A letter from Claudette Reid, RSMAT President

See the letter at this link or read below

Dear Sisters and Brothers: Grace, mercy and peace!

 Once in a while we discover moments which we describe as "unprecedented". I dare say, this is one of those times: when much of what we know as normal living is being disrupted, almost without warning---minute by minute!

Families and friends continue to grapple with conflicting reporting of this disease, perceptible inequalities in accessing healthcare, and feelings of helplessness; and as people of faith we want to offer a way out. But for many of us, this seems like a frustrating wilderness experience. However, it’s not lost on me, that I’m writing this letter on a day when the lectionary reading brings us to the familiar Psalm 23.

The Lord is my shepherd;    I have all that I need.2 He lets me rest in green meadows;    he leads me beside peaceful streams.3     He renews my strength.He guides me along right paths,    bringing honor to his name.4 Even when I walk    through the darkest valley,[a]I will not be afraid,    for you are close beside me.Your rod and your staff    protect and comfort me.5 You prepare a feast for me    in the presence of my enemies.You honor me by anointing my head with oil.    My cup overflows with blessings.6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me    all the days of my life,and I will live in the house of the Lord    forever.

COVID-19 continues to be an enemy that we must confront, and hopefully overcome. And at a time when the church has left the building, we find ourselves evaluating how to best live out/exercise our faith-walking, so we can bless others and bring honor to God. Yes, for such a time as this, we are called upon to give witness to what it means to be Church (individually and collectively) ---the means through which others have access to God; finding creative ways to lead and serve in our congregations, our communities and homes. 

Like the Psalmist David, may we take comfort that the Shepherd who is lovingly leading us during this season of physical distancing, has also promised to bring us enduring comfort and restoration. And in the meantime, the officers and staff of the Regional Synod of the Mid-Atlantics will try to find creative ways to strengthen our social, spiritual, and emotional ties that bind us to each other and to Christ.  

In closing, I’m blessed to also share the promise from this year’s (suspended) Crossroads Conference

This is God’s Word on the subject: “.... I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—

plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for...”  

[Jeremiah 29:10-11]

Yours in Christ,

Claudette A. Reid 

(RSMAT President 2019-2020)