Pastor's Letters

Friends in Christ:

It’s hard to believe that it’s been eight weeks since we last met in person for worship and fellowship. Our world and our lives have changed significantly in that time, and we’re all wondering what a new normal will look like after this pandemic comes to an end. While we do not yet know what the future will hold, or even when that future will arrive, we do know that God walks with us in love. We, likewise, are called to walk with one another in love (not physically, of course!). In times like these, it is especially important to remember that Eliot Church is not a building but a community of people redeemed and called by Jesus Christ. We can maintain the bonds of community even when we cannot gather in person.

The governor’s current executive order mandates the closure of all non-essential businesses through at least May 18. Even after that, we expect to see constraints on what kinds of business can open and under what conditions. I expect that large gatherings (like worship services) will be suspended for some time. When we are permitted to gather again, we will need to adapt to guidelines for social distancing. The session will make final decisions about how to return to in-person worship and will follow the guidance from the commonwealth, our presbytery, and denomination. We intend to keep our most vulnerable neighbors safe. At Eliot, we are especially mindful of the large number of healthcare professionals who need to stay healthy to do their jobs and who are likely to come in contact with COVID-positive patients in their work. (Thank you to all the nurses, CNAs, and other medical workers in our congregation. We see you and we love you!) Whenever we gather again, we will do so with wisdom, compassion, and a willingness to adapt.

As we wait and plan, I continue to give thanks for the faithfulness of God and the incredible resilience and generosity of our church community. You all have adapted with grace to this new world. You are learning new technologies and continue to engage in “disbursed” worship on Zoom and Facebook. You have reached out to one another in a variety of ways. You have upheld your financial gifts to the church and the wider community, allowing us to maintain our staff and even offer new uses of our building in the community. I thank God for you every day.

I remain available by email, phone, text, Facebook, WhatsApp and any other way you can find me. Please be in touch! Enclosed with this letter are a few resources to encourage and sustain you in the weeks ahead. I hope that they serve to remind you of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the community we share through the Holy Spirit. 

Be well,

Pastor Heather
pastor@eliotlowell.org  |  cell: (410) 300-4543

Friends in Christ

Social distancing has kept up physically separated from family, friends, and our church community. While we are each happy to do our part to protect our neighbors, this new way of living puts us all under strain. We can expect to hear about people close to us getting sick and even dying. The many healthcare workers of Eliot Church are anxious about their risk of exposure and spreading the virus to their families. Some of our members are experiencing financial strain as hours have been reduced or jobs eliminated. Some of our relationships struggle from too much distance, and others from too much togetherness as whole families spend all day in the house together. It can be hard to keep the faith when crisis is unfolding around us and there are no answers to the questions of “why” or “when will it end.”

I share each of these struggles with you. Like yours, my mood and outlook can vary from day to day or even hour to hour. Slowing down, staying spiritually grounded and focusing on mission are helping me stay centered and sane. I have found comfort in the routine of daily prayer on Facebook Live, and I am grateful for those of you who are tuning in to virtual worship services. The deacons and I are working to stay connected with members who are less technologically adept. The church building has found a new use as a temporary food warehouse, meeting a need for a food pantry delivery service. Not everything is working perfectly, but we are striving together to find new ways to do church and be church. This season may remind us that church is not me, or the elders, but all of us together under one head, Jesus Christ. I encourage you to continue reaching out and connecting through cards, calls, texts, and social media.

The recent announcement from Governor Charlie Baker makes it clear that we will not be able to worship together in person until at least May 24. If you have not already tried to worship virtually through Zoom or Facebook Live, I encourage you to do so. 

With Zoom, you get a more robust experience with the ability to see one another. You’ll have a better view of the liturgy and music. Join us Sundays at 10:00 a.m., on the web: for a link to the meeting, send an email to office@eliotlowell.org. 

If you participate on Facebook Live, you’ll have fewer opportunities for interaction, but it might be a more familiar interface. You can watch there even if you don’t have a Facebook account.

I continue to be available by phone, text, email, Facebook, and WhatsApp. I am live on Facebook every Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. for morning prayer and evening reflections. We are sharing helpful resources on Facebook and the church email newsletter every Friday. Youth and Christian Education volunteers are  emailing resources and meeting online with students.

Eliot continues to pay our staff, even if they work reduced hours or become ill. Your continued financial support is important, and we appreciate your gifts. Contributions can be mailed to the church or made online.

These are difficult days for all of us, but we are in it together and our God goes with us. May we take courage and open our hearts to learn and grow in love, even in the wilderness.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Heather