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“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.”  This is the opening sentence of our reading from the book of Acts, and I have to confess, it makes me sad.  In a literal sense, many of us can’t relate to what the sentence describes. Because of COVID-19, it is not prudent for us to be “together in one place.”  We’re confined to our homes, we can’t gather for worship, ministry, prayer and fellowship, and we don’t know when we’ll share bread and wine again around a common table.  It feels difficult to consider togetherness … much less celebrate a great feast day like Pentecost … in this context.  

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(There are 3 videos for the 7 Easter service, click link above to go to the playlist and then click Play All on YouTube)
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I wonder if any of you have been having some of the feelings that I have been having.  This COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down for me … in the greater world out there … and in my inner world of my head, heart, and soul.  Sometimes I can’t even remember what day of the week it is.  I find myself pondering priorities and rethinking decisions that I once thought were settled.  I feel like I’m on a journey … I remember the place that I left, but I’m not sure I know where I’m going, or how I’ll get there.  Every time I feel like I’m getting oriented to this pandemic situation, I get spun around by the unexpected.  I want to move forward, but which way is forward?  

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Although we just heard a wonderful reading from John’s gospel, the sermon this morning is about Noah and his Ark.  I realize that the reference to Noah in the First Letter of Peter is rather vague … and, to me at least, confusing … but Noah has a special place in my heart and soul.  Noah’s Ark was a haven for all of God’s creatures during the 40 days and nights of unrelenting storm.  Maybe … just maybe … it has something to say to us during this merciless storm of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

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To begin with, according to our worship booklet Pastor Deena Galantowicz is scheduled to preach today.  However, Pastor Deena is not feeling well, and so you are stuck with me.
 
Happy Mothers’ Day!  I wish many blessings for all the mothers this morning and hope that you have a wonderful and special day … in spite of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic crisis and our isolation from each other.  I learned a long time ago that preaching about Mother’s Day is fraught with landmines, so this morning I’m going to stick with the lectionary readings.

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This is the fourth Sunday of our Easter season.  The Fourth Sunday of Easter is called “Good Shepherd Sunday.”  Although the readings change each year in our three year lectionary cycle, every Fourth Sunday of Easter we hear a portion the 10th chapter of John’s gospel.