I think most of us are rather reeling from the rapid onslaught of news around the Coronavirus pandemic.

Dear Congregation,

What a difference a week makes! Last Thursday at this time the decision hadn’t yet been made as to whether or not we’d cancel worship on Sunday. Now here we are, planning our first on-line worship service to be streamed this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. on our Facebook page and on our website!

I think most of us are rather reeling from the rapid onslaught of news around the Coronavirus pandemic. There has been a lot to process in a short period of time. I have touched base with many of you in the past few days by phone, email, and text, and it has been good to have those connections with our church family. Please know that I continue to available to you and encourage you not to hesitate to contact me. We need each other in times such as these!

In my article last week I told you about the towels I’d seen that said, “Wash Your Hands and Say Your Prayers, Because Jesus and Germs Are Everywhere”. Well, I did go back to the store on purpose to buy a set! While I was at the store, I was struck by the message of a hand towel on the same shelf. (Interestingly enough the name of the company that makes these towels is “Blessings”!)

On that towel was sewn the message, “Let Your Faith Be Stronger Than Your Fear.” I bought it, too, and it is now hanging in my bathroom at home right next to the sink where I see it often. Interestingly, I’ve noticed that I find comfort in seeing that towel-message several times a day. I have often said that God continues to speak to us in many ways, (God Is Still-Speaking” but I never thought that it might be in messages on towels!!!)

As we continue forward in the new reality, it is important to remember that, as the psalmist wrote in these verses from Psalm 46, “God is our refuge and our strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth shall change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, and though the mountains tremble with its tumult. ‘Be still, and know that I am God’. The God of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”

In closing, I encourage you to “Wash Your Hands and Say Your Prayers Because Jesus and Germs Are Everywhere”. Do pray for each other, the church, and the world,  but also “Let Your Faith Be Stronger Than Your Fear”.

May God bless you and keep you close.

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Candy