  to go back down and continue the journey, continue the work. 

What can we say about transfigured versus transformed? Transformed

Is change that takes place inwardly, from the inside out. Transfigured is a change that is external, a change on how we se and understand what is in front  of us.

What do the disciples see and understand on this mountaintop? Moses had the fire of the burning bush that was not consumed. Elijah had the fire of his  contest with the priests of Baal where God ignites his water soaked offering. Moses represents the law, Elijah the prophets. Moses’ grave is hidden.Elijah taken from earth by a flaming chariot. 

Amy Jill Levine has pointed out that in addition to their mysterious deaths, both were also rejected in their time. Thus we see in these two the content and direction of Jesus ministry. 

Matthew 22: 38-40

38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[a] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Amy Jill Levine has pointed out that in addition to their mysterious deaths, both were also rejected I theft time. This we see in these two the content and direction of Jesus ministry.  

We think of our own mountaintop experiences…a birth of a child, participating in a transcendent performance, seeing a breathtaking vista. These experiences can never last. We need to be inspired, informed snd nourished by them and then back to business. 

We remember once agin that once John Dominic Crossan was asked if he prayed. He was silent for moment and said, "I study. And when I study, I feel close to God.”

So let’s paise and enjoy this light before beginning our Lenten journey. And as we return to our witness and our work, we might well contemplate what the significance of Transfiguration is in this year in the light of our ongoing struggle with covid, the beginning of vaccinations, and the second impeachment of (former) President Donald J. Trump.  

Living in cornaviruswolrd 246: His job description and ours

 

2/7

snow

the Harlem Meer

standing guard

It's a winter wonderland again. And Central Park patrolled by squadron of snow men. And it's Super Bowl Sunday and I'm preaching for Beverley Church. Here's what I had to say: 

Well, a lot has happened since last we were together. A new President has been inaugurated. An old President has left town. For good. We have seen our sacred halls of government invaded and violated. We’ve had the first covid vaccines roll out and many of us have had out first shot. And the rest of us are still trying to figure out how to get one.  I got mine at the 168th street armory track and field facility and the Mets’ CitiField and the Yankees’ Yankee stadium are being used as vaccination facilities and still people I know my own age continue to die  of Covid, We just had a big snow storm but our kids didn’t get a snow day. Remember how we’d all wait to hear the official announcement then run outside with our saucers and sleds? Well no snow days anymore. Just another day of “remote learning.” Can’t help but feel something’s been lost there. Last night I had dinner agin with a friend sitting outside in 40’ weather. Almost a year later and we’re still living in coronavirusworld. And still  worshipping in virtual reality.

So what’s Jesus been up to lately? Last we saw him, he was in a synagogue, going one in one against a demon who had taken possession of a poor soul’s body. And in today’s passage, Jesus has come to the house of his new followers Simon and Andrew. Simon, by the way, is the one Jesus has come to call by the name of Peter, or just like wrestler turned actor Duane Johnson, the Rock. Or like Sylvester Stallone, Rocky. And Peter’s mother in law is sick. Which among other things, tells us that Peter was actually married. And from this point on, we never hear of Peter’s family again. 

Since she’s living with Peter, this poor woman is most likely a widow. And scripture tells us she’s got a fever. Not such a big deal. Not being possessed by a demon or a 12 year flow of blood or leprosy or even blindness. Just a fever. Hmmm, Jesus doesn’t even stop for the results of a Covid test. He just takes her by the hand, lifts her up and the fever leaves her. Now women, notice was happens next…she “began to serve them..”  I mean this poor woman is just healed and immediately put back to work. And people keep coming  with sick people and people possessed by demons and Jesus keeps taking care of all of them.

When we “lift people up in prayer” we are following Jesus. My rabbi friend reminds me that this is a particularly Christian way of speaking, W take it for granted, but it is rooted in Jesus.   

Next morning ,Jesus goes away alone to  a deserted place to pray. And his disciples keep looking for him until they find him. And Jesus says, “time to move on.”

