Yesterday was 3/16. Maybe it should have been called "For God so Loved the World Day!" It seems like there's a special day for everything nowadays, so why not remember the verse from John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life."
Let us remember that no matter the anxieties of this particular season, as we see toilet paper flying off the shelves and limits placed on our purchases of antibacterial cleansers, God SO loves the world.
I would like to direct you to news from the Presbyterian Church (USA), offering guidelines for us to think about health, safety and continuing our worship of our Mighty God who made heaven and earth. For this week's guidelines, you can click HERE.
The greatest caution is recommended in publicly-used spaces, especially in groups 50 or more. Our church generally is less than 20 in worship at a time (wish it was more!). Furthermore, please:
-IF you feel unwell, or are uncomfortable with coming to church for any reason, stay home. Tithes can be mailed to the church @ PO Box 367, Tucumcari, 88401
-WASH your hands regularly, especially after use of certain items, such as cell phones, bathrooms, etc.
-REFRAIN from handshakes, hugs or kisses, unless you and that other person feel sure that the other is healthy.
-COMMUNICATE your love for each other with words, smiles, or a fun fist bump
-CONDUCT yourself with faith, not fear (see sermon from 2 weeks ago!)
-DON'T FORGET those who are lonely or homebound by phone calls or cards. Some people are prone to serious anxieties.
-USE basic soap and water, and cleansers containing at least 60% alcohol
-AVOID touching your face
-SPREAD OUT where you sit in church :) - we sort of do this already!
-CONSIDER streaming our worship live
-REMEMBER the vulnerability of those whose immune systems are compromised (such as cancer patients) and those who have multiple health risks
-PRAY for your health and the health of others
Remember that the guidelines we have right now are generally common sense measures to help prevent any kind of illness. There are many things that we still do not know about COVID-19 and more information will be revealed as time goes on. We live in the age of information-overload, and there is a lot out there that is being said, but is not scientifically-proven. Please exercise prudence, critical thinking and compassion for yourself and others.
I want us to have church this Sunday, even if just two people show up. With the blessing of our Elders, I hope that we can resume worship, even if we have to have a "BYOABC" - "Bring Your Own Anti-Bacterial Cleanser" Sunday :)
Finally - I am interested in knowing if anyone in our church would be able to put our worship service online live via Facebook Live. It's not hard, and it only calls for a steady hand and can can hit "start" and "stop."
Friends, we will also be conducting our usual weekly events. Exercise, Eat and Pray will go on this week. Yoga will happen today at noon.
Please pray for:
Those who are sick
Caregivers
Travelers
Our city
Those who service the travel industry
Gloria
Lorraine
Kurt Goldston
Tom Anderson
Children and families dealing with no school
May you have a blessed day, brothers and sisters.
Many hugs,
Rev. Amy