"Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield. For our heart is glad in God because we trust in His Holy Name. Let your steadfast love, O God be upon us, as we place our trust in you....."

~ Psalm 33:20-22

 
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

~ Ephesians 4:2-5

 
We are well in the middle of the sixth month of this pandemic. As I was reading the verse from the psalm above, I am reminded that patience is not one of my strengths. I am quick to be impatient at home and in all other areas of my life.  It is hard to wait in line, it is hard to wait - period.  
 
It is so hard not to be in control.
 
Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield. King David reminds us that God is there - always there to help us and protect us in our times of trouble.  From our worry of this virus, to when and how we will resume worship services, to loss of work, depression, anxiety, frustration and anger... God wants to give us peace.  
 
Are we willing to let go and move God to the center as we wait? Being patient as we wait on God is putting our faith in to practice. We are not waiting doing nothing, we are waiting on God and relying on Him alone. This is the peace God can give us during this time.
 
The apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4 to strive to be unified and love each other. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
 
This time of waiting is a time of testing - where God is calling us to put our faith in to practice.  What will get us through this challenging is: 

1. Our faith and reliance on God.
2. Our love and encouragement for each other.

No one loves what is happening in the world right now. Nothing about what we are going through as a church is ideal. It is a difficult time.
 
I am confident though, if we are committed to moving Christ to the center of our lives and follow God's lead as we move forward - God will bless us and we will be stronger in our faith as a result.
 
I am confident that if we are committed to loving each other - really loving and encouraging each other we will be stronger as a church as a result. We must be committed to being unified with each other as we fix our eyes on Jesus. God will bless us as a church, and we will be stronger in our faith journeys as a result of our faithfulness and deep love for God and each other.  Amen.
 
~ New ~
I will be beginning a 40 day prayer time on zoom next week Monday, August 24th - Friday October 16th at 7:00am for anyone who would like to join me. Our churches need prayer - and I invite you to join me every morning at 7:00am Monday through Friday for prayer for our churches and it's members. Here is the Zoom link for the prayer meetings:
 
https://zoom.us/j/94114174620?pwd=MGRkWmVGWkZpbFk4dTZ0RGcxVUJadz09
 
~ New ~
We will also be beginning a 7 week Bible study on Thursday, September 17th - October 29th at 11:30am called The Armor of God, by Priscilla Shier. We will meet in my backyard, weather permitting at 15 Brentwood Drive in Jackson. If the weather is bad we will meet on zoom.  
 
Click HERE to see the book the book on Amazon. Please reach out to me if I can help you with the purchase of this study guide.
 
God bless all of you today and each day forward.  Amen!

~ Pastor Denise

DeBows will continue to present weekly worship services online. You can attend online worship at debows.online.church. The standard worship service time will remain the same: Sunday morning at 9:30 AM. You will have the ability to replay the worship service after the first 9:30 AM presentation.

You can also link to the next 9:30AM Sunday service or replay recent worship services from the church website.  From the main menu - Worship/Online Worship or click on the Online Worship feature box.

We are thankful for your faithful support during these times of isolation and uncertainty. Your generous giving has been vital in maintaining our ability to cover expenses and continue our church ministries. You may continue your giving by sending your offering check directly to the church or by using the church online giving feature found in the footer of the church website. It is easy, secure, and appreciated. The Online Giving option is also available while you are watching the weekly online worship service. --- Thank You

If so inspired, you may give online now, by clicking HERE.

--- Week of 8/16 ---

Guy Raymond's brother-in-law, who Guy loves like a brother. He just lost his daughter to a senseless murder. Not many details at this time, just that she was at a fast food restaurant in North Carolina. Please lift up Jim Baker, his wife Laura, and their younger daughter during this very difficult time.

First Responders & Healthcare Workers - Prayers and praises for all those that serve and work in close proximity to people who have or potentially have the coronavirus.

--- Week of 8/9 --

Lauren Rikard (Daughter of Guy & Christine) - she had surgery on August 12 to remove a tumor, which was larger than first thought. She is in Alabama, so Guy & Christine were unable to be there. Please lift up Lauren and the family in prayer. UPDATE - surgery was successful and tumor was found to be benign.

--- Week of 8/2 ---

Erica Williams (Pastor Ernie's wife) - She came home last week after spending several days in the hospital to bring Afib under control. She is doing relatively well, and her body is adjusting to the prescribed medication. Pastor Ernie would like to convey his thanks for all of your prayers.

--- Week of 7/26 ---

Eileen Schuck (Ervin friend) - for her bladder cancer.

--- Continued prayer for home-bound church members ---

Rudy Iannacone; Ann Giarratano; Paul Bartek; Cheryl Barrentine; Donna Ridge

*** Please help us keep this prayer list up-to-date.  To add or remove names from this list, please contact Pastor Denise at pastor@debowsumc.org.  All prayer requests go directly to the pastor.

Our music program is led by our Minister of Music, Grayce Armstrong. Over the last 5 months she has been collaborating remotely with several of our musicians and singers to provide music for our online worship. Their creativity has been inspiring and much appreciated. "Thank You" to all who have contributed their musical talents during this time.

Recordings may be submitted for inclusion in online worship. You may contact Grayce by email at music@debowsumc.org if you are interested in recording for virtual choir and band.

*Note - Please monitor the church website and calendar for the most current information concerning music related activities.  More information about the DeBows music program can be viewed HERE.