March 25, 2020


Pastor’s Message

Our lives are built on a lie. Especially as 21st century residents of the richest nation on Earth, we think we are in control. The events of the last few weeks have proven just how wrong our thinking is. My brother was a paramedic for many years, and he
will tell you that the "universe" (he is not religious) is ready to reach out at any moment, totally at random, and strike you down. In his line of work, the "universe" usually took the form of a drunk driver or a kid texting on a cell phone, but he's also seen undertows, chicken bones, or wet bathroom tiles do the trick. Whatever form it took, it struck down someone in the prime of life unexpectedly; people who had families, who were regular church-goers, and who had plans for the future. As a church, we are entering uncharted waters. We may have multiple services, we may meet online, or it may be a combination of the two. If a drop in giving results from those disruptions, we may be forced to make difficult decisions that could affect us long after this storm has passed. I know that for some of you this loss of control has been extremely difficult. Many of you retired after long careers in management, as
business owners, or as teachers. You are used to having people and things go smoothly according to your wishes and needs. Now you are encountering something you have no control over, and I see you struggling with it. I want you to know that it hurts me to see any of you confused or worried. I, for one, am not sure what is going to happen, but I am optimistic that this will soon pass. China and South Korea both
no longer show new cases of infection other than from people who traveled abroad. China has dismantled its emergency hospitals and has even begun to cautiously allow public gatherings again. New vaccines, medicines, and treatments are already being tested. Congress still fights among themselves over details, but both parties agree we need a major financial stimulus package in the next few days. Will this be over in a few weeks? Probably not. Will it go on for months? Once again, my
opinion is that it probably won't.

So how can I be so maddeningly calm in the face of all of this? I'm sure some of you see it as me not taking the situation seriously enough. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Maryl's son was supposed to come next month. If he can't come until after May 15th, then his visa will expire and we will have to start the almost year-long process over again (and, no, the USCIS has already said visa expiration dates will not be extended). So there have been plenty of long, sleepless nights at the parsonage, full of prayer and tears. However, I remain calm for two reasons.

The first is the lesson my brother the paramedic taught me. I asked him how what he saw all the time didn't make him cynical and uncaring about life or cause him to cower at home in fear. He said what he saw taught him to treasure every moment. He learned to see the beauty and wonder in even the smallest of things and to count every moment we are given as a gift. The second lesson my Father taught me. In Deuteronomy 31:6 it says, "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." I know the Lord is always with me. I know my faith in God does not grant me a free pass from suffering or persecution—quite the opposite, in fact. What it does
give me is the knowledge that no matter what happens I am not forgotten or alone and that even from the depths of the darkest times God will bring forth triumph and renewal. Friends, we often give lip service to "trusting in the promises of God." Now is the time to live those words.

May God grant you grace and peace in this difficult time. I pray
you find comfort in God's presence and hope in His promises.
Amen.

Your Brother in Christ, Pastor Ernest





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