We are living in some strange and fearful times- no breaking news with that statement, and that fact touches everyone of us in the church, the community and the world. Not being able to gather has been a difficult experience for all of us- as we are a congregation that likes each other- appreciates worshiping together and even hanging out after worship for a few minutes- or an hour to simply talk and enjoy each other’s company. and yet we know we are one in Christ- wherever we may be.
It is hard to just sit, stay inside, avoid everyone and everything and stay as healthy as we can, while praying for God’s strength and mercy on those who have contracted the illness and those medical folks to stay healthy as they are working to treat those people, or those individuals working for longer term answers.
Feeling alone while knowing at the deepest level- we are watched over by the Lord puts faith to the test. I have developed a completely different appreciation for those Hebrew folks wandering in the wilderness from captivity to the Promised Land. I understand and hear their complaints with a different heart and mind these days.
Trusting in God’s care for health and food and water is a way of life for most of the world most of the time, it just now has a more directed impact on us. This means that while keeping safe- this can also be a time of learning, time for reading scripture instead of listening to another news item saying what we already know, praying rather than worrying and giving a call or sending an email or text to someone who would appreciate the knowledge that others care for them.
Thanks to Patti for doing this with reminders and pictures of the Larder staff ready to be safe and helpful for people in need. Thanks to Jackie and Gene for reaching out with simple yet sweet reminders of their concern, and Glen who is working on a hymn a week- that he will record and send to all who want this to be able to sing together even when being more than 6 feet apart.
God is good all the time- even in times like these when we have more questions than answers- we have the Lord who knows our hearts, our fears and concerns and loves us. The Cares Chorus comes to my mind often-
I cast all my cares upon You, I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet, and any time I don’t know what to do- I will cast all my cares upon You O Lord, I will cast all my cares upon you.
Peace be with you in Christ, Pastor Jim
Neither Patti (secretary) nor I will be in the office March 23rd – March 29 and I will add that worship for this coming week the 29th of March is cancelled as well. There will be no Bible study or any other group activities that we normally enjoy March 23 – March 29 and while this will be difficult not to be with each other- for now this is the best we can do for each other.
I am always available by email which I check as often as I can and via phone. If I don’t answer please leave a voice mail and I will return your call. Patti can be reached via email, newbritainbaptist@verizon.net or via phone 215-345-1535, please leave a voicemail and she will return your call as soon as possible.
If you or someone you know needs help with food or other essentials- please let me know that as well and we will work together to make arrangements to help. Prayer. For those who are ill and isolated for those caring for the sick and for those making hard decisions. The fears and worries are big, our God is bigger. Pastor Jim