April is cancelled – this phrase describes how I feel right now. April is Cancelled: most of what seems normal is no longer an option in our community, our state, our nation, or even our world. Even the president has asked that we don’t spend time with more than 10 people in the same location. He’s asked that we stay home as much as possible. We are now to socially distance so that we can flatten the curve – all of a sudden we have new vocabulary.

Here’s the thing. We are adaptable. What have we done? We have come together – we have done what we know to do to fight for the health of our world. We have fought for those on the frontlines of our medical team. All of a sudden we are more grateful than ever for those who work in grocery stores and general stores, our health care professionals, and our day care providers, and our essential employees. Thank you.

Although the world has changed dramatically in a matter of weeks, and although we find ourselves separated by physical space, we are still the church. In fact we have an opportunity to be the church in new and unique ways. Although it feels like April is cancelled – we will still worship the Lord. We will remain in relationship with one another, we will celebrate Palm Sunday this Sunday, we will come to the cross and acknowledge the death of Christ on Good Friday, and we will celebrate the incredible resurrection of our Savior on April 12th.

Friends, we are a resurrection people, and like no time in my lifetime does this mean something amazing to us. Although we are surrounded by fear and anxiety – there is hope in our savior and Lord Jesus Christ. There is hope in the resurrection, and we will continue to raise up, care for, and celebrate our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

If you have internet access, we hope you are worshipping with us at 10am on Sundays through our website or Facebook, the Baty’s are offering praise music, and a worship set at 5pm on Sunday evenings via Facebook live. If you have no access to the internet, let us know and we will send you a sermon manuscript, and resources such as this as they become available. I’m hosting online prayer meetings at 9am on Wednesday mornings, and a Facebook Live devotional message on Thursday mornings as well. If you have not found us online yet, check out our Covid-19 page on our website, follow us on facebook, connect with me on Facebook, and we will be sure to get you included.

We are finding new ways to care and connect to one another. If you have a need, please let us know, we want to make sure it is met, and we have many that want to serve. Also – please let us know if you have any specific prayer requests. We would be honored to carry these to the Lord.

April may be cancelled, but the church is more alive than ever. Stay connected. We are here.

Blessings of Grace and Peace,  Pastor Joy Mitchell