2020 Focus - November

11/29/2020

Struggles and Grief

Our congregation is facing a lot of different personal struggles right now. At least six people are fighting cancer and two recently lost loved ones. It’s important to remember the personal loads specific people are carrying and do what we can to encourage them. We should also pay attention to the burdens we carry together as a congregation. We grieve with one another, and let’s be honest, it’s hard for us as a church family to be going through all these things together at the same time. Stay connected! God made us a family in Christ because he knew we would need each other. That will no doubt mean you can be there for someone else in our church who has a particular need, but also share your needs, your grief, your weariness with other Christians who can encourage you. Especially if you haven’t been coming for services in person, be intentional about reaching out and making those connections by whatever means you can, by phone, by video, or in person. Jesus says, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

D. Min. Update

I have just a little ways to go on my paper (it’s getting quite long, but I’m on track to stay under the 200 page limit!). I will submit the first draft by the beginning of December, and that will be a considerable relief; but then I will undoubtedly have some revisions to make before my oral defense in February or March, a final copy in April, and graduation in May. Phew. Looking forward to being done with that ordeal.

Holidays and Health Concerns

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving Day. I really enjoyed reviewing God’s promises with you during our Thanksgiving service and celebrating all that we have to thank God for because of Jesus, and I was glad to hear others did as well. I know Thanksgiving probably looked different from usual for quite a few of us under the social gathering restrictions, and maybe you are worried about what your Christmas celebrations may look like. I understand your concerns; I love gathering with my family at Christmas, too, and this year could be hard, especially if infection numbers rise any more. At present, we are planning to continue with in person worship as we have been doing, alongside livestreaming on Facebook. Our attendance in the sanctuary has been under 50, and we continue to encourage recommended distancing practices, but if we work together, I hope we can keep meeting in the sanctuary in limited numbers through all this. The deacons continue to review the situation, and we will let you know if anything changes. If you’ve been joining us online, we hope you’ll stay connected and chime in, and we will keep trying to make your online contact better. We will keep you posted about whether we are streaming Christmas Eve, but at this time, we are still planning to have the service in the sanctuary.

Whatever happens with your traditions and gatherings this Christmas, keep your heart fixed on Emmanuel. Jesus crossed the “social distance” between God and us when he was born a baby and lived among us, and he will continue to be with you during this season. As you worship and celebrate him, may his love, goodness, and glory bring you joy.

The people who walked in darkness
  have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
  on them has light shone.
Isaiah 9:2

Yours in Christ and the fellowship of the Spirit,

Nathan Edwards, Pastor