Okay, what’s going on here? We just had an inauguration of a President. Here we have the first actions following the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry. On the one hand, it is significant that Jesus’ first healing is a woman. As a widow, one of her society’s most vulnerable people. She doesn’t even get named. That tells us pretty clearly what the focus of Jesus’ ministry is going to be. And as to her “serving,” the word in Greek is diakonos, which is so much  more than making a meal and serving it.  Peter’s mother in law is the church’s first deacon. A radical idea.  On the other hand, as radical as he is, Jesus is still a product of his society. The truly radical thing to have done would have been to say hey Peter, Andrew, go fix your mother in law something to eat. What’s most important to note is that an encounter with Jesus is restorative, it restores her to society, to community, to family. Notice also there’s nothing magical here. Sometimes presence alone can be healing.  And never underestimate the power of touch. We as deacons can be instruments of God’s healing just by our presence.

Then the doors are opened and the “whole city” is gathered there. So Mark’s not above a little hyperbole here. But notice…it also says he healed “many,” not “all.” By the time Matthew and Luke tell the same story, they have to turn that “many” into “all.” And he casts out “many” demons and forbid then to speak. When he cast out his first demon last week, it got loud. He got into a shouting match with the demon. It was almost like a contest, who could exorcise who, because Jesus too was possessed, but with the Holy Spirit. Who knows what’s going on here? Perhaps those with bipolar were thought to be demon possessed. Which in a a way is true. Or people who have fallen into alcohol or opioid addiction which takes people aways from their truest selves. Or as one commentator said, perhaps they were simply people who had ben demonized. Having learned his lesson, Jesus makes the demons stay silent. 

He does a lot of that in Mark. Maybe he’s not ready yet for his identity to be known Like Spider Man or Clark Kent or Bruce Wayne or Wonder Woman he keeps it a secret. Maybe he just doesn’t want people to see him  as a human miracle  vending machine. (Though we still try to make him that)

After all this, he needs  to get away, pray and recharge. And the when his disciples come, move on. He resists the temptation to become the local rock star and moves on. 

As we look at this story, there are four things to that come to mind….

First, avoid the temptation of popularity. Jesus helps out of love and compassion, not to gain followers by being a magic man. Matthew will turn this idea into a whole dramatic scene in the wilderness, confronting Satan.  Later, when confronted by thousands of hungry people, Jesus will say to his  disciples, you feed them. Those coming to see him were most those without resources. As the ultimate conflict with Rome drew near, peoples' lives were more and  more impacted. Just so, Covid most hurts those at the bottom. Who are the last to get the  vaccine. Which ultimately endangers us all. Jesus ministry begins with those who are considered the least, the forgotten and excluded.

Second, just aa Jesus healed not all, but many, we have to learn to accept our own limitations.  We are called to do what we can.

Third, as Jesus needs his “deserted place,” we need to stop, need our place to get away, to pray, to catch our breath, reflect and be ready to go back out again.

Finally, as Jesus gave with no expectation of repayment, so we too must give for the sake of giving.

In this story, Jesus finds parameters of his ministry, his job description…casting out demons, healing and teaching and preaching. As those who bear his name, let us share in that ministry. And to him be the glory, Let  those with ears  to hear, hear,

Gospel Mark 1:29-39

29As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

32That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

35In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” 38He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” 39And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

 

Living in coronavirusworld 245: Snowfall

 

2/1

the snow came

z

One month of the new year is gone. 

sledding in Morningside Park

a snowman guards the pond

Today the snow came. Two-three feet maybe.  Enough to cover everything with that blanket of white. That cover that seems to muffle all sounds, quieting, slowing everything down. In years past, this would have been a snow day. Kids anxiously waiting for the word then celebrating when it’s officially announced the school is cancelled. A random gift of grace and freedom sending everyone outside  with sleds and saucers. Heading for the parks and every incline to be  found. But after months of living in coronavirusworld they just announce it’d a remote learning day. An let it go at that. Can’t help but think somethings bene lost. Yet another victim of Covid.

In Morningside Park, no birds or ducks or geese. Just children and their sleds. And a lone snowman. 

Tonight’s Bible study brings us to Mark 1: 29-39, Jesus begins his healing ministry. He has come to the home of Simon,  now known as Peter, the Rock. His mother in law is sick. And so we learn Peter was married. Jesus takes her by the hand, lifts her up. And she feels better.  And begins to serve. People keep coming so the next day, they are off and on their way.

* A couple  weeks ago when I preached for my friend Rabbi Steve’s Shabbat service, later when we had prayers, I “lifted up” my mom. He told me this was a particularly Christian way of talking. A nice image and he liked that. All goes back to Jesus “lifting up.”

* They wait until sundown to start receiving visits which mean they took Sabbath restrictions seriously.

