Dear my Holy Siblings in Christ,
I greet you in Christ’s love, holding each of you in my prayers as we are experiencing an extraordinary and unprecedented time. With the ever-growing concern, world-wide and at home, regarding the coronavirus, I want to reach out to you with my prayer and comfort.
Our spiritual life is important, but we have to consider the value of our own physical health as well, even as we serve each other as brothers and sisters. Does the threat of this virus mean we should stay away from church? No! Then, how can we be a church of Christ such times as these? What will we do with our time away from the church?
In times of uncertainty and vulnerability, human contact and spiritual connection are important. Social distance does not mean emotional and spiritual distance from God and fellow human beings. Let us also practice rigorous Christian community. Let us care for each other, especially those who are the most isolated. Make phone calls intentionally to each other and especially those unable to move freely because of age, illness, or quarantine. Social media is great, but it’s no substitute for a phone call or face time. Let us find creative ways to keep in contact with our lonely members and neighbors during this time. It is what faith communities do best in such time as these. We are called to be a blessing to each other.
It was so sad to see that people are stockpiling supplies they do not need out of their fear. So, those who need them are not able to find them. Let us be cautious to buy things and hold our survival instinct with faith and hope. Rather make room for others and practice the example of our Lord’s self-giving love. We need more food for food banks, soup kitchens and more hygiene stuffs more than ever. How about fasting one meal a day or week and donate to food banks?
The coronavirus is real. But let us not panic but rather pray. Especially during anxious times, we need to hear God’s word and pray. Let us hold onto our faith and give thanks that God promises to be with us always. We are the Church and, together, we belong to Christ. Let us be careful, cautious, wise and practical in what we do. But do not live in fear. Let us deepen our Lenten practices, the way of cross. Lent is a season of renewal and a period of reflection and release through practices of repentance, prayer and fasting as ways of interceding with God on behalf of our suffering world. a walk with God in darkness, being especially attentive to where God is growing something new.
As long as these circumstances persist, we will be livestreaming through Facebook, or YouTube or pre-recorded and put on our website or emailing so that members have our morning service on Sunday at 9:30 am. Our plan is for the church leaders to gather at the building and prepare the service more-or-less as usual. Please gather with your family and worship with us. If you are one who normally gives by check or cash, please begin to give through our online giving platform we are now preparing. You can access it soon through the church website or through the church app.
Now we are experiencing a new way of being churches through online worship service and meetings and practicing giving. Please know that I am praying for you all. If you need me to pray together on the phone, please feel free to contact me at any time. If you have particular pastoral needs or prayer concerns, do not hesitate to contact me. (401-585-7027).
Now let us pray that God may aid scientists in discovering a vaccine quickly. Let us pray for the doctors and nurses who are fighting against Coronavirus at the risk of their lives. Let us pray for our economy and for those whose lives will be impacted by the loss of jobs. Let us rest in God without fear. Let us not give in to fear but instead live, love, and serve as Christ has called us to. We are all stronger and better equipped to face challenges in Christ. With the help of God, we may be the shining example of hope and courage.
Prayerfully yours,
Your pastor, Seok-Hwan
--
It Is Well
Grander earth has quaked before/ Moved by the sound of His voice
Seas that are shaken and stirred/ Can be calmed and broken for my regard
Through it all, through it all/ My eyes are on You/ It is well with me
Far be it from me to not believe/ Even when my eyes can't see
And this mountain that's in front of me/ Will be thrown into the midst of the sea
Through it all, through it all/ My eyes are on You
It is well with me/ It is well, it is well, with my soul
