To our dismay, we have missed worship on some of the most important Holy days of the year, Palm Sunday, Maunday Thursday and Easter Sunday. Even though we gathered in our own homes and watched telecasts on our webpage or You tube, it can’t replace the love we share in times of worship.
Perhaps this pandemic called Coronavirus or COVID 19 will remind us of how much we hold God and His Son Jesus in our hearts. Psalm 73: 21-28 tells us, “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds.
This Psalm is a beautiful reflection of how we must feel about God, and how God feels about us. Please know during this time of isolation, you are not alone. The church is alive and functioning (albeit in a different way). We continue to hold God in our heart, and God continues to hold us in His. The Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates, our conference minister, reaches out to all of the pastor’s in the Penn Northeast Conference daily. Her message of life, love and encouragement in a trying time gives us the strength needed to continue our work within the church.
You also can be encouraged! In this time, it’s a good idea to meditate and pray daily for an end to this plight, and visit the Bible regularly. You will be amazed at the amount of subject matter that relates to us in this troubling time.
Also, remember that I am always available if you need someone to talk to should fear overtake you or you feel anxious or lonely. We are surrounded by love and caring from each other, our Father in heaven, and the church. God Bless You,
