Message from the Pastor during the Covid19 health emergency

We, the followers of Christ, are the church.  The church is not the building and not the programs and services.  We speak about this and teach about this on a regular basis.  If now is not the time to live it out, then I do not know when is.  Currently we are seeing many changes that will take place to our way of practicing and “doing” church.  But the church is not meant to just press pause, to hide out until we can resume normal routine.  Perhaps this is an opportunity for the church to grow into a new understanding of what it means to live out a Christ-like life as a body of believers.  As I have talked about so many times, under all the doctrine, under all the variance of interpretations, under all the denominational posturing, we know we are called to Love God and Love People.  That call has not changed in the face of this pandemic or in the varying states of emergency that we have found ourselves.  We are still to Love God; to practice prayer, to give of our selves for His will, and to live in a way that develops peace, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control.  We are to Love People; to care for the vulnerable, to practice reconciliation, and to share the light and truth of Jesus with any who would know him.  I am not sure of the all the details in how this will look for our local church and I will do my best over the coming weeks to continue to work with you in finding how we can best BE the church we are called to be.  I am not sure if we will ever be able to return the normal routine again.  In some ways, maybe we shouldn't.  I am not afraid of the many unknowns that exist for tomorrow, but I am very afraid to fail by not BEING the church when it is needed the most.  For now, please pray.  Do not just pray selfishly, that God will make it all better and to keep you safe.  Pray bigger than that.  Pray for direction and strength for His church to carry out being His light and love to this world in need, pray for guidance as to what that means specifically for you to do.  And reach out in the ways that you are able.  Social distancing is meant to be physical distance, not relational.  Make a phone call, video chat, meet one on one or in small group, make a delivery to someone’s doorstep.  Let us take this chance, not to step back, but to step up in faith and to show with our lives that we are the church. ​