Dear Church Family,
The sense of belonging when we are together on Sundays is a comforting feeling. As your shepherds, we acknowledge the loss that exists from our lack of time together on Sundays. Many are experiencing spiritual separation anxiety, and others have troubled consciences because we are not “assembling together on the first day of the week.”
Our lives have sustained a colossal disruption: the recurring comment is “We’ve never experienced anything like this before.” Perhaps not totally “uncharted waters” but certainly unfamiliar territory.
And then the absurd news flashes, “Experts warn COVID-19 crisis is inducing anxiety and depression in many Americans.” DUH? In difficult times how do we react? Maybe not like Alfred E. Newman, “What, me worry?” Does our peace come from faith or fatalism?
Jesus admonished us to not worry about our life or what we will eat or drink. When we face a pandemic or are hit by some devastating natural disaster, with loss of life, home, or economic security, how do we in turn comfort the afflicted? We are reminded of Job and his friends (Job 2:11-13) who responded lovingly for the first week, but were then left speechless when they observed his plight.
Well intentioned platitudes, all too often offer little comfort and consolation.
• When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
• Into each life, some rain must fall.
• When you’re dealt a lemon, make lemonade.
• Well, you know, we live in a fallen world.
• Farther along, we’ll know all about it, farther along, we’ll understand why.
In essence, other than drawing closer to Him and our neighbors, no one fully knows what God is trying to teach us in allowing the coronavirus to happen.
Thomas Jefferson was sixty (an old man back then) when he enlisted Meriwether Lewis for his grand expedition. Jefferson had never traveled more than 50 miles west of the Shenandoah Valley, but he had a vision, and he was convinced that there was unmapped territory to the west. We know that we are encountering the uncharted territory of a rapidly changing, volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous world (Canoeing The Mountains-Tod Bolsinger).
Just a few practical tips for these tumultuous times (Hallmark movies can only go so far!)
• Read a book you always thought about but never tackled, eg. War and Peace.
• Daily Bible reading is compulsory. F. LaGard Smith’s Daily Bible is a good choice.
• Spend some time in RightNow Media. It’s a treasure.
• If you want to again see evidence of God’s glory and creativity, without having to listen to a lecture, check out BirdNote.org. (–how did He DO that?)
• Go for a walk
Your shepherds want to acknowledge that you, as a church, are the most affirming brothers and sisters that we have ever known. You never fail to repeatedly tell us how much you love and appreciate us as elders. Indeed, you are a Joy! Truly, it’s a blessing and a privilege to serve you.
With love and appreciation,
Your Shepherds