“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
 

Dear Members and Friends,
I greet you in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
It has been very difficult week for all of us.  I have been watching the news every day and I could not believe what I saw and heard.  We are all overwhelmed by the news: The evolving spread of the novel coronavirus and the turmoil in financial markets leave much to be concerned about.  
Such a time as this, I believe we must stay alert yet calm, as we continue to manage our daily lives.  As the pastor of our congregation, I will keep all of you and our community foremost in my thoughts and prayers.  I also pray for anyone, anywhere, affected by this virus that they may find healing and wholeness as soon as possible.  If you know anyone in our community who would appreciate a pastoral visit/care at this time, please let me know.  I was called to bring the healing and sustaining presence of God to those who are in need.  It is my awesome privilege and great responsibility.

 
I also want to let all of you know that we, as a loving community of faith, will do everything to stay close together.  We had a Church Council meeting last Sunday and there were some great ideas about sharing God’s love and our faith in God with the help of technology.  I was happy to find out that we should be able to record a brief video and upload it onto YouTube and/or our church website so that we can get together (using our devices) for worship on Sunday at 10:00 AM.  I think I can talk more about it in my next Pastoral Letter later this week.

Such a time as this, we are reminded of how fragile life is and what a gift from God it is.  Things can change quickly in this world and life.  But as Christians, we also know that our life is safe and secure in Christ for both now and eternity. Whatever happens here and now – from germs, disease, accidents, to terrorism, or natural disasters – we can trust and rely on our Lord through it all.  As children of God – loved by God, redeemed by the blood of His Son, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit – we firmly believe: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through the One who loved us.  We are sure that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our LORD.”  (Romans 8:37-39).
Thanks be to God!  Amen.
Pastor Tom