Well, that was a rough month! I am glad to have August 2021 in the rear-view mirror!
As most of you are aware by now, I have implemented new COVID protocols for the church. We have returned to “socially distanced” seating, and we have designated the 9:30 am service as a “masked” service. The 11:00 am service remains a “mask optional” service. I’d like to share with you why I made the changes.
Obviously, the number of COVID cases is increasing. Along with that comes an increase in anxiety. The protocol changes are not a declaration of any kind regarding the science behind mask-wearing, nor are they commentary on the vaccine. We have a “masked” service because I don’t want anyone who believes in the benefits of wearing a mask not to have a worship service they can attend comfortably. For that exact same reason, we have a “mask optional” service. Anyone who is not comfortable wearing a mask has a service they can attend. This is not, and I don’t believe there is, a perfect solution to this. We will continue to make changes as necessary as we navigate through this together. Know this, I love ALL of you. I want to worship with ALL of you. Let’s love one another the best we can! Amen?
Today I am writing the memorial/funeral messages for 45-year-old Scott Apley, 5-month-old Josephine Lenox, and 96-year-old Carol Cast (Norma Keeler’s neighbor for decades and Regal Estate resident). Life is precious and very uncertain gift. Death, on the other hand, is certain. And…according to the Word of God, is also precious.
Psalm 116:15 KJV
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Strip it all away. Everything. There is only one thing that truly matters. Are you a saved saint or a lost sinner? That’s it. As circumstances of this world swirl around us, my fervent desire is to lead as many people as I can to saving faith and a relationship with Jesus Christ. Nothing else really matters.
For Scott’s message I have been asked to include the following Scripture:
John 16:33 (KJV) - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Indeed.
God bless, Pastor Rob