Shenandoah District
Church of the Brethren
|
|
"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:1-2, NKJV).
(Photo courtesy of Marty Barlow)
|
|
Scripture for these Moments
|
|
For Comfort:
-
Psalm 27:13-14,
"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."
-
Isaiah 41:10,
"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."
-
John 16:33,
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
-
Romans 8:28,
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose."
-
Hebrews 13:5,
"I will never leave you or forsake you."
In Hope:
-
Isaiah 40:31,
"...but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles..."
-
Romans 15:4-13,
"Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. ... May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
-
Psalm 147:11,
"...but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love."
-
Colossians 3:1-2,
"So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth..."
-
Philippians 1:6,
"I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ."
In the Midst of Challenge:
-
Job 11:17-19,
"And your life will be brighter than the noonday; its darkness will be like the morning. And you will have confidence, because there is hope; you will be protected and take your rest in safety. You will lie down, and no one will make you afraid; many will entreat your favor."
-
2 Corinthians 4:17-18,
"For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal."
-
Isaiah 41:13,
"For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.'”
-
1 Peter 5:7,
"Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you."
-
Matthew 6:34,
“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today."
(Compiled by Sarah Long)
|
|
Let us unite our prayers.
O God of mercy and peace, we offer prayers for Christ’s Church, the world, and all those who share in your creation.
In this season of anxiety, uncertainty, and uprootedness, we remember that your loyalty to us never fails—You are faithful through each sunrise and sunset, through every calamity and celebration. Fill us with gratitude and trust to calm our anxious hearts. Hear us, O God.
Forgive us when we misplace our loyalty to you; give us courage for decisions that require thought-filled consideration and heart-filled compassion to serve the good of all. Hear us, O God.
We are anxious for our own health and that of our families and friends. We are anxious for how our livelihoods as well as our health are impacted by this coronavirus. Hear us, O God.
Thank you for the scientists, doctors, medical personnel, and government leaders whose research, care, and decisions will chart a course through this pandemic. May those who risk themselves in any avenue of health care, especially with the elderly and with those who have contracted this virus, find courage to endure and protection for their safety. Hear us, O God.
Especially, we remember teachers, parents, and academic leaders as well as students who must chart new avenues for learning. Bless them with energy for creative planning and for beneficial responses as a season of opportunity. Hear us, O God.
So many in your world suffer, not only from this coronavirus but from war and violence, from hunger and starvation, from loneliness and despair, and from other sicknesses. We pray for them and for how we may respond with hope and resources for their benefit. Hear us, o God.
Today, we see Christ’s church scattered throughout our community, nation, and world. Yet, we are in this current environment together. Use your Holy Spirit to draw us together with fresh love, with renewed collaboration, and with creative consideration for the needs and gifts of each other. Hear us, o God.
We pray remembering how others before us have endured crises and found hope and courage to face the future. Give us that hope and courage as well. Hear us, o God.
Amen
Robert Alley,
Retired Shenandoah District Pastor
|
|
The Shenandoah District recognizes that many events at District churches have been or may soon be canceled. Tracking postponements and cancellations as they occur will not be easy or effective. Therefore, the District will be recognizing cancellations one month ahead in the Update, and will try to keep the
Coming Events section on our website as current as possible. Attendees should check with the respective church regarding the status of that event or activity prior to going.
|
|
|
Garbers
- part-time, congregational profile forthcoming
|
|
|
Pine Grove
- part-time,
congregational profile forthcoming
|
|
|
Sunrise
- part-time, Mike Hostetter, interim pastor,
congregational profile forthcoming
|
|
|
Waynesboro
- full-time, Dot Mellott, interim pastor, updated congregational profile available
|
|
District Cancellations Announced
|
|
The following District activities and events have been canceled or rescheduled:
-Mar. 22:
CGI Class
; assignments completed via other platforms
-Mar. 24:
Pastors Fellowship
; look for news regarding a Zoom call
-April 17-18:
Calling the Called
; rescheduled for Apr. 16-17, 2021
|
|
District Events are Subject to Change
|
|
The following activities and events are subject to future cancellation. Interested participants should verify event status before arriving:
-Ongoing:
Ash tree removal at Brethren Woods; The state of Virginia guidelines state that 10 or fewer persons be present in a location due to the state of emergency declared last week for coronavirus mitigation. Please confirm your intention to help with Camp Director
Doug Phillips
(269-2741), before arriving.
-Mar. 27-28:
Disaster Auction booklet pick-up dates have been changed to Apr. 3-4. Please call or email the office by Mon. Mar. 30 to arrange a time on these two dates in April for booklet pick-up.
-Mar. 28: Brethren Woods
Spring Work Day. The state of Virginia guidelines state that 10 or fewer persons be present in a location due to the state of emergency declared last week for coronavirus mitigation. Please confirm your intention to help with Camp Director
Doug Phillips (269-2741), before arriving.
-Apr. 25:
Spring Festival at Brethren Woods.
-May 15-16:
Disaster Auction and Sale: a decision regarding whether or not to hold this year's auction will be made in early April. Please check the
website for changing information.
|
|
District Calendar: District Office meetings and events have been suspended until further notice.
|
|
Continuing the work of Jesus. Peacefully. Simply. Together.
|
|
Shenandoah District website:
www.shencob.org
__________________
Questions? Comments?
Director of Communications
|
|
Shenandoah District Church of the Brethren
P.O. Box 67, 1453 Westview School Road, Weyers Cave, VA 24486
Phone: (540) 234-8555; Toll-free: (888) 308-8555; Fax: (540) 234-8333
Staff:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|