2020 09 11 (A)
作者 Article by: Wilson Loo
小天使隨伴笨驢一家移民楓葉國，轉瞬近卅年矣。其間有風平浪靜之際， 有風高浪急之時。去年高掛聽筒，以為退居桃園，或讀書研經， 或博覽周遊，豈料新冠蔓延，唯有宅居家中。教會聚會崇拜，亦史無前例暫停下來， 已六個月矣。
小天使日前隨笨驢驅車往教會一行, 將久違之黑白司禱袍拿回家清洗, 甫抵家門,小天使從車頂跳將下來，好奇問道：『教堂可快重開耶？』笨驢答曰：『然，惟疫情起復，未到日子，真個不知能否依時重啟也？』笨驢面有無奈之色.
小天使咦一聲，半帶安慰，半帶鼓勵，曰：『頌主堂就疫情下如何維持堂務,也實在做得不錯耳，領導團隊及其他領導渾身解數，各方面得以兼顧，尤其年青一代，盡展電腦才能，使網上崇拜得以順利進行，講道祈禱，唱詩讀經, 無一或缺；更讓團契小組，望梅止渴； 查經學道，盍興乎來. 更聞說詩班正密鑼緊鼓籌備一虛擬獻唱以慶祝堂慶云云』。
笨驢想起前幾個月因網上溝通之需要，硬着頭皮逼自己學習運用電腦軟件，發出會心微笑, 不期然從雪櫃取出冰琪淋來, 聊作慶祝; 小天使接過笨驢遞來之冰琪淋，吃了半碗，續曰: 『還有，繁瑣堂務，內外聯絡，大小會議，財政支出，皆辦理合適得宜，更翻修屋頂，又深度執拾堂內什物，你可感謝上主揀選得人？』笨驢點頭表示讚同.
小天使將碗裡之冰琪淋舔得乾乾凈凈，繼續款款而談: 『其實教會內其他教友互相關顧，也真的叫人艷羨，關顧的關顧，團契的團契，還有那個甚麼『疫中情』的文稿網絡，也挺受歡迎的，聞說有等教友，竟養成隔日追稿的習慣。』
笨驢忍不住插嘴：『吖， 你這小鬼頭，以為你只知跟松鼠追追逐逐，想不到你也觀察得挺細心。』笨驢作一深呼吸：『疫情以還， 越見頌主堂內上下齊心，大家歡歡喜喜的, 可真是:
『在 患 難 中 也 是 歡 歡 喜 喜 的 ； 因 為 知 道 患 難 生 忍 耐 ，忍 耐 生 老 練 ， 老 練 生 盼 望 ； 盼 望 不 至 於 羞 恥 ， 因 為 所 賜 給 我 們 的 聖 靈 將 神 的 愛 澆 灌 在 我 們 心 裡 。（羅馬書 5：3-5) 』
笨驢望著黑變灰的司禱袍，若有所思，喜見新一代的領導經過幾年的鍛煉，成長成材矣； 心頭一塊大石放下來。
『喂，小鬼頭， 再來一杯冰琪淋. 慶祝慶祝 ！』
It is nearly thirty years ago that little angel came with stubborn donkey and his family to Canada when they immigrated to this land. During these years, there were calm and balmy days, but there were also stormy and windy moments. Having hung up his stethoscope last year, stubborn donkey planned to read more and travel more. However, when Covid-19 pandemic struck, everything seemed to have come to a standstill, and resulting in the first ever suspension of in-person worship at church.
A few days ago, stubborn donkey drove to church to get his black/white lay reader gown so that he could wash it at home, after the gown was hung at church untouched for six months. As soon as they arrived home, little angel jumped from the roof of the car and asked, “is the church opening up for in-person worship soon?”
Stubborn donkey hesitated. “Yes… but the pandemic in Ontario is still fluctuating, and it is really difficult to say for sure if we can re-open as scheduled.” Stubborn donkey frowned.
Little angel saw his countenance fall, and tried to encourage him and cheer him up, saying, “St. Elizabeth’s has been managing its ministry during the pandemic pretty well. The leadership team, as well as other leaders had been working really hard to cover all bases. Thanks to the young leaders, whose computer and IT skills have facilitated not only successful online worship services, they have also allowed virtual fellowship, Bible studies and other ministries to take place. And I’ve heard the choir is even preparing for a virtual choir presentation for the upcoming anniversary celebration!”
This reminded stubborn donkey that a few months ago, he was scrambling to learn to use some new software programs so that he could participate in online communication. He nodded and smiled, apparently satisfied at his success in mastering some of the skills. Unknowingly, he reached for the tub of ice cream in the fridge, and handed little angel a full bowl. After gulping down half a bowl of ice cream, little angel continued, “ as well, the different facets of day-to-day church management, internal and external communication, the tenants, the Diocese, the different meetings, the finance books, all seemed to be handled well enough. What’s more, the rooftop repair, the in-depth clearing of storage items in church… Are you not glad that the good Lord has made a right choice?” Stubborn donkey nodded to affirm.
Little angel finished the ice cream and licked clean the bowl, and continued, “as a matter of fact, other parish members have been showing much love in their support and care for one another, the caring ministry, the small group fellowship ministry, and the what they called “Love in Pandemic” internet sharing network, which I heard is pretty well received. Some members say reading the article every other day becomes part of their daily routine.”
Stubborn donkey remarked, “oh, I thought you just know running around with the squirrels and eating ice cream! I didn’t realize that you are pretty observant about the things around you!” Stubborn donkey took a deep breath, “even with the pandemic, I have really noticed there is growing cooperation and laughter within St. E. It is so true what the Bible says in Romans 5:3-5,
“… but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Stubborn donkey gazed at the white and black- turned- grey lay reader gown, paused for a moment in meditation, and felt a heavy stone being lifted off his chest: the new generation of church leaders have arrived.
“Hey, little angel, get me another bowl of ice cream. Let us celebrate!”