2024.04.22

Posted on by Rev. Dr. Patrick A. Sileo

Oriiginally Published on Easter Sunday, 2020.04.02. Never forget what it was like!

“Perspective”

So I arrived home from worship, donned my civilian clothes (hoodie, jeans, Pro-keds), and made myself some breakfast. I managed to make it through worship with only one breakdown. I had told Mrs. Flying Scotsman before the service that I was worried that I was going to lose it during communion. Of course, I never made that far; I slammed into an emotional brick wall while doing the Lord’s Prayer. It literally took my breath away; I stopped speaking, even though I tried. Fortunately, I was able to recover in time to move to the next part of the worship and managed to maintain my composure even through communion.

I took pictures this morning before worship to provide you with some perspective of what it feels like to be in the sanctuary leading worship while in the COVID-19 exile.

Mrs. Flying Scotsman, Rico Suave, Long Distance Voyager, Joshua’s Mom, and Dr. Phil, rehearsing twenty minutes before we went live on YouTube.
Thunder! and Banjo Bob getting ready to go live on YouTube. Yes, they are six feet apart; Thunder! is in the front pew of the balcony, and BB is in the booth.
From behind the communion table, this is what the team sees during worship.
That little thing directly in the center is YOU! We know you are on the other side of that camera, and each and every one of you is special in God’s eyes, and our hearts.

A big giant “THANK YOU” for the texts, emails, and shout outs. Thank you for pictures of home communion set-ups, and children watching the service online. Your encouragement means so much to the team!

May the LORD bless you and protect you. May he make his glory shine upon you and be merciful to you. May he look you straight in the face with his Holy eyes, and provide you with his Shalom. Amen!

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Published by Rev. Dr. Patrick A. Sileo

Pat (HitchHiker) is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Sparta, New Jersey. He is Jenise's (J) husband, Peter (Chewbacca) and Nicole's (Baby) dad, Colin's (Schmooze) father-in-law), Yoshi's (Monster Behind the Door) personal butler, and a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. Pat dabbles in many things; you will get a feel when you follow his Search for 42!