* He forbids the demons to speak because they “know him.” Possibly having learned a lesson in his last demon encounter (1: 21-28).  He  like Spiderman or Superman, wants to keep his identity secret. Something he does 10 times in Mark.

* After a full day of demanding work, he goes off to a “deserted place.”   To pray. To recharge. 

* The word used when they tell him that everyone is “searching” for him is a word that usually indicates hostility. It is used 10 tines in Mark.

This story sets the frame work for Jesus ’ministry:  casting out demons, healing and teaching and preaching. It’s a bit problematic that the healed woman has to immediately get up and start serving. Though the word for serving, diakanos, is so much bigger than cooking cleaning, etc. She is the first deacon. It is radical that Jesus’ first healing is of a woman, one of the marginalized of society, one of the least of these. Nevertheless, Jesus is  still bound by his culture. In the end however, we see her restored to her place. Those Jesus heals are reincorporated back into society.

Mark speaks with hyperbole, eg, “…all who were sick or possessed…” and “..the whole city was gathered…” yet he narrows it in the outcomes to “…cured many…” not all. An he avoids the temptation of popularity. (This part of the story will be expanded in the temptation in the wilderness narrative..(Matthew 4: 1-11) Perhaps those said ti be possessed were actuallu those who had been demonized bu the community.

In our conversation, a number of thoughts emerge. Peter’s mother in law was not deathly ill, she had a fever. Not blind, nor with  constant menstrual flow or leprosy. Just a fever. Her “healing” is not a major miracle. But note, sometimes  presence is enough. Along with  the  comforting power of touch. 

Jesus does not heal all. Just many. And he moves on because his responsibility is to the Good News, not being a human healing vending machine. (Though Russ points out that in contemporary popular Christianity, society he has bene turned into precisley that.)

Michael is concerned that If Jesus ‘ mission is universal, why does he focus on the poor and  not those who have proven capable who could be so helpful to hm? It’s very clear that in the time of increased conflict with Rome, heading towards the final conflict, the regular economy would be affected. People whose lives were difficult to begin with would be cut off even more from basic essential  resources, Most of those who come to him  would clearly be poor people. Jesus starts his mission at the bottom and not the top. And it’s not about individual success, it’s about community.

Marsha shares a paint from the Vida Americana: Mexican Muralists….exhibit at the Whitney.

Jesus destroys his cross

In the end, there are four ideas here with noting:

1. Avoid the trap of popularity

2. Accept our limitations (many healed, not all…)

3. We all ned our own deserted place to pray and refocus

4. We give without need or expectation of repayment

As we watch Jesus go about the beginning of his own ministry, his job description starts to become clear and ours begins to come into clear focus as well. 

And the snow is especially beautiful at night…

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Gospel Mark 1:29-39

29As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. 31He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

32That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. 33And the whole city was gathered around the door. 34And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.

35In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. 36And Simon and his companions hunted for him. 37When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” 38He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” 39And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Re-viewing the Wire

 

2/1

For the last two weeks, I’ve been binge watching the Wire, whose  last episode ran March 8, 2008. While I had watched the last season, I had never seen the first four. My boys, and countless critics, have agreed it was the best television series ever. I figured it was time for another Covid project. And now having finished all five seasons, I have to agree. For one who loves cities with all their "...paradox, perplexity and profound beauty..", no other show has ever done such an anatomy of how a city lives and breathes. In successive seasons there was special focus on the drug trade, the Baltimore harbor and dockworkers, the school system, politics and finally the news media, all in correlation  to the police department. The interaction of these various institutions is what  makes the portrait complete.

At the end of the day, what does the Wire show us?

  

* All the characters are complex, with even drug dealers and killers having redeeming qualities. Like drug kingpin Avon Barksdale taking business courses and implementing Roberts Rules  of Order on his crew.

* The conflict between old school gangsterism and the efforts to create a business coop 

* The impact of gentrification. Favorite quote of season 3, related to Barksdale’s investments in real estate: He’s worse than a drug dealer, he’s a developer. (Been there.)

* The general respect for the time honored “Sunday Truce” in deference to the centrality of the Black church to the community.

* A graphic portrayal of the school to prison pipeline

* Parallels between the emptiness of teach to the test education in the school and stat driven police work

* The sense in which the drug trade is just a DIY form of capitalism, perhaps the most efficient and effective business in Baltimore. 

