TRPC Broadcast Email – Friday, March 20, 2020

Dear Church,

A very unsure time for all of us. This is a good time to call on the One who does know everything, can do everything, and loves everyone.

 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

In the meantime, we pray, protect and serve. There are many among us who find themselves alone and unable to get out and get things they need, simple necessities from the store or pharmacy.  People who are homebound, elderly, or physically or medically at risk.  Now is a time to check on your neighbor, your friend, or someone you know.  Make sure they have everything they need.  If not, there are people who are frequently going into town for work or to run errands who will gladly stop by the store to pick up stuff.  Now is the time to care for one another.

The Presbytery hosted an internet meeting yesterday open to our ministers. This was a time for the 23 pastors who participated to share how their churches are doing and what methods and means they have employed to better serve their congregations during this time of trial. Many good ideas came out of this collaboration on how we can continue as the worshipping community that we are called to be. I will be implementing some of these suggestions as we go forward.

What I am working on is a way to continue our Lenten Sunday School Study. I am setting up an account with Zoom. Zoom is a remote conferencing services company. It provides remote conferencing services that combines video conferencing and online meetings. This is the same service used by Union Seminary, enabling them to do off-campus study by using the internet. It does require a computer and an internet connection. Tomorrow I will email instructions on how to “log-in” on your computers so you may join in this Sunday at 10AM.

In the meantime, practice Sabbath.  Set aside time to be with God, to be silent, to listen for the whispers of the Spirit, to release your anxiety and fear, to renew, to rest. Pray for our congregation, community, and the world. Follow the recommendations of our health and civic leaders to help prevent the spread of this virus. Maintain contact with friends and family. Continue giving to the church. And daily check online for updates. May God’s blessings be with you all.

Always remember and trust, for “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

Together in Christ’s Service,

Rev. Patrick Lanaghan