Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! We celebrate this reality everyday in our lives, every weekend in our worship, and specifically for 50 days in this season of Easter in the church. Every Sunday is a little Easter as we celebrate Christ’s gift of resurrected life for you and me, but never more than during the 50 days we celebrate from Easter to Pentecost, the 50th day.
Today, on this Easter Monday, we recall that even though the disciples were excited and overjoyed about the prospect of Jesus and his rising from the dead, they were still sequestered, hiding out, fearful for facing the same fate as their Lord and Master-afraid of death. They were sheltering in place out of fear of death.
That is our situation as well as we celebrate the Easter season of 2020. We are sheltering in place out of fear of death-of spreading a virus to our family and friends or others in our community.
During this time, we can be sure that as the disciples were fervent in prayer and support of one another, we can follow their example and do the same. We can be fervent in prayer during this time-
*praying for our President and the task force and our leaders to make wise and careful decisions .to protect our citizens and the world,
*for the researchers who are working on vaccines to combat the virus and tests for antibody presence,
*for those who are providing medical care for all those who are ill,
*for those working on protection equipment for medical professionals and those who need them including Sharon and Judy and Fran who are making masks for others,
*for those who are ill with this virus or any other illness,
*for those who keep society running and provide for our needs in our community, the country, and around the world,
*for those suffering from isolation and loneliness,
*for those who live in fear,
*for those whose jobs have been suspended,
*for those who grieve the deaths of loved ones,
*for all in any need…
*and for ourselves to be safe, and careful and wise in our choices. We pray for all.
And then we put those prayers into action. Call someone you are thinking about. Text them or drop them a note in the mail. Share your insights or glimpses of God’s miracles with each other-or with me and allow me to share them with others. If you have food or non-perishables you’d like to share, please drop them at Hope and I will gladly deliver them to the Homeless Coalition. I’ve already made some drop-offs and will gladly make more!! If you are ordering food in, please be extra generous in your tips and be kind and supportive to those who are working during this time.
I want to thank those of you who are sending in your offerings-they are keeping us able to pay our bills at Hope and we are beyond grateful.
As Jesus said to those disciples who were sheltering in place, so he says to each of us: “Peace be with you.” Breathe that in. Jesus is giving YOU his peace. May God be with each of you, sharing his peace and his love today and always! I am praying for you and my love is with each of you! Pr. Jen+
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