It is Friday and another week of isolating and social distancing has taken place. I pray it has been a good week for most folks. A week with new opportunities to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3;18 NIV) I want to, as a Pastor and fellow pilgrim, take a moment to encourage my flock and all who visit our ministry site. There is an old Latin Proverb that says, “If the wind will not serve, then take to the oars.” In a way “our wind” has been taken away because of our present social situation. But in spite of that, you folks have “taken to the oars” and moved forward in such great acts of kindness and compassion. Bolstering the local food bank, taking meals to those that are grieving and ill, shopping for others who cannot, doing daily administrative duties like picking up the mail that help our church stay functional, praying with others, sharing our websites ministry with others, encouraging your Pastor with such positive comments to sermons and reflections. You folks are truly wonderful.
It has long been a tradition among men to take one's hat off when entering a house, business office, church, almost anyplace indoors except a warehouse or a barn, when things deserving reverence or honour are present, such as the flag or a hero or military commander. If I take off my hat to you, it's a sign that you deserve great respect or honour. I take off my hat to you as our week comes to a close. You deserve it!
As you minister to one another, you bring hope and you bring reality to the Christian message. I agree with Mother Teressa, “Love cannot remain by itself – it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.” Thank you for your service! We are apart but we are very much together. As the weekend approaches, be encouraged – my hat is off to you!
God bless and I look forward to Sunday as we gather through our web ministry. Remember my friends, “Faith tells me no matter what lies ahead God is already there.” Be safe and remain in the love of Jesus – Pastor Ralph
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