Dear Elim Family,
I want to continue to encourage you toward biblical living in this time of unrest. So I reiterate my encouragement to live fearlessly and wisely.
Nick Wagner shared a great article with me, and I want to copy the link for you. Please read the words of C.S. Lewis and take them to heart: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/cs-lewis-coronavirus/
Added by Scott Fowler: since this was originally sent this has changed. See more recent missives.
For now, I want to encourage us, as a church, to conduct “business as usual.” So, I am encouraging us to continue with our worship services and small group ministries. Tomorrow’s Trivia is still a go. So is Grief Share tomorrow morning. And Financial Peace tomorrow evening. Our prayer meetings, Wednesday kids’ programming, and (certainly) our worship services are still a go. Please participate unless, 1) You’re not feeling well, or 2) You’re uncomfortable.
With WISDOM, let us simply stay away from close physical contact, and do a lot of hand-washing.
I want to continue to encourage you to combat anxiety by saturating your spirit with the Word of God, and communing with the Holy Spirit through God’s Word and through prayer. Here’s the promise, directly from God, that affirms what I’m saying:
“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3).
So keep your minds “stayed” on Christ! And experience His “perfect peace!” Meditate on His Word, and “pray without ceasing,” and that peace will be yours. Amen!
If you had to miss the worship service yesterday, we were able to successfully VIDEO record it! Our tech team is wonderful! As soon as they get it on-line, I’ll send you the link. We hope to be able to do this going forward.
Also, if anyone is in need during this time, give us a call at the office. We will do what we can to help with the needed resources, be that material, emotional and/or spiritual.
And continue to look for people you, yourself, can help: Family, neighbors, church members, etc. Let us be “children of light” in this time of crisis! Like the old kids’ song asserts: “Hide it under a bushel? NO!! I’m gonna let it shine!” Amen! Let’s be God’s light in our communities!
God bless you all! May His perfect peace extinguish all fear, and may you be led by His wisdom and love to shine like stars. Amen!
Love in Him,
Pastor Steve
