November 11, 2020

To my beloved flock. I so wish that this pandemic would be over, but it is not. There is some encouraging news about a vaccine, but it will be a while before things get back to the way we are used to. Meanwhile, what about us? I will tell you that it has really been a challenge to know what and what not to do. So, I would ask you to pray for the Elders, that we would have wisdom. We want to truly lead you well and love you faithfully.

Our posture is rather simple: Do everything that we need to do and can do, and be cautious about more than that. We believe that we need to meet for our Sunday gatherings. There are many who are unable to come, and it would not be wise for them to do so. We completely understand. However, for many, isolation from the body is a terrible thing, and they want to gather, even if it is with physical distancing. So, we are going to meet if at all possible, and will continue to do so. There may be some events that we have to curtail for the time being, but we may wait until the last minute to cancel because we are trying to do everything that we need to do and can do and, be cautious about it.

At this point we are planning on a Christmas concert. It will be presented by more individuals than groups, as we cannot have a choir at this point. We want to do something. We may present it with fewer in attendance, and Livestream it for the rest. We may have to cancel our Hanging of the Greens and Chili Cook-off. We’ll let you know. Thanksgiving Eve service? Christmas Eve service? I hope so; and we are planning on them. Again, we are trying to do all that we can and be careful, as we should be. You are frustrated with this, as am I, but this is a light and momentary affliction.

My new favorite verse is: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”​​​​​​​ - 2 Corinthians 3:18

There are multiple purposes that the Lord has for this pandemic, not the least of which is being an agent for our sanctification. Let’s rest in that. Let’s not fight the circumstance with an internal rage, but let’s fight our tendency to take out our frustration on those around us. Pray for one another. Pray much for one another. Lean upon the Lord and pray for yourself, that in this season of strain, the aroma of the gospel is sweeter in our lives than before.

Grace and peace,

Bob