COVID-19 Tuesday, March 17

Dear church family,

Many of you have seen the video clip of the basketball player who publicly scoffed at how anyone might be afraid of being at risk of the corona virus.  As he got up from the table, he defiantly rubbed his hands over the microphones and the table surfaces. A few days later, he tested positive for the virus.

I watched a similar story played out on Sunday evening. It was a commercial that aired during the debate between Biden and Sanders.  It was an ad supporting the Freedom From Religion Foundation, in which the narrator, the son of President Ronald Reagan, proudly says that he is an atheist. He concludes the advertisement by saying, “Ron Reagan. Lifelong atheist. Not afraid of burning in hell.”

Reagan, like the basketball player, laughed in the face of something that is much bigger than him.  Of course, Reagan’s endgame will be much more serious than contracting COVID-19.

Today you are encouraged to read John 9.  It’s a moving story of a man who wants to believe in the Son of Man.  “’Who is he, sir?’ the man asked. ‘Tell me so that I may believe in him.’”  We need to approach our Saviour with that kind of humility.  If you’ve been reading through John, then last week you read John 6, where many of Jesus’ disciples fall away. When Jesus asks the 12, “You do not want to leave too, do you?”, Simon Peter answers, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” (v68).

If you are doubting your faith today, remember the words of Simon Peter, and be assured that God has this.  Trust him. 

Blessings to all of you,

Pastor Rita

COVID-19 Monday, March 16

Dear church family,

Yes, church “family.” Like any family, our church family doesn’t stop being a family when they are not physically together.

As a church family, we worship together and are blessed to gather on Sundays and through the week.  But there is so much more that makes us a true family, and those things don’t end when our Sunday service is over.

And so, in this time of uncertainty, we are reminded that we can cast all our anxiety on God, our Father, because he cares for us (I Peter 5:7).  In these days of fear, our Father says, “do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10).  In these days of isolation Jesus reminds us that he will be with us always (Matthew 28: 20).

These are beautiful promises.  And with these assurances, we can continue on as God’s family.  Pray for one another. Check  up on each other, by phone or email. Encourage one another.  Continue to read through the Gospel of John, using the outline in the March Newsletter, knowing that others are reading those same words with you.  Follow the Bridge App for updates and prayer requests.  While we won’t be gathering on Sundays, until further notice, I will be sharing a message and prayer via our website and the Bridge App. 

We are the family of God.  That is our comfort and assurance for the days ahead.   

Pastor Rita

Which Jesus?

Pilate asks the people, "Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?" (Matthew 27:17).  The choice seems obvious.  But persuasive voices can cause us to make the wrong choice.  Join us this Sunday, March 15, 10 a.m. 
Note:  we will not be sharing the communion meal as we establish precautions re COVID-19.

Can you hear me?

"Hearing" is so much more than sound waves entering the ear canal.  Romans 10:17 says that "faith comes from hearing the message."  Hearing then, involves the heart and the mind.  But it still starts with the ears.  We need to hear the message of Christ that we discover in the Bible.  What a privilege, to have God's word available to us, and what a privilege to be able to share it with others, no matter how young or how old. Romans 10:17 is our next stop on the Roman Road to Salvation.  Join us this Sunday, March 1, 10 a.m.

My faith IS your business

Sounds like a good philosophy - MYOB - but it's not.  My faith IS your business.  This Sunday seminarian Ben Wimmers is back in our pulpit. He's preaching from Hebrews 10:19-39.  Join us.  Feb 23 at 10 a.m.

Are we there yet?

We've been on the Roman Road for several weeks now.  So, are we there yet?  This Sunday we arrive!  We turn to Romans 10 for two stops on the Roman Road to salvation!  I hope you will join us.  During the service we will share the communion meal.  All are welcome!  Sunday, Feb 16, 2020, 10 a.m.

Stop #3 on the Roman Road

So far on this Roman Road trip it's been a tough ride.  Do we keep going or should we just turn around?  Don't stop!  The news is getting better every week.  Today we read Romans 5 and this verse:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  That's good news indeed!  Join us, Sunday, Feb 9 at 10:00 a.m.