March 19, 2020

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

 

This week we received a letter of encouragement from Rev. Dr. Herbert Nelson II, our Stated Clerk of the General Assembly.  I have used some of his words to share with you.

 

“These are truly trying times for all of us as we face a rapidly spreading virus, panic buying that has left grocery shelves nearly empty and supplies in great demand. We have seen the worst in people and the best. Yet, through it all, we take hope in Christ and the promise to never leave us.

 

Let us hold each other in prayer. Like the rest of the country, our church community is physically separated, but we are still deeply connected through our common humanity, spirituality and strong faith in God.   We are all in this together as we learn to cope with our new normal.

 

We are compelled by our faithfulness to Christ’s charge to love our neighbors. During this crisis we are mindful of our denomination’s commitment to Matthew 25, and urge compassion for others by not purchasing more supplies than we need, and by speaking out against the racism being directed at some of our Asian siblings.  Jesus makes it clear that how we respond to our neighbor is of paramount importance to him. These tough times call for the best of Christian character and actions.”

 

We are working diligently to provide you with a weekly message via our website and our Facebook page.  Please check your emails often for updates.  I have included a Reflection on Psalm 23 for this week’s message.  Please continue to pray for those on our Prayer List and should someone need to be added, please call or email the church office.

 

As faithful givers, please do not forget to continue to support the church.  Our Session has faithfully vowed to continue to pay our hourly employees for as long as possible.  Our website https/www. fpcboynton.org has an on-live giving portal for your use or you may use the mail service to send your tithes and offerings.

 

Finally, the past week has been full of high anxiety and mounting fears. We have heard from government leaders and health experts, now let us turn to the Scriptures to find out where biblical people found faith, hope and courage in the face of pestilence. Over 100 times the Bible tells us, “Don’t be afraid.” In Psalm 27:1, David tells us why: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? “

 

Yours in Christ,

 

 

Pastor Amalie Ash