* In the portayal of the demise of the docks of Baltimore, no other show has ever more effectively portrayed the plight of blue-collar workers. For the dockworkers, like steelworkers in my home town of Pittsburgh, their work was their life. Socially, culturally economically. A way to the middle class.When the “Men of Steel” chorus ended, a world had ended. Watching season 3 helped one understand the desperation that led two time Obama voters to vote for Trump. That desperation must be responded to by the Democrats if there is any desire to keep the House and Senate.

* It was jarring to hear drugs being sold under the “brand name”pandemic in season 3. 

* Vision or even reform and institutions are antithetical. The primary goal any institution is survival, self preservation. Any, and every other value becomes secondary. I’ve learned through painful experiences that this is  true even of the national church.

* The phrase the Dickensian aspect took on  meaning, both true and ironic.

The most prescient year of the series was the fifth and last, focusing on the Baltimore Sun newspaper and media in general. But the main focus of season 5 is the truth versus lies. Lies towards the “greater good,” for even just survival, are central to the plot. In the end, mutual accepted lies are necessary for everyone just to get by. And what is lost in the process? As Terry, a lied about veteran homeless person says,” A lie ain’t a side of a story. It’s just a lie.”  We have lived through four years where the lie has become so common that there is even  no shared truth anymore. Which puts us in a very dangerous position. The Wire was onto this before Obama was elected. In the end some characters decide that integrity is necessary for the greater good  even if it doesn’t appear so in the short run.

Baltimore was special to me when I worked my first years as an urban consultant for the church in the early ‘80s. The city was going through an exciting and dynamic renewal with creative church leaders and city leaders working hand in hand. From the inner harbor to “driving back the frontier” urban re-creation had momentum and vibrancy. (Despite the two times  inherent racism of that  frontier phrase.) I seriously considered a move there for awhile, Since then it’s been up (Camden Yards Baltimore) and down..Trump’s calling it a “…rat and rodent infested city..” 

The church does not appear significantly in the city except for a location for 12 step meetings. “The ministers” remain a to be reckoned with political constituency in season 4. There’s even a “good Samaritan” not moment wot a pastor passing by on the other side.  Still, as an urban minister, I continue to fantasize over what a season with a wirelike focus on the church might have  looked like. While on the whole, the wire is grimly pessimistic in its outlook, some redemption is offered, if only to individuals. That’ll has to do for now. But for a critically analytic look at how  a city runs, the wire is essential curriculum.

Living in coronavirusworld 244: Of inaugurations, occupied territory and exorcism

 

1/25

Together

Tonight in this season of “inaugurations,’ we study Mark’s account of the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry. (Mark 1: 21-28) Each gospel has its own version of how Jesus initiates his ministry. In Matthew, it’s the sermon on the mount. In Luke, it’s a programmatic statement of mission rooted in Isaiah with release to the captives, sight to the blind, etc. John starts with changing water to wine at a wedding at Cana of Galilee. Here in Mark, it’s the story of “the man with the unclean spirit.” The first of four exorcisms in Mark. 

In response, the people are astounded, a word used 10 times in Mark. 

The confrontation with the demon is interesting. First, in our contemporary understanding, demonic possession may be a way of describing what we understand to be mental illness. On the other hand, we understand  that substance addiction, and Alzheimers and bipolar can all possess someone and result in them  behaving other than themselves. In this story, the demon speaks in the collective (“what do you have to do with us?”) as if all that is demonic is somehow involved. All the force that oppress human beings. And the demon knows Jesus by name, both human “ Jesus of Nazareth” and divine, Holy One of God.” From Genesis 1 foreword, to know someone’s name (or to name them) is to have power over them. Jesus too is possessed, of the Holy Spirit, and the demon is trying to exorcise Jesus. So we have what is undoubtedly a loud contest with raised voices and shouting. A great movie scene. 

Note that this is happening in a synagogue, A holy place. I have actually  had this experience. Both alone at West Park where a man asked for an exorcism. After I “removed the demon” he turned and told  told me “and now he’s in  you.”(https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/335914640400880074/8707032854797775964) And once on a Sunday morning where Rafael, my Occupy Wall Street security guard literally wrapped the young man in a hug and walked him out of the sanctuary and stayed with him until the ambulance arrived. (https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/335914640400880074/5130785507670366507) 

What we’ve got here is a struggle over occupied territory. Just like the Romans are unjustly occupying the territory, the demons are occupying the man. Just as the demon has to be exorcised from the man, the people  need to be freed from occupation.  Just as our lives right now are occupied by a triple threat, the pandemic, race and political division.  Even with the promise of a new President, these forces remain. And as Eddie Glaude has said in Begin Again, a refection on the works of James Baldwin, the trauma of racism endures in our very  bodies to this day. We need exorcism. 

