The Jab and the Gospel

 

Come in, come in and sit down, you are a part of the family.

We are lost and we are found, and we are a part of the family.

1 You know the reason why you came, yet no reason can explain;

so share in the laughter and cry in the pain, for we are a part of the family.  R

                                                   Part of the Family --  Voices United 395

Today our home congregation, Trenton United Church, is hosting a Covid-19 vaccination clinic in the parking lot. I have no idea how this came about, but it makes good sense, gospel sense, for a number of reasons. Holding the clinic today at the same time as the meal program might make the difference for some guests getting a jab. 

The congregation has been intentional about community outreach and partnerships recently, with collaborations in meal ministries and  a possible warming cenre. This week Rev. Isaac and two of those partners made an excellent presentation to Trenton City Council regarding the warming centre. 

This is also important as a low-key endorsement of getting vaccinated to demonstrate Jesus' teaching to "love your neighbour as yourself" rather than the belligerent tack of some congregations to declare :you're not the boss of me" a phrase which isn't in any of the gospels.

Congregations everywhere have been attempting to navigate the uncertain waters of the pandemic. Some have been closed throughout the pandemic until recently, although Trenton United has been worshipping in person for roughly half the 19 months, always following careful protocols.

Trenton UC has opted for the carrot rather than the stick in terms of getting vaccinated. In the weekly email there is the heading Vaccinations and "We encourage all members of our church family to continue to book appointments for their first or second COVID-19 vaccination if they haven't already." This is followed by all the information necessary to get vaccinated. At the same time there has been prayerful deliberation about proof of vaccination on Sunday mornings with the decision not to make this a requirement. 

What is the best approach to all this? Every family of faith needs to come to its own conclusions and I'm relieved that the United Church as a denomination has not declared what congregations must do. I certainly hope today's clinic is helpful to the community at large. 

Here is the Broadview magazine article on the United Church approach: 

https://broadview.org/united-church-vaccine-passport/

4 There's rest for the weary and health for us all; 

there's a yoke that is easy, and a burden that's small.

So come in and worship and answer the call, for we are a part of the family.  R