Dear Church Family

​Uncertain times…for sure!  BUT our faith tells us that God is in control… and we are not!
 
God says, “I command you; be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)  Look it up!
 
“Do Not Fear” appears 365 times in Sacred Scripture; once for each day of the year.  Remind yourself of that as soon as you wake up in the morning, and recall it throughout the day!
 
This is a time to use the faith we say we have, and trust God for the outcome.  At the same time, we need to use the wisdom and intuition that God has given us to make wise decisions about our health and safety.
 
With the technology we have available to us, we can keep in touch with each other from a distance, and I plan to do just that! I’ve created an email group of Church Family, and I’ll send emails periodically to Encourage Everyone Spiritually.  We’ll do Bible Study, I’ll share reflections on the readings, and we’ll look at what the Hebrew people experienced that mirrors our own experiences.
 
In the midst of struggles and trials, there are always Blessings.  God is faithful and good even when we go through difficulties. Let’s remind each other of that.  I can’t tell you how many times I have witnessed families being reunited at a funeral.  After 15, 25, and even 35 years of discord, families have reunited through the death of a loved one.  We need to be aware and watching so we don’t miss blessings in the midst of a trial.
 
We hear a lot of negative news, but I hope to use the group email to share the blessings that we see in the midst of this struggle so we can encourage each other.  Let’s share how God is very present and obvious in the midst of this trial.
 
Jonathan and I will post a daily reflection on the Parish App and Home Page Of the Parish Website.  Please forward to others, and share our posts.  Come here every day to read the daily reflections.
 
This is lent!  And during lent we remember the desert experience of the Hebrew people for 40 years.  The number 40 in the bible always signifies testing and preparation.  Jesus began his public ministry by spending 40 days in the desert being tested. This year’s 40 day Lenten Season has proven to be a time of testing for us!  Like the dry desert where God fed the people with daily Manna, and water to quench their thirst, God feeds us, and quenches our thirst too.  God speaks to us through our scripture reading, our personal prayer time, and through online fellowship and sharing.  We have to be aware of His Holy Presence in our lives….. talk to Him every day….and watch for the blessings He sends to us in the midst of this desert.
 
Let’s share our faith, share our positive experiences, and continue in fellowship even when we can’t be with one another in person.
 
In Christ’s Peace…
Carol Mullins