On March 1^st I asked you to follow our Bishop’s order not to greet each other with handshakes or hugs.  We did Holy Communion with an individual cup.  The purpose was clear then, we needed to prevent the pandemic from spreading.  Over the past few weeks we have experienced our lives are being changed, as real lives are being stricken, and beloved ones are being sickened. You may have even lost a loved one because of  this pandemic.  We want and need to be wise in what we do.  At the same time, we do not want or need to live in fear. I am not afraid of the coronavirus. I am not afraid of the possibility that it might infect someone in my own life, or myself. I am concerned and I want to be wise, but I am not afraid.  In spite of this crisis, I am also happy to see how you reach out to those whose wisdom you trust in prayers. You are not afraid to make changes and you work together as a team to serve and to worship God faithfully.

I want to thank each and every one of you that have helped make the transition to online services a smooth process. From filming, editing, singing, reciting Gods word, decorating, and providing flowers, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Find joy in what you have helped create, as it brings Gods message into each member of this congregations home. It may be many months before we can meet in person to have Sunday service. Fear not, we will be together again! We all have to do our part in being patiet and staying home until science and our Bishop say that it is safe to come together again.

Be careful. Be cautious. Be wise and practical in what you do. But do not live in fear. The apostle Paul said it well. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Love,
Jin Ming