The control of occupied space extends to the synagogue. Who will control the holy space? Jesus walks in and  teaches with authority. The people see it immediately. The institutional leaders want to know where was he educated? Where did he get his seminary education and degree? Is he ordained? What denomination? Amber Leigh describes this as an issue of emotional (or intrinsic) authority over against positional authority. In community organizing one-on-ones, we all want to find out who ha authority in peoples lives? In any congregation, there are the “official” leaders and the “cultural” leaders, whose  support is needed for something to happen. Jesus’ authority came from the  center of his  being. 

To confront the demon that confronts us, it will take granting Jesus the authority over our lives, our beings. It will take the sustaining support of the Holy  Spirit. And the solidarity of the community of faith. Th inauguration os over. It’s time get to work. 

The Man with an Unclean Spirit

21 They went to Capernaum; and when the sabbath came, he entered the synagogue and taught. 22 They were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Just then there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit, 24 and he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.” 25 But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit, convulsing him and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27 They were all amazed, and they kept on asking one another, “What is this? A new teaching—with authority! He[a] commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 At once his fame began to spread throughout the surrounding region of Galilee.

Living in coronavirusworld 243: Vaccinated

 

1/21

The Armory staging area

at the armory

vaccinated

I won’t believe I am actually getting my vaccination until I  get there and it happens. It seemed so random when the appointment opened up. I get up very early to get to the site by 7:45 AM. I arrive at the 168th Street Armory, one of the premier indoor track and field facilities in the country, to find it has been converted into a massive vaccination operation. A team of volunteers makes every step easy. They’ve all been clearly trained to be warm, friendly and welcoming to relieve any anxieties there may be about the vaccine. I look at the banners of various schools  compete here, the banked track, remember seeing my son compete here years ago.  And just like that, after three stations, I get my shot and then sit to wait for my next appointment that you use have before leaving. As other friends my age have not been able to get in and an older couple has had  their appointment canceled because they have “run out,” I feel lucky.  The lack of coordinated comprehensive planning continues to make gaining control over this virus an uphill struggle even as more virulent strains are emerging.

By midday, my arm is stiff and sore. And by nightfall, I am shivering with chills and a sick headache that hurts when I cough, Nothing to do but go to bed….

1/22

….where I stay until after noon the next day. By late afternoon, I feel tired and weak but still meet a friend for an outdoor dinner at the Gate. And even though I called hours in advance, we still can’t  get a heated table. I order chicken pot pie as comfort food and in an hour, we’re gone. Back home, bed still looks like  where I want to be , but there’s open mic hosting in between . 

1/23

whose was this?

blue jay

It’s cold farmer’s market today. ….a stranded child's play castle....and later a walk with family through Harlem…in Morningside Park, I see a blue jay....

1/24

Ozone Park Churc

Up early to travel to Ozone Park where the congregation wants to thank me for my service with them. Somehow, they are managing to worship live and in person. It’s a long ride to Ozone Park and then a long cold walk from the subway to the church. When I arrive, it’s so hard to see with my glasses steamed over. But what I do see is moving. Somehow, well with the assistance of a skilled administrative commission, the church has moved forward during the pandemic. A new renter had brought in enough income (and volunteer work) to have the place shining clean. The basement has been thoroughly emptied of old stored items and feels open and clean. Most importantly, the cage that had bene installed around the organ, something I’d never seen before, has bene removed. It was to me clearly a symbol of anxiety, for and mistrust of others, a closed in protective spirit. The cage is gone. And I can feel a renewed spirit of openness in the congregation. The division I felt before is not visible.  There are even  a few children in Sunday school.  And a feeling of hope. They have worked hard for this. Of course, the two old stalwarts of the congregation died of covid. But others have stepped up and taken on tasks they would not have before. It’s a unique congregation with many of its members from the South Asian Indian community of the West Indies. They give me a stole as a gift, of Guatemalan cloth. Fitting because of my work there. It has warmed my heart on a cold day to see that a congregation has actually moved forward during the pandemic.