We are in a time of transition. Ted Ederer, recent recipient of the Bishop’s Cross for his long and faithful service to the church, describes where we are coming from:

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“For nearly three years, we have been dealing with, and transitioning out of, Covid; experiencing health issues and, occasionally, death – if not personally, certainly on a local, national and world scale. Our work lives have been changed, perhaps forever. With job losses, work reductions, and working from home. Our social lives became nonexistent: social gatherings with friends were put off; few social events even took place; travel plans were canceled; church buildings were empty; games were canceled and then played in stadiums without fans; restaurant meals were picked up to be eaten at home; and those who live alone were even more isolated.”

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Stripped of our previous ways of being with one another—no in-person church, restaurants, school, gatherings, travel, events—we’ve experienced new ways of conducting the basic rhythms of our lives, including, perhaps, recognizing those people, activities, and habits