March 20, 2020
Beloved,
Beginning today with words from I Peter 1, with modification (The Voice).*
To God’s chosen people living as aliens scattered in Akron, Steubenville, Toledo, Ashland and Cleveland, throughout Ohio and beyond. 2 I am sending this letter to those who have been selected and destined by God the Father and made holy by God the Spirit that you may be obedient to Jesus the Anointed and purified by the sprinkling of His blood. May grace and peace beyond all reckoning be yours.
*words in italics are added by myself or as italicized by The Voice translation.
