Dear Church Family,
This is the last Sunday of April, the 7th Sunday we have been apart as a church family.
We miss each other and long to gather in groups larger than ten; we yearn for the ability to shake a hand or give a hug to someone that is not our immediate family. We long to be near our elderly parents who may not understand the situation or to embrace our grandkids. We celebrate from afar with friends that have had marriage celebrations and mourn from a distance with those that have had to bury loved ones.
How do we make the best of the situation at hand? During “normal” times we knew what day of the week it was by the routine of our hectic lives. Look at your calendar now. Most of us find it almost blank from just a few months ago. The routine of our lives has changed.
Paul tells us how to have victories in our days no matter what.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18
You have made changes and brought new routines into your lives. In many cases, these do not need to be abandoned once we are back to “normal.” Many changes are for the better and need to become our new normal.
• Gathering lawn chairs around a cul-de-sac, introducing yourself to neighbors you do not know
• Life Groups finding creative ways to meet together
• Friends bringing a meal to the house of someone dealing with a health challenge
• Phone calls, texts, emails to church members struggling with loneliness
• Grocery or pharmacy shopping for those who can’t get out
• Gathering in the parking lot of a local retirement center to pray for the workers and residents
• Supporting food drives for the food insecure
• Video reading children’s books to share online
• HHYG members providing powerful devotionals and testimonies
• Ministers and others giving encouraging lessons online
We could list more. You have changed…you have adjusted…you have rejoiced…you have prayed…you have given thanks in all circumstances…you have been Jesus to so many people. We are proud of you…keep it up!
We love you.
Your Shepherds