Easter came and went and it definitely felt different but it certainly was not any less meaningful. Every opportunity we have to celebrate the Risen Lord is good with me. I imagine we've all felt the effects of isolation lately, and I am ready to see the church filled once again. In fact, when we are finally able to be together in worship, we are going to worship like never before. Perhaps we will see people drawn to the Lord more than we have in recent years? I do believe that God does not waste any opportunity to draw people unto himself. This may just be a very exciting time in the history of the Christian Church as we allow God to use us to share his love and be his hands and feet.
As I share these thoughts with you, I just finished listening to the Governor’s daily briefing. We now have a better idea regarding what the reopening phase will look like, and we still have many questions regarding what reopening means in the weeks ahead? Most importantly, we still do not know an exact time when we will hold services at the church? For now, group gatherings of 10 or more are still prohibited. I personally feel gatherings of larger groups will be included in Phase 3. I am hopeful that we will be together come June? Allow me to reassure you that we are brainstorming what church will look like and planning to implement every layer of protection that we can for your safety. Currently, the church is being deep cleaned and every room assessed. For the time being we will continue to share the service at 10 and 11 via Facebook and the church website at www.fulldevotion.org. We will also continue our mid-week check-in and bible study on Wednesdays at 7pm via Zoom. When we do come back together, for those who find themselves at “high-risk,” our 11am service will continue to be livestreamed through our website.
Unfortunately, the restrictions of our current situation have forced us to make some very difficult decisions regarding upcoming ministries. We have canceled our Summer VBS and Mexico Mission Trip. All other activities at the church remain canceled until further notice. For those of you who are inquiring about summer camp, Camp Koinonia is processing their decision and we will let you know very soon. We have and will continue to communicate on every platform we have available: E-mail, U.S. mail, Church App, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and phone calls. We do not wish for anyone to be uninformed. If you have not heard from us please call the church office and let us know?
As I said before, I imagine we've all felt the effects of isolation lately. I know this is not an easy time for so many. Please reach out and make contact with a neighbor, someone from church, a family member or friend. Let them know that you care and are available should they need anything? If you need help from us to meet a need, we are standing by ready and willing to help. Let the church be salt and light to our community. Let the church shine brighter than ever before.
As you and I struggle, remember these words that come straight from scripture and remember the promise Jesus gave to us. “Christ does not promise an easy life but He does promise His presence, even to the very ends of the earth.” (John 16:33 & Matthew 28:20)
Allow me to end on a personal note. Honestly, during the last part of April, I began to feel the weight and stress of our current situation. I was struggling with motivation. I was frustrated and tired. Most of you can identify with me? Then just at the right time, as God knew I needed some encouragement, you the church organized the Sunday afternoon “appreciation parade.” Church people piled into their cars and one by one you drove by our house honking your horns, holding up your signs and saying thank you. I was completely surprised and overwhelmed by your generous support. I could not hold back the emotion and tears that were bottled up inside. It was one of the most wonderful displays of love and encouragement I have ever felt. I will never forget it as long as I live. Thank you for making the effort and taking the time to brighten my day! I miss you all tremendously and look forward to a time in the near future when we are together again.
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