Dear members and friends of St Andrew’s,
I don’t need to tell you that we are going through a time of rapid, disruptive change, and that this produces a lot of anxiety. Sometimes though it helps to name what is obvious. Only a week ago we still hoped we would be able to gather for worship if we took some basic precautions. A day later as more information from health experts came in, the session decided it was wisest to cancel worship. A few days later we were all ordered to “shelter in place”, with the exception of those who provide “essential” functions, to try to prevent a tsunami of COVID-19 cases that could overwhelm the capacity of our health care system. To mitigate that potential health disaster we are all working together to “flatten the curve” through social distancing and diligent hand washing.
But we wonder, at least I do, how long will this last? How bad will it get? And what can we do to keep our lives going and minimize the damage to our families, our neighbors, our church, our community and our world? The problem is that there are few certain answers to these questions which only adds to the stress we feel. All we can do is take it one day at a time.
As God’s people have throughout the ages, especially during difficult times, we turn to words from scripture for comfort, hope, guidance, and strength. This Sunday I will record and post a message on our church website titled Nothing Can Separate Us. My text will be one of the greatest passages of the Bible, Romans 8:18-39. I invite you to read and ponder this passage. May you hear God’s Word of grace spoken to you!
blessings, Ernie
To listen to my message, prayer, and special music by David Chavez, click on “Nothing Can Separate Us”
