By Erik Cave, Director of NextGen Ministries, PacNWC
I freaked out a little bit during the week leading up to Thunder. I began to worry that groups would show up having forgotten about our COVID protocols. I sent an email to all of our group leaders apologizing for the hassle, and asking for them to reply confirming they are on board. The results were surprising. Several replied saying that going through the requirements was well worth it. They were overwhelmingly thankful for the opportunity to participate even though preparation was difficult.
As I reflect on Thunder I, too, am overwhelmingly thankful. I sincerely think it was one of our best retreats ever. (See Brianne Fenton’s reflection for more details) It was also very difficult to plan for. Dealing with COVID concerns, managing additional details and balancing increasing costs were just a few of the challenges our planning team faced. In the week leading up to thunder we lost 50 attendees to COVID testing, and other issues, leading to a below normal total attendance.
Thunder was far from normal, yet it is easy to be thankful when I focus on what God was doing. I am thankful that we were able to gather. I am thankful that God moved through our speaker, worship band, small group times, and one-on-one connections. I am thankful that we had fun and were safe. I am thankful for the hard work by our planning team and Cascades staff. I am thankful that I was able to see my friends and colleagues face to face as we ministered to a bunch of middle schoolers.
Thankfulness is my new normal. We are all wrestling with the reality that we are never returning to the normal we once knew. People think differently about church today. We have lost members and regular attenders. Our gatherings are challenging. Yet, God is at work in big and small ways.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
I believe thankfulness needs to be our new normal. Paul instructs us in Thessalonians to give thanks in all circumstances. Paul knew what it was like to lead a church in trying circumstances. He also understood that giving thanks is transformational. Thankfulness turns our attention away from our trials to the One who is working through our trials. It transforms our sorrow into celebration.
Let this be an encouragement to lean into thanksgiving in our personal lives and corporate worship services. We have a lot to be thankful for! I am thankful our churches are finding ways to gather again. I am thankful that the Gospel is transforming lives. I am thankful that the church is more accessible than ever through online ministry.
Our summer camps were not normal, and we are thankful. Our Getaway for Women was not normal, and we are thankful. Our Clergy Retreat was not normal, and we are thankful. Thunder was not normal, and we are thankful. Our Sunday services are not normal, and we are thankful.
The new normal is, and must be, thankfulness.