“I listen carefully to what God the Lord is saying, for He speaks peace to His faithful people.”

Psalm 85:8

Beloved of God, do any of you need a little peace in these strange and sometimes frightening days? Peace from worry about health…physical, emotional, financial? Perhaps some need peace from the new balancing act, trying to navigate new ways of accomplishing our work remotely, perhaps while taking on the unexpected task of homeschooling and keeping little ones entertained. Others may find themselves out of work and need peace from the stress of that situation. Still others find themselves isolated at just the time community is most needed. Peace can seem elusive in the best of times and in times like these the world may tell us it is nowhere to be found.

But the psalmist offers us a different solution: “Listen carefully to what the Lord God is saying”. God may be speaking to us through God’s word, the Bible. God may be speaking to us through the creation in all its glory. God may be speaking to us through the words of a friend. God may be speaking to us through an unexpected sense of calm in the midst of the new realities of daily life. The fact that you are reading this shows you are a faithful people. I encourage you to listen carefully and welcome that word of peace God is speaking to you.

WORSHIP

First of all thank you for your patience as we try to navigate new ways of connecting. At least for this week we will again be using Free Conference Call. You can call from either mobile OR landline and it’s very easy. Just dial (712) 770-5505. When prompted enter the access code 225441. I understand some were unable to connect last week and believe this is due to the immense increase in traffic with all churches being closed. In order to try to avoid this we will be starting at 9:45 this week. Please call in and join us. Also, if you are having trouble would you please email me at pastortracym@gmail.com so I can have a sense of how effective this is. 

This week I will be experimenting with using Zoom in order to invite you to join me for times of prayer. For any who don’t know, Zoom is a platform that allows us to meet with video so we can see each other (or not if you choose audio only). You can join from your computer or mobile device. Anyone can join but I have to send and invitation for you to get in so please contact me at pastortracym@gmail.com  with your mobile number or email. This week I will offer prayer at 7:00 a.m. Monday through Friday OR 12:15 on Wednesday OR 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please feel free to invite others who are not part of our church family. This is the perfect time to invite friends or neighbors or colleagues to join us. 

I would also like to offer a short children’s Zoom meeting. This week that will be Tuesday at 3:00. Please contact me so I can invite children or grandchildren or friends and neighbors who may need a little break in the day. 

More so now than ever, please feel free to contact me if you have any needs. Grace and peace friends in the name of God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Pastor Tracy