Easter 2020

Online church services.
Passover Seders through zoom.
Communion in homes.
Choirs singing virtually.

In Arkansas…

• 1,280 confirmed Covid19 cases
• 27 deaths

In Massachusetts…

•  25,475 cases
• 756 deaths

In New Jersey…

• 61,000+ cases
• 2,350 deaths

In New York…

• 188,00+ cases
• 9,000+ death

In the United States…

• 558,000 cases
• 22,000 deaths

The numbers are everywhere.
Online. On CNN. On MSNBC.
On local news stations. Unless you live under a rock, the impact is real.

How deeply are you affected by this virus? The stay-at-home orders? The work from home orders? Wearing facial coverings in public? Did you ever think you would live to see this day? 90% of the country has shut down.

Loss of celebrations.  Loss of livelihood. Loss of time with loved ones. Loss of life. It becomes personal when you know people in your circle who have tested positive and who have lost their lives because of this virus.  Until that happens, it really isn’t all that personal.

I’d like you to meet David Hoganauer.

He attended Prospect Presbyterian Church in Maplewood, NJ, where my two children attended Nursery School. I was a substitute teacher when needed. That is how I knew David.  He was one of those people who smiled at everyone. The neighbors. The children. The nursery school teachers. He was gentle and kind. He passed away last week.

https://obits.nj.com/obituaries/starledger/obituary.aspx?pid=195900208

I’d like you to meet GeeGee.

I met GeeGee in Tai Kwon Do Class.
No, not for me – for my sons.  But, GeeGee did take the class, her husband, and her daughter.  It was a family activity.  That was many years ago.  GeeGee is a Dean at a local community college in NJ.   She tested positive. Was ill. Has recovered.

I’d like you to meet Beth.

Beth is the daughter of my friend Maryann. Maryann and I attended Wednesday Bible Class together for several years at Wyoming Presbyterian Church in New Jersey. Beth works in NY.  She tested positive, was sick, and has now recovered.

On this pandemic Easter 2020, let’s us all become one. One in spirit. One in friendship. One in love.

Photo Credit: blissshine.com

Easter is…

A time of refreshment
A time of renewal
A time of rebirth
A time of new birth

A time for planting
A time for plowing
A time for joy
A time for sorrow

A time of reorganization
A time of recommitment
A time of reconciliation
A time of rededication

A time for life
A time for death
A time for caring
A time for loving

A time of retreat
A time of reflection
A time of restoration
A time of resurrection