MAY 2020 Pastor's Article

MAY NEWSLETTER ARTICLE

Our Church – In Dispersion

Greetings in the Risen Lord!

Well, it certainly looks like we’re having a beautiful spring. The redbuds and dogwoods are blooming; tulips and irises are beginning to open up – but wait, many of us are stuck inside. Two positive things about this spring, nature wise, are that many of us seem to be staying away from the Covid 19 virus and we’re not affected as much by allergies since we’re indoors! Who would have imagined this a year ago or even three months ago? And, I hope you feel the same as I do. I’d rather be in church on Sunday morning with others than watching a worship service on a screen or listening to it on the radio. But, praise the Lord, as least we can stay in touch with God’s Word through the techniques of modern science.
Spiritually, there are too important events in Scripture that are noted in the church in May this year. The first is Ascension Day – often overlooked because it usually falls in the middle of the week. But Ascension is important. On that day we remember how Jesus ascended into heaven after having been with the disciples for 40 days after His Resurrection. On that day He promised to be with His followers to the end of time. He promised them (that includes us!) His Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen them (us). After He disappeared into the clouds, His holy angel gave the assurance that He would come again.
The second important event of May this year is Pentecost, May 31. (I hope by that time we will be able to have worship back at our church building.) On Pentecost the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles inspiring them to begin to proclaim publicly the fact of salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Both of these events give us the assurance that no matter where we are as believers in Christ, we are the church. And being the church, right now in dispersion, we can and want to continue to trust and proclaim Him. He is with you! Call a friend, a relative, someone you love and in your words of comfort, friendship and reaching out to them, share His promises of strength and the assurance that we have His eternal grace no matter how this pandemic turns out. Pray for all involved in helping during this time of crisis and for our leaders to be wise in their decisions, but above all remember Christ’s promise, “Surely, I am with you always.”

Rev. James Rhiver, Pastor