Dear Church Family,
                My sermon last week (which Dick Heinz kindly delivered in my absence) on the Advent theme of waiting, reminded us that in life we will always be waiting for something.   I suppose at some level—consciously or unconsciously-- I have been waiting for that dreaded test for Covid we periodically take, to show positive. 
               For us it was last Sunday.  Lynn had been dealing with a cold, cough, and nasal congestion for several weeks.  She tested negatively several times and I stayed healthy.  But on Saturday she took a turn for the worse, and after her positive test on Sunday morning suggested I better test too.  Much to my surprise, since I was feeling fine, other than a slight sore throat which showed that morning, I was positive too.  By Sunday afternoon I had full blown symptoms.
               We began our 5-day quarantine and started on Paxlovid, and began feeling better.  We will test again at the end of the week, but assuming it is good, we will be with you on Sunday. 
               Among other things, this little bout with the unexpected is a reminder of how grateful we are for scientists, doctors, and public health officials, who developed vaccines, and provided guidance for how to mitigate the effects of the virus, which has led to largely positive outcomes akin to other wintertime virus afflictions.  The pandemic may be over but Covid is clearly with us for the long haul.  Our lives, our health is ultimately in the hands of God, but God works through the gifts of ordinary (albeit gifted) individuals who work hard to discover the mysteries of the human body and to bring about healing. We are grateful. 
               This week we light the candle of peace.   Given the turbulence of our world, especially in the middle east, no attribute of the Messiah is more needed than as the purveyor of peace.  The sermon is “Coming Home,” and the texts are Isaiah 40:1-5 and Matthew 1:18-25.  
               Don’t forget to wear purple, and to bring gifts you have signed up for children in need, and for the “reverse”  Advent.
               See you in church,
Rich