Letter to Congregation 07-15-2020
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As some of you know, construction is being done on my home. The loud distracting noises and constant interruptions could easily get the best of anyone. Construction is something that looks like a huge mess in the process, but when completed it often is something amazing. I am not an artist so I am not one of those people who can envision the result very easily. This reminds me of how often many of us are anxious to see what the future holds. Right now, post-pandemic, post-election, and post-civil unrest are all things that leave us anxious about what the outcome or structure of our lives will look like. The reality is, we cannot see the future. However, as Christians 1 Corinthians 13:12 reminds us that “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face.” We have hope that although we cannot fully envision the final outcome God’s kingdom work can and will still be accomplished in and through us.
As we gather this week for in-person worship, using our Phase 1 plan that we originally started with, we are reminded that we don’t know how long or what the future looks like, but we continue God’s kingdom work. We are continuing the sermon series on forgiveness, a topic that is very fitting in these times of divisiveness where we are placing each other in political groups, for or against groups, racists or not racist, and more. We return to the sanctuary being limited to 25 people which includes staff, but overflow rooms are available to view the live stream. We continue to also stream live on Facebook and YouTube for those who can and desire to remain worshiping remotely. I would remind you that as part of Phase 1 reopening guidelines, and following governor’s orders, masks should be worn when entering and exiting, but also as much as you can tolerate when seated. I would also ask that masks be worn while singing. When we wear masks, it is out of love for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who may think differently than ourselves. Loving each other is a way God’s kingdom work continues to be accomplished, even if we cannot fully see the outcome.
In Christ Peace,
Pastor Nicki
Some helpful links…
Click on the link below near the time the service begins at 10:00am to watch the live stream https://www.facebook.com/espresbyterian/
YouTube recording can be found at https://www.espresbyterian.com/worship/ or https://www.youtube.com/user/ESPresbyterian
Additionally, bulletins and an online hymnal have been put on the website and can be found at https://www.espresbyterian.com/worship/sunday-bulletin/
