it can be difficult to get rid of possessions and gifts—many of our things have sentimental value and we also wonder if there might still be a reason to use an item that's been sitting around for a long time. But as we begin to say good-bye to those things that we no longer need, we find the experience to be freeing, even cathartic. It feel so good to lighten our loads and have more room to breathe!

Pentecost—when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples in a violent rush of wind—is almost here. In these strange, uncertain days in which we find ourselves, it seems as if many of these wild Bible stories are more plausible! Who knows what tomorrow will bring? But we remember that God often does amazing things in the midst of chaos and change.

Who would have known that the creator of The Brady Bunch's iconic introduction would have so accurate predicted how we communicate with one another in the year 2020?! It's a strange world, to be sure, but a groovy one, too!

As we navigate today’s tormy seas together, let us not forget that God has called us to this time and this place for a purpose. Substantial growth and meaningful new ways of being often arise out of conflict and disruption.

I'm now beginning my third month as the pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church; in some ways, it feels like I just got here, and in other ways, it seems like I've known you all for much longer. We had two Sundays together before everything shut down, and as of yesterday, I've completed my eighth digital Sunday worship service. We have entered into uncharted territory and these days are full of both anxiety and promise.

All generations face uncertain times—wars, plagues, economic collapses, natural disasters—and yet we are still here. The present moment, of course, always seems the most intense … and sometimes hopeless. Few have ever experienced a global pandemic, so our anxiety is very palpable. But we must also remember that seismic shifts do happen now and again in our nation and in the world; all we can do is hang on, manage those parts of our life we can control and let go of those things that are out of our control, keep Christ as our center and cling to him, and trust that Christ is Lord of heaven and Earth.

The Bible relates so many powerful, often harrowing stories of God’s faithfulness to us in both good times and in bad ones. While in quarantine—in this case, prison—Paul and Peter prayed and sang hymns, while Daniel and John of Patmos saw visions of a brighter future. We trust that God is very present in the midst of this current trial, and we will get through this together. Still, it’s natural to have anxiety due to the terrible tolls of this catastrophe.

As these days in quarantine blend into one another, it's comforting to know that we are still celebrating Holy Week just as millions before us have done over the many generations. During good times and bad times, Christians have always managed to celebrate these special holy days.

For this recent Californian resident, I’m thrilled about today’s rains. We all know California is almost always in need of water, especially with wildfire season just around the corner. I’m reminded that, although we are in the middle of this COVID-19 pandemic, the world keeps on spinning; the days and nights pass, as do the seasons. Easter 2020 is sure to be much different than the Easters we’ve celebrated in years past, but I have confidence that, sooner or later, we’ll return to some sense of normalcy —though it may take much longer we’d like. Time marches on, and before we know it, we’ll be preparing for Easter 2021.

There are glimmers of hope all around us—we just need to take the time to open our eyes and look around!

I have been in continual prayer and discernment over the last 24 hours. Bethany’s elected leaders and I have shared perspectives of how we manage to “be the church” in unprecedented times of self-quarantine and “social distancing.” We know that California is under a state of emergency and there are a host of advisements concerning how we can slow the spread of the coronavirus, including one from the Presbytery of Sacramento.