Just a few months ago scenes like the one above we might have taken for granted. In a town like ours, such gathering places are part of the life of our community. Suddenly, it seems, they are gone. Lost are the essential comings together. But look! Even as some lamented the fact that we could not assemble during the Holy days, inspiration and innovation let us find a way! The great feast of Passover is celebrated at home. A story of redemption, plagues and deliverance is told in the medium of the meal. A timely celebration if ever there was one. Easter traditionally is a time when Christians gather as large congregations. Some people said “we would not have Easter this year.” But the tomb is still empty and modern technology allowed congregations to come together in celebration! They just had to do it on screens. Pastors preached in front of cameras. Prayer meetings happened on Zoom! Many people created stained glass pictures on their driveway. Up in Selma, Virginia, Kristina Elaine Greer created a wonderful banner celebrating the news “He is Risen!” She put her children’s messages online. Eliza Peltola, children’s ministry director of Greenmonte Fellowship, created a drive through ‘Resurrection Egg Hunt.’ Keeping social distancing, families drove through the local retirement community. Staying in their cars they collected clues posted around the property’s drive. They waved at the residents as they passed through the place. We’re finding ways to be together (safely and responsibly) while we must stay apart.
Here are some extra issues we’ve created to help you weather this time of being apart. We hope you enjoy them!
Narnia Painting, Through the Wardrobe, Psalm 91
An Opportunity to Learn, Mere Christianity
Surprised by Joy, C. S. Lewis’s Childhood, Faith
The World’s Great Art Online, Van Gogh’s Faith
The Boy Who Sailed Around the World
Gleaning, Biblical Wisdom for Our Modern World
The Man Who Led Britain in Her Darkest Hour
Apollo Thirteen, The ‘Successful Failure,’ Public Art
A Spring Morning at Natural Bridge, Virginia
The Unisphere by Peter Müller-Munk at Fifty-Six
A Picture of Redemption and Resurrection
“He is Risen Indeed!” The Meaning of Miraculous
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Richard Finkelstein captured this unique photo of Staunton, Virginia's C and O Station with no cars parked in front! The station was designed by Architect T. J. Collins and built in 1902.