Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Good Day Family,
Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is believed to be the earliest of his letters contained in the New Testament. He founded that church, but time and circumstance had separated them. He missed them and wanted to be with them. It just wasn’t possible, so he found a way to communicate with them, to keep their connection, and to reach out.
In this letter, Paul isn’t correcting a church gone rogue or introducing himself. He expresses his appreciation for their support and their faithfulness. In the concluding words of this letter, he includes this bid to the people to encourage one another. It’s a reoccurring theme in the church and in life. We live in community; we were born for it. And so we long for it when we are separated from those whose presence strengthens and nurtures us. We miss shared laughter and tears. Thanks be to God that, unlike the Spanish flu pandemic, we have many means of reaching out and “touching” one another in love and fellowship.
Our Missions and Memorials Ministry will spearhead an expanded effort to REACH OUT! to individual members of our congregation. This does not replace the work of the ICU; rather, it supplements it. If you would like to be part of this effort, please contact Pat Murner (chair), Ruth McManaway, or Joyce Scott. (There is always an updated church directory in this email.)
Missions and Memorials will also lead us in a basic needs drive for the Homeless Stand Down. You’ll find the flyer that lists the suggested donations below. You can bring those items to the church at our next Parking Lot MeetUP, which will be held on Sunday, August 30 at 1 pm. If that time is not convenient, we will have another meetup in September, and you can also contact the above ministry members.
Finally, this Sunday, we will share in the Living Water Association ONE Worship Service. The service will be available on YouTube on Sunday at this link: https://youtu.be/9863jQQu3L4. (FYI: You will probably see your pastor participating in this service.) We will not have our own separate worship service this week.
Finally, finally, be encouraged. In this time of so much change, it’s easy to focus on what we’ve lost and what we miss. But, it is the calling of Christ to turn toward what is possible, to be grateful for every gift of God, and to strive, in all circumstances, to create a better world. I have faith in us to be that church and to live that mission.
Encourage one another,
Be well,
Pastor Cheryl
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