Our Common Life

Dear Friends,

Looking out on Sunday mornings lately has been especially powerful to me. I can tell you that I never exactly took it for granted, at least not on a regular basis, but there is something different in praying and singing and worshiping with you all after the last year. I give thanks for that. I never want to lose that from life again.

Which is why I'm writing about this topic, which I've touched on in other places but want to name explicitly now. As a pastor, friend, and as someone who cares deeply about our community, I believe that if you are over 12, you almost certainly need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as you can be. There are a very few exceptions among us, and if that might be your case, you should consult with your own doctor, of course. But for the vast majority of us, this vaccine is incredibly safe and accessible. If you've put it off, now is the time. If you have been vaccinated, perhaps it's time to talk to friends and family--in person, not on social media--about why they should.

Now, I'm a priest and not regularly in the habit of giving medical advice. But I think that this is different. First of all, high vaccine reception in our community is going to be necessary for our common life to continue in its current shape. Second, vaccination is the way to make the most people safe, and especially those who cannot yet be vaccinated--our children. To care for those who cannot care for themselves is among the highest of Christian virtues. Vaccination does just that, with the added benefit that it keeps you safer, too.

There is much misinformation and far too much politicization around this topic. Resist all of that.  

If you've received the vaccine, let go of your judgement toward people who feel uneasy about the process and speed with which it was developed. Smug moral superiority is not a Christian posture, and it isn't helpful in this situation. There are plenty of reasonable questions to be asked about these vaccines and plenty of reasonable answers to those questions. But being judgmental isn't going to get any of those asked or answered.

If you are hesitant about the vaccine, that's okay. But I'd implore you to resist the temptation to believe conspiracy theories and lies. Seek good, reputable sources. Talk to your own doctor, rather than relying on Facebook memes to help you make your decision! Christians are meant to be people who seek the truth--and that isn't just about religious topics. It's about everything. If you have questions that you'd like to ask a doctor or other medical expert in our church, I would be happy to help you make a connection so you can have that conversation.

The church staff and I are planning a fall that is intended to be fairly normal. My hope and prayer is that with very little alteration, we can bring that to fruition. Help us continue our work as disciples of Jesus--the work of worship, formation, community, and outreach--by making this decision if you haven't yet.

God Bless,
Fr. Quinn+