Another food for thought during Coronavirus Challenge

Dear Church Family

   Today March 16 is another day of growing concern for how we are handling the coronavirus among us. Gatherings of 50 or maybe 10 according to the CDC, is limiting our getting together physically. But thanks be to God, we have an unseen cloud of witnesses reaching out and praying for us in times like these. St. Paul talked about running a spiritual life in a stadium full of supporters, rooters, and prayer warriors. Even though we can’t go to our own local stadium, the image of being surrounded by the love of God is a very good one. Think upon these things.

   I dreamed last night of the story in 2 Kings 6, beginning with verse 15, Elisha was being hounded by the king to get rid of him. His village was surrounded by chariots and soldiers ready to capture Elisha. His servant was petrified when he saw the village was surrounded. But Elisha prayed that his servant’s eyes would be opened to discover that there are more of us than there are of them. The hills were crowded with more angels of the Lord, than the soldiers in the field. We need an attitude like Elisha’s, God is with us and there is more of God than there are of fears and worries and the challenges we are facing. Time will come when we will see what God has done.

   We had a funeral for one of our long-time members turn into a private family graveside service only because of all of this. We hope to have service for them later. So we are being influenced some by these events. Keep praying for one another.

   I promised I would share resources for your spiritual journey of Lent while we are absent one from another. Here is a good one, I’ve known about this for over 20 years, a great source of inspiration.

   As someone who has supported online ministry in the past through Heartlight.org and VerseoftheDay.com, we wanted you to know about a resource we have put together for families, friends, and individuals to have worship at home during this time of social distancing.

This new resource is called ToGather. You can find this Sunday's worship segment online now online: ToGather March 15, 2020. All you need is laptop, tablet, or phone, and some bread and fruit-of-the-vine (wine or grapejuice), and we supply the devotional thought, communion meditation, songs, and closing blessing.

   So if you get a chance, here might be something to think and pray about.

   As always, send me your prayer requests and I will lift you and yours, in my prayer time. Blessings to each of you.

I’ll share some tomorrow, on St. Patrick’s Day, a great spiritual feast day to be sure.

Pastor Jeff