Hope in the Midst of Uncertainty

Fall, like spring, is a season of transition and change. Chilly nights, shorter daylight hours, the changing colors of the leaves, and even the calendar invite us to return to our familiar schedules of life in the church, our work, and school.

However, this fall is not like anything we’ve experienced in the past; the familiar and predictable can no longer be taken for granted. Even the store advertisements which, in the past, had promoted back to school sales have carefully adapted to entice people to update their wardrobe and decorate their homes with fall themes. It seems that everything around us is in a season of change and uncertainty as we continue to navigate our lives in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, economic challenges, calls for racial justice, concerns for public safety, and a national election.

I am reminded of the words which the Apostle Paul wrote to the people of Corinth: “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known” (1Cor. 13:12 NRSV). The dictionary explains that to see “in a mirror, dimly” means to have an incomplete or obscure view of reality, and acknowledges that this expression comes from St. Paul who explains that what we do not see clearly now, will become certain at the end of time.

These uncertain times feel unclear and incomplete to us now. In fact, seeing “in a mirror, dimly” can even bring to mind our current reality of “seeing” each other virtually on screens, through masks and shields, and at a distance, an existence that also feels incomplete.

Nevertheless, even though we are living in a world that seems unreal to us, God promises that one day all will become certain. In the meantime, we have all learned in the past six months to adapt in our various contexts and remain faithful to our calling and responsibilities as children of God and members of our congregations and communities.

Many of you have expanded your use of telephone, mail, and technology to connect with each other when it is not safe to do so in person. As I’ve met with the pastors of the Synod, I have marveled at the creativity and resiliency of our pastors and congregations in addressing the ever- changing challenges with which you are faced. For those of you for whom outdoor or other distanced worship has been possible this summer, you have continued to be mindful to minister to the vulnerable who have not been able to join you, as well as including the newcomers who have joined you through digital means in these times. In addition, you have acknowledged the reality that indoor worship and activities as you have known them in the past may not be possible in your context going forward, and have made alternate adjustments and provisions.

You have used digital platforms such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, Facebook, email, and telephone to conduct the business and educational ministries of the congregation. In similar manner, I have also been working through email, telephone, Zoom, and other platforms as I’ve shepherded the domestic and international ministries of our Synod and met with the congregational leaders and pastors of our Synod, regional bishops, the ELCA Conference of Bishops, various committees, as well as the boards of trustees of Women of the ELCA, Muhlenberg College, and United Lutheran Seminary.