Dear Friends:
Greetings! I noticed on my calendar that I was supposed to be on vacation in a week. Kathy and I were planning a trip to see our daughter and son-in-law in Montana. And like so many things in this unprecedented time, our vacation has been canceled. As I feel all the emotions associated with living through this pandemic, today I am experiencing an extreme feeling of longing for a sense of normal.
I would be in my office at the church as I write this. Instead I am writing you from my dining room table with my cat staring at me. My Mondays are office days spent catching up on phone calls and email. Instead I’m totally distracted by my gardener blowing leaves outside and my dogs barking at him inside. I am frustrated that I can’t have my “normal” in doing my job.
Then I realize I’m not going through this alone. I am sure you all are experiencing the same thing. Our souls are restless. We long for an end to this pandemic. We want our normal back. We want to see and be with people without being 6 feet apart and wearing a mask. We want to be in church. We want to go out to restaurants and to go shopping for things other than the mere essentials.
We may never return to “normal”, but I believe that this pandemic has taught us what truly matters in life. For me, I am so thankful I am not alone. I value the presence of my spouse and regular communication with my children. I am thankful I serve a church that knows how to be a church. I am thankful for a wonderful home and ample resources to live through this time. It is my hope that you all will continue to see and feel the many blessings in your life.
And now on to the news of the congregation…
Zoom Coffee Hour. In our quest to find new ways to be in connection with one another, we will be trying something new and innovative: A Zoom Coffee Hour! We will gather this Sunday, April 26th at 11 AM. You can join our Coffee Hour in one of two of the following ways:
- If you have computer, tablet or smartphone, you can join by clicking here.
- If you would like to join us by phone, please email Tessique Houston at [email protected] for instructions.
We hope to “see” you next Sunday!
Prayer Requests. May it be noted that prayer time during our Sunday worship is special and unique. Unfortunately, during this pandemic, we are unable to pray in the way we are normally accustomed to. Until we are back into our normal worship schedule, I would like to offer a time in our recorded worship to pray for those needs of our congregation. So if you have a specific prayer you would like me to publicly pray for during the service, please email those prayers to [email protected] no later than 11am this Thursday, April 23rd.
Giving. And finally, thank you always for your pledges and offerings. Please remember you can give to your church in the following ways: 1) by mailing your offering directly to the church office; 2) by giving online through our church website (please click here); or 3) by texting your donation to (877) 769-1961. Thank you for your continued support of your beloved church.
Finally, blessings as we travel together on this journey together!
Pastor Colin