Dear First Pres. Friends,
Just a heads up, there are only nine months until Christmas. That’s right nine months. I was reminded Wednesday as I prayed with the “Pray As You Go” app. March 25 is the celebration of the Annunciation, the story found in Luke 1 of the angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that God was inviting her into the work of salvation through the birth of Jesus. A couple of things came to mind as I listened to this story:
1) God’s story of salvation and hope continues in the midst of our lives, our joys, our suffering, and our pain – Christmas is only nine months away. Life seems to stand still in this time of uncertainty but The Story continues.
2) We are invited to work with God to bring about this salvation and hope. The “with” that Mary says, “Let it be with me…” (Luke 1:38) really spoke to me. Notice Mary isn’t forced to say yes and doesn’t say “Let it be done to me.” God works with Mary and through Mary to bring Jesus, the Emmanuel in to the world.
The thing is, God is working with us and through us right now to bring Jesus, the Emmanuel in to the world. Will we like Mary respond, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
All loving Creator, whose care for us is unfailing, use us to show others how you can bring good from evil and joy from suffering. May our faith in the coming resurrection give us the compassion and courage we need to bring Christ’s love to the world. Be with those who are sick, isolated, or fearful. Strengthen them with your love. Amen
Something New: Pastor Adam and I recorded a conversation we had around the first video of a series called “Unafraid.” You can watch our discussion on YouTube and continue the conversation by leaving your comments and questions. Here’s the link: https://youtu.be/JfhmKJncED0
Listen in, like a fly on the wall, to Pastors Bob and Adam discussing what fear is and how we might be graceful in the midst of it. youtu.be
Reminders:
+The church office hours: 10:00-1:00 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.
(Closed Monday and Friday)
+If you would like to talk with me or need help in any way, I am in the office
(487-1984) during office hours or you can reach me on my cell phone (499-7217)
+Drive-in Worship 10:00 am.
Come to church. Park and stay in your car. Tune your car stereo to 90.7
The weather forecast for Sunday is calling for rain.
We will be broadcasting from the front entrance of First Covenant.
Park in the parking lot on Spring St. across from First Cov.
+Video Worship 10:30 am.
Live Streaming at firstpresjamestown.com
+The bulletin for Sunday is included in this email as an attachment.
Peace,
Pastor Bob
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