Hello Friends!
I’m writing from the blue chair in my living room watching it snow. Roar! (that’s something we say in our house when we don’t like something…) ;)
Roar! That’s something I’ve been feeling a lot lately. “You have to stay home…” Roar! “The Stock market isn’t doing well”… Roar! “The virus is spreading rapidly”… Roar! “You are locked in your home with your family for the next month”… Roar!
I am finding that the more ‘roar’ I feel, the more I need the book of Psalms. I said this Sunday, and I’ll say it again: when you don’t know what to say or what to pray, go to the Psalms. Every emotion, every experience, every high, every low - there is a prayer and a song of worship for that.
I want to encourage you - make the Psalms apart of your daily rhythm with Jesus. Don’t know where to start - Psalm 1 is a good place. Or you could download the “Praying the Psalms during the Pandemic Prayer Guide” (I tried getting more p’s in there - it was the best I could do.) Click here to get it.
Here is an encouraging snippet from my Psalm’s reading this morning: Psalm 56:3-4. “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.” I love the tension! When I am afraid… I shall not be afraid - because I return my trust to God. Thank you Jesus for being trust worthy, even when I’m roaring on the inside!
There is so much I want to make sure you know about so you can stay connected to the church family right now, the best way is to do a bulleted list. So, here goes:
Facebook Live - this is our primary video connection point. If you don’t have facebook, please set up an account just to check in for worship and spiritual encouragement from the Bible. We will be live from my living room this Sunday at 10:30.
Evening Worship - Emma and I have been leading an evening worship time on facebook as well. The times vary a little, but we will try to keep it between 7 and 8 pm.
COMING SOON - We are working on creating “Zoom” prayer groups. Zoom is a video conferencing program that allows us to meet face to face and pray via video. Groups will be 3-5 people. There will be about 30 minutes of guided prayer and time to connect with each other. If you are interested in joining a group - please email KC by clicking here.
Lastly - the staff and council are working hard to stay in contact with each of you. If you don’t hear from us, reach out! We care about you. We miss you! We want to be sure you are cared for during this really tough time. Let us know if you have ANY needs. Send us an email or connect via facebook. And keep checking into the web site! The ‘pandemic’ page has lots of great resources for you!
Don’t forget - Jesus loves you. (Seriously!) And, so do Heidi and I
PJ (Pastor Jamie) ;)
P.S. Check the church facebook page - Ava (Children’s Ministry Director) is putting together some video’s for kiddo’s!