An Update from Pastor Gary

A Warm Greeting to You, Dear Friend,

   -Growing up on a dairy farm, one of the comical memories of I have, is of letting calves (or cows for that matter) out to the pasture for the first time in the spring each year. They would run, buck, kick their heels up, and generally jump for joy at being able to be outside again. My guess is that we will all experience similar type emotions in the days to come. We seldom realize how valuable something is until we have to do without it. Each year we are so happy to see spring arrive because we have just come through winter. Undoubtedly this time of safer-at-home will give way to more regular activities once again, and when it does, that time will be especially sweet. Proverbs 13:12 notes, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."  Sometimes God reminds us of our many blessings by allowing us to go without them for a bit. May this quarantine time and aftermath, serve to give us hearts of gratitude for the blessings we have at every given moment.
   -Regarding church news, we continue to live stream our Sunday Worship Service at 9 a.m., and post the recorded service after that. We hope you can join us, and will keep you updated as things change in the days ahead. 

   -Tomorrow (Thursday, May 7) is the National Day of Prayer. Normally we observe that with an opportunity to gather and pray. This year will be different. We do want to invite you to pray, but not necessarily gather physically. Would you join us in praying for our nation, our society, and our leaders at all different levels. This pandemic has repeatedly emphasized that we do not ultimately control our future. But we are always in the hands of God. And even though we won't gather to pray physically this year, we can still pray with others nationwide.  The National Day of Prayer Task Force has sent out this statement:
    "By focusing on using these digital platforms, this year’s ‘virtual’ observances have the potential to become the largest prayer gathering in U.S. history – with millions PRAYING TOGETHER, INDIVIDUALLY.... the NATIONAL OBSERVANCE BROADCAST will take place on MAY 7TH FROM 8 to 10 PM ET.  It will be broadcasted, streamed and posted in various ways including on our website (www.nationaldayofprayer.org), Facebook Live stream (Check The Terrace Shores Facebook Page for Info) and cross-posted on many of our ministry partner's websites and Facebook pages....This year’s theme, “Pray God’s Glory Across the Earth”, is based on Habakkuk 2:14, and reminds us that this promise, “for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” is for us today."

   Be assured that you are appreciated. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Lord. Thank you for praying for one another, and reaching out to one another. Thank you for supporting Kingdom ministry. Thank you for reading; have a great rest of the week.

Grace and Peace, 
Gary