Church Family,
I do hope you all are well and encouraged today. Yesterday was a great day of connecting with you all in various ways. From our 10 am Facebook live (you can watch it here as well) to the many Zoom calls, it all was good for my soul.
With that said, now that we are several weeks into COVID-19, perhaps things are starting to feel a little overwhelming. We should anticipate as this virus drags on an increased sense of frustration and a longing for normalcy. Knowing these things will come, it’s wise for us all to stay connected and participate in the different activities we are making available throughout the week. So grab your calendar or open it in on your phone and put in these activities:
- Disciple-Makers: Every Wednesday, we will continue our disciple-makers class at 6:30 pm. The link will remain the same (https://zoom.us/j/501936397) each week. We are discussing healthy and practical ways to read the bible.
- Easter Schedule: Historically, the church for centuries has marked out this week, often called Passion Week, to reflect deeply on Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. Though we are separated, we can still leverage this week and experience joy, conviction, and hope! I will be sending more details as the week progresses to prepare our hearts for these moments:
- Good Friday (death): Jesus experienced a brutal death upon a rugged cross. We must not soon forget the enormous suffering He endured that brings us our salvation. At 5 pm on Friday the 10th, we will have a Good Friday service through Zoom (https://zoom.us/j/486027828)
- Waiting Saturday (burial): The period after the death of Jesus until resurrection would have been a very uncertain time for God’s people. It would have been extremely disorienting to them as Jesus was their great hope who now lies in a tomb, died. This is similar to our current state of uncertainty, and this is the one time in our lives, we can think deeply about the waiting, about the uncertainty, and express how disoriented we feel. To reflect on this, I will be sending out some instructions for you and your family to use to reflect on this time.
- Resurrection Sunday (resurrection): The tomb is EMPTY! He is ALIVE! We will continue with our 10 am Facebook live unpacking all the resurrection means to us from 1 Corinthians 15. Invite those who you have been praying for and sharing with about the gospel of Jesus.
Lastly, thank you for the many that continue to give. If you are unaware of how to give during this time, there are three different ways:
- Online: This is the simplest way to give. Just click here and follow the steps.
- Church Mailbox: If you feel like getting out, you can drop it in the onsite mailbox to the left of the glass double-doors.
- USPS: You can simply put it in an envelope, slap a stamp on it, and send it in the mail.
I miss you all tremendously! I look forward to this week of reflection and wholeheartedly trust the Lord will encourage us, convict us, give us joy, and strengthen our faith!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Bryan