Being Devoted

In Acts 2:42 we see that the early Church “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer,” (NIV). In verse 45 we also read of the extravagance of their generosity as they cared for one another’s needs. Yesterday in our live-streaming worship service, I said that I believe as we think about what it means to be the Church in this current crisis, we should go “back-to-basics” to see what was central to the Church from the beginning. These are the things which define our community and give us identity. Even in separate homes, we continue to have this common core that unites us and empowers us to continue to do what God has called us to do.

There are a lot of things that look different to us at the moment, but there are other things that look the same. Farmers began planting this past week, and now they have their eyes on the sky to see what weather is on the way. That’s a familiar thing. The flowers are blooming beautifully and the birds are singing. Those are familiar sights and sounds. I’ll continue to encourage us to take the time to look around and see the beauty.

Also familiar, the grass is needing cut! I know I need to get to mine this afternoon if the showers they are predicting tomorrow are going to come. You’ll see an announcement elsewhere to contact Tim Reeser if you want to be on the list to mow the churchyard for a month this summer. Tim is also working with others to compile a list of things that can be done in the landscaping if you have some extra time on your hands and would like to help out. As the weather gets nicer, I know that some of you will be anxious to get your hands in the dirt.

I know that the “fellowship” part of what it means to be a community is hard right now, so let me encourage you to continue to reach out by phone, or letter, or email, or text, or social media. Continue to encourage and uplift. Ask how someone is doing. Reach out to someone you might not normally talk to in this way, though you’d sit down with them in the Fellowship Hall after our worship service.

I’m continuing to pray for you all. I know for some of you this has been difficult.

Love you all and may God continue to bless.

Brian