Looking Back and Looking Ahead

June 16, 2021

 

You know that feeling when you look at old pictures and notice how much the children have grown or how young people used to be?  Have you ever had that moment after you’ve mowed a field or plowed a garden and you look back to see how much progress you’ve made?  Have you ever felt the victory of addressing your golf ball on the fairway and you look back at the tee box in the distance realizing that you made an excellent drive?  Well, I can’t say I’ve experienced the last one, but this week I have been looking back and I am amazed at how far we’ve come in sixteen months.

I was reading through the posts on our website under the special “coronavirus update” section.  I recall how we were trying to adjust to changes.  I recall the disappointing decisions to suspend events.  I recall missing one another and being anxious about carrying the virus to others.  When this most unusual season began, I had photocopies of the descriptions for Phase 1, 2, and 3 taped to my office wall around the dry erase board.  I felt like an ancient mariner trying to chart unknown territory.  Then halfway through our crisis management, I threw the descriptions of the phases out.  They no longer made sense.  The guidelines and goalposts kept moving.  There wasn’t much to do except wait and stay faithful.  Our congregation made both tough decisions and reasonable judgments to mitigate risk without being overly anxious.  Looking back, I see just how far we’ve come and how we are living out the “new normal” we were all anticipating.  Somewhere along the way we did indeed enter a new phase beyond our ability to describe back when.  But it’s worth claiming now.  The pandemic may be old news, but I feel like we need to make a journal entry in our collective chronicle here and say, “It may not be a touchdown, but it is without a doubt first and goal!”  Thanks to our Lord, we have reason to celebrate and never again take our spiritual family and divine purpose for granted.  Now, let’s look ahead and talk about what we can expect in the near future.

 

1. SOULQUEST (June 13-19) – This is happening right now on the campus of York College.  A good crew of our folks are there, and they are at the midpoint in their week.  Some of my younger friends in seventh and eighth grade have told me how excited they are to go on this trip.  I am encouraged that young people believe that such things matter.  This week and in the weeks ahead, some of those same young people might make the decision to put their trust in Jesus and imitate his obedience in baptism.

 

2. SHEPHERDING (June 20 & July 11) – During this unusual season, we have learned why God gives shepherds to the flock.  Our shepherds have been faithful and trustworthy leaders.  They work together quite well and strive to discern God’s will in guiding us forward.  Some of you, especially if you are new, may not have had the chance to meet them all.  There is a new section on the website here that will show you who they are and how you can contact them and their wives.  On Sunday, June 20, one of our shepherds, Larry Todd, will introduce you to the shepherds and let you know what you can expect from them.  We will continue this theme for a few weeks because we want to give you every opportunity to seek these leaders out for prayer, wisdom and to share your dreams and talents for the common good.

 

3. SERVICE (June 27-July 1) – It seems this message is brought to you by the letter “S” so I am going to lean into the alliterative wave.  The best thing about acts of service right now is that it gives us an excuse to get together.  It’s the antidote for months of social distancing.

Last summer was truly bizarre for Rick Odell, our Youth and Family Minister.  He’s used to being uber-active every summer and organizing service projects here, there and everywhere.  I am excited to have Rick tell you more about these things on Sunday, June 27.  Among other things, he will tell you how the money that the kids put in the buckets during worship helps people around the world.  And he will tell you about the local service work planned for our World Changers program on June 28 to July 1.  If there’s one thing I want all of you to know about our youth ministry it would be this: you do NOT have to be a teen or have teens in the youth group to participate in WestArk Youth Group events like World Changers.  If you are willing to serve and use your gifts and opportunities to glorify Jesus and mentor young people, then you are pretty much qualified.  If you don’t buy that, then I challenge you to go to Rick and say, “Benjamin says that you will let us get involved in the good things WAYG is doing, even if we don’t have kids in the youth group. Is that true?”    

 

3. SALT AND LIGHT (July 4) – Another lesson we took to heart in 2020 and 2021 is the teaching of Jesus to be salt and light in a dark and decaying culture (Matt. 5).  The last year was not only marked by a health crisis, there were also social and political crises.  Regardless of your own views, we cannot deny that things were tense.  But I want you to know that I noticed you.  I noticed when you refused to say ugly things about people you disagreed with.  I noticed when you gave the benefit of the doubt to others because of something unkind or confusing that they may have said or done.  I noticed when you made an effort to be instruments of peace while others were calling us to weaponize our grievances.  I noticed when you were dedicated to prayer and giving God glory amid anger and violence.  I noticed when you admitted mistakes and made amends because humility and kindness are stronger than loathing and arrogance. I saw you out there acting like Jesus.  I noticed you shining your light. 

Independence Day falls on a Sunday this year and that is perhaps quite appropriate.  It is appropriate for us to pray for our nation.  For years, we have prayed for Christians in other nations who face great risk and persecution for their faith.  We would not dare claim it is like that for us in the United States, but we may be feeling as if following Christ in America is more and more going against the grain.  What can we do?  We can continue to be salt and light.  Let’s make the effort to assemble on July 4 in worship like we do every Sunday.  I will have more to say about this then.

 

4. SENIORS (July 18) – I’m not talking about the AARP kind, rather the high school graduate kind.  WestArk has a healthy tradition of sending our young people out as adults ready to make a difference by glorifying Jesus.  The interruption to our typical graduation services in 2020 made us recognize that we have an opportunity to launch these seniors as they head off to pursue goals in business, school, and life.  We are planning our first Senior Launch Sunday for 2021 grads on July 18.  Watch the newsletters and notices and we will tell you more about this. 

 

5. SONSHINE JUNCTION (July 25-28) – Looking back, I recall how disappointing it was to cancel Vacation Bible School in 2020.  That's because some of us look forward to this wonderful thing we call VBS every year.  It’s a four-night celebration where we all get to act like kids and learn about the Gospel.  There has been a wealth of creativity and talent poured into VBS over the last few generations.  Our VBS skills at West-Ark are quite extra.  Our KidMin minister, Alyssa Benjamin, and our KidMin intern, Hope Evans, are working on the details even now.  I encourage all of you to sign up, show up and get involved in VBS on July 25-28.  We will kick it off Sunday morning, July 25 in worship. 

 

The sets for these events get more and more amazing every year.  In 2019, Project Sonshine took us to the moon.  This year we will ride an old steam engine to Sonshine Junction.  We will hunt for hidden treasure and head off the owl-hoots trying to steal the deed to the junction.  Stay tuned for more on this and please reach out to Alyssa or Hope if you want to participate.  And yes, we encourage you to invite all the kids you know.

 

I am so grateful for how far we’ve come in so many ways.  The WestArk church family is growing and thriving.  Challenges remain and COVID may not be novel anymore but it’s still out there, but we are prepared and well-informed.  I am excited about the possibilities for the next six weeks, but I am reminded that at the core of our faith is the message that God will prevail and that the worst things are never the last things in Jesus Christ. 

 

- Chris Benjamin  

 

 

 

 

Re: Arkansas Lifts Mask Mandate and Expands Vaccine Eligibility

April 2, 2021

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On March 30, the Governor and the Department Health did two things that make recovery from the pandemic more of a practical reality: 1) the mask mandate was lifted, and 2) eligibility for vaccines was expanded to everyone over 16.

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What does this mean for the West-Ark Church and our Sunday worship onsite? Let's regard Sunday, April 4 as the beginning of a new transitional period toward life after the pandemic. We need the time to make adjustments after this pandemic and we will communicate these throughout the transition.

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Since we started meeting again onsite after everything went online only in March 2020, everyone has been patient and eager to abide by the best recommendations to ensure their own health and the health of others. Regardless of policies, the people of West-Ark have been “shining like stars” in a world filled with controversy and conflict (Phil. 2:15). Up until now we have asked you to observe the “3 W’s” of Watching your Distance, Washing your Hands, and Wearing your Mask. Now that the mask mandate has been lifted, it makes sense to transition to “3 R’s.”

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1. Reduce Risk. That’s two R’s for the price of one. Though there may be less of it, the coronavirus is still out there. We know how to reduce the risk of catching the virus or infecting others. Stay home and go online for worship if you have or have had a fever. If you have been exposed to the virus, distance yourself and choose the online option. The online livestream is one of the things that is not changing anytime soon. We were livestreaming before the pandemic, and now we have learned that it serves as more than just an alternative to meeting onsite.

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Now (thanks be to God) there is a new option to reduce risk with the vaccines. We hope you will pursue your options to acquire the vaccine. Consult with your doctor or other friends in medicine and science. They might be a more reliable guide than cable news stories or social media.

In addition to the above, we can still wash our hands and watch our distance, but let’s mention wearing the mask since this can be controversial.

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First, churches in Arkansas were never obligated to directives, but there has been and continues to be guidance. West-Ark always strove to conform to these in whatever way was reasonable and appropriate. For many years before the pandemic, the West-Ark church and its leaders have been attentive to thinking about measures in numerous areas that safeguard the health and welfare of people who gather for worship and activities. We did so then and we will continue to do so moving forward.

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Second, we never required anyone to wear a mask, but when we respectfully asked you to do so when infections were at their peak, you respectfully complied. At this time, there is certainly no requirement to wear a mask.

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Finally, you are always free to wear a mask and do not need to apologize for doing so. A mask may even be reasonable and recommended if you have yet to be vaccinated, or if you are close to others who may not be vaccinated or at greater risk. The mindset of the world makes something as benign as wearing a cloth mask a point of contention and pride. But we have the mind of Christ! (1 Cor. 2:16)

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2. Respect Others. We cannot make rules or policies that anticipate every situation as we begin the transition to more activity and fellowship. Besides, whatever plans or policies we put into place will certainly change. Everything on this side of Christ’s return is temporary. We are proud that we have never had to resort to shaming, scolding, or policing to force the church family to conform to external criteria. We have appealed to your reason and your respectfulness and you have always been eager to serve others.

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3. Rely on God. We are different people from a year ago. But God has remained the same. Our methods, schedules, programs, and routines may change, but we do not put our reliance in these. Rather we rely on God. Our faith has grown, and we have learned valuable lessons on what it means to follow Jesus. We have developed new leaders and discovered new opportunities. We need some time to discern all of this, and therefore we ask for your patience as this transition begins.

The timing could not be more profound. This Sunday is an excellent opportunity to share the story of resurrection. The past year has been a difficult challenge and we are rightly cautious about the future. None of us know what could happen next; but what we do know this: If we rely on God, then the worst things are never the last things.

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Re: New Guidelines for Places of Worship

Nov. 11, 2020

 

Dear West-Ark Family:

 

It’s been a while since I have written to all of you.  There are some updates regarding Arkansas Health Department guidelines I need to share with you, but let’s take this opportunity to recognize some important things.  I went back over the messages I had written to you as this pandemic started in March.  I can see clearly that God has been with us through this journey.  We have had to make some hard adjustments, but we have grown and learned a few things.  The genuine quality of relationships in our church family is clear.  You have always done your best to protect the health of others, but more so you have gone a second mile to see to the needs of those who are most at risk from the virus.  Not only have you seen to their physical needs, but you also worked to stay in touch with them and keep them from being any lonelier. 

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I look back over 2020 and recognize that we made difficult choices.  It was not easy to cancel or suspend events and gatherings that mean so much to us.  A few events at the start were expected, but then the pandemic began eating into the summer and has now altered schedules and events into the first quarter of 2021.  To miss out on these things that have become a part of our life together is discouraging.  Adding to the discouragement is the nagging fear that we might atrophy or decline as a church because of the inactivity.  But we kept putting our hope and confidence in Jesus Christ and we have been blessed to trust in him.  He is our savior and redeemer and this is his church family.  Even if we lose everything else, nothing separates us from his love (Rom. 8:38-39).

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In May, I wrote to tell you that we would slowly and carefully move forward as circumstances allowed.  Remember how I compared it to driving a stick-shift?  You shift-up when it is time, and every good driver knows when that is.  What I forgot to say is that sometimes you have to down-shift, which may be what our situation feels like right now – (don’t worry, please keep reading!)

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On Tuesday, November 10, the Arkansas Department of Health issued new guidance ahead of the holidays.  Included in that are directives for places of worship.  We have been abiding by these guidelines and have even been ahead of the ADH advisors on some of them. For instance, we made the difficult decision weeks ago to cancel Cocoa and Carols this year.  However, there is one new directive that I must call to your attention.  Here is how it reads in the document:

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“We (ADH) strongly recommend masking of the entire congregation for the entire duration of the worship service in order to prevent spread.” (p. 3)

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The reason for this is obvious.  Singing increases respiration and expels more aerosolized particles which spread the virus.  The reason for the emphasis is obvious as there is an increase in cases in our area, which adds to the potential for spread. The increase in hospitalizations is also concerning.  Regardless of whether this represents a “second wave” or a momentary spike, it appears that the ADH expects the holiday season may have potential to increase community spread.  So there it is – that’s the “down-shift,” simply that we need to recommit to all the safety procedures that have gotten us this far.  Now just for a moment forget the ADH and let me just speak as a friend without any scolding or shaming: I am respectfully asking those of us who assemble on site to keep our mask on throughout the worship.  That’s it.

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I appreciate the ADH being more specific about the protocols for wearing a facemask.  I confess that I haven't earned 100% on the last test.  I admit that I considered my mask as viral SCUBA gear that got me from the front door to my favorite pew.  Then in my own “little worship world” I could take the foolish thing off and quit fogging up my glasses.  But the truth is, it is best for all of you if I keep it on even while I am singing.  (Ha!  There may be many reasons that is best for you!)  I appreciate those of you who have expressed your intent to wear a mask through the whole assembly for the sake of others.  That concern for others is biblical (Phil. 2:4) and it encourages me to see us demonstrate our respect for one another.  So, I promise to do better and if you want to join me, I appreciate it.  

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This may seem like a bit of a down-shift, setback or discouragement even though nothing is being cancelled or called off at this point.  Yes, we need to shift down, but sometimes you shift to a lower gear in order to climb a hill. I really think that is the case now.  Maybe this is the last challenge before the pandemic fades into memory. There has been encouraging news in the research towards vaccines and treatments.  We have been praying for an end to this haven’t we?  God is able to work through any agencies and forces of nature he chooses, but we are the witnesses who need to ascribe the glory to God.  Of all people, we need to be the ones who do not forget that.   This is truly the function of our worship.  

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So, as we finish out 2020, let’s make the most of it.  And if this is the last phase of the pandemic, let's finish strong and not get sloppy now.  We need everyone to keep looking out for one another when we assemble.  We can do this with behaviors that create “firebreaks” in the path of the contagion.  We know these by now: wearing a facemask, social distancing, staying at home when we have symptoms, and limiting our interactions.  Keep encouraging one another and comfort one another. No virus can keep us from being faithful disciples and God will restore what this pandemic has consumed. (Joel 2:25-28).

 

For the Sake of God’s Gospel,

 

Chris Benjamin