Greetings from my home study during the sixth week of the stay-at-home mandate. As I look out my window, I am overwhelmed by how green everything is. A few weeks ago grays and browns were the dominate colors. Now the trees and shrubs are teeming with various shades of green, and the spring flowers are magnificent. I hope you are taking some time to get outdoors and exercise your legs, breathe in fresh air, and enjoy the beautiful vistas. Like me, I suspect that you have also discovered people who live in your neighborhood that you have never seen before. I have certainly noticed how much friendlier people seem to be, even as we keep a safe distance from one another.

I continue to give thanks for and pray for the safety and wellbeing of those people on the front lines who are fighting this virus and keeping us safe, healthy, and well fed. Everyday heroes! Now is the time we all need to pray for patience, one of the more difficult fruit of the Spirit to come by. Patience is the ability to trust God even when all the evidence around us is negative and overwhelming. Patience is letting go of our own doubts and fears and trusting God’s promises to be with us and give us the wherewithal to persevere in the face of adversity. This is a profound act of faith, which is at the very center of the Christian life. 

One of the great things about modern technology is that even though we cannot physically be together right now, we can still connect with our loved ones in a variety of ways. Some of you may remember the telephone, a time-honored way to speak with a friend or relative voice to voice. But we also can use e-mail, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media to communicate with those we love. I encourage you to use one or more of these methods to connect with people in our congregation. I am sure they would love to “hear” from you. I also hope that you continue to join us for our virtual worship on Sunday mornings. I am grateful to Nancy, Frank, and Virginia for making these possible, plus other volunteers who have participated. This Sunday I will preach on Jesus as the Good Shepherd, who knows each of his sheep and loves them enough to lay down his life for their safety. This is a powerful insight into the very heart of God. I hope you will join us online.

We continue to mourn the loss of our dear, Millie Swan, and we are planning a memorial service for her later when this will be safe to do. Please pray for Robin Overcash and her family as they mourn the loss of her brother, Sam Mills. I leave you with this benediction: “Keep the faith; do not be discouraged; be patient; God is with us; and with God’s help we will get through this.” Can I get an “Amen” to that? 

I hope to “see” you online on Sunday.

Your good friend and pastor,
David
Respond to David

Please know that Trinity's elders, deacons, and staff are praying for you, your loved ones, and your friends as we all stay home to help ease the burden on our hospitals, urgent care centers, and their medical and support staff. If you should have a need you'd like to share, please email David or the church office. 

We are deeply saddened to share that Robin Overcash’s brother, Sam Mills, passed away while in hospice care in Georgia. He had recently been diagnosed with cancer in the liver, bile duct, and then the pancreas. He would have turned 66 this past Saturday. Please keep Robin and her whole family in your prayers during this time of deep sadness; may God grant them all comfort and peace.

As we continue to pay the church's unchanging monthly obligations, we remain sincerely grateful for your giving. Your faithfulness, generosity, and helpfulness are more than appreciated! As a staff note, Virginia continues to check the mail (and voicemail) daily as she is able. 

We recognize that for many people this is an uncertain time, and know that you may not be working the hours you used to work. If you find yourself in a difficult position and would like to request financial assistance from the church, please write a confidential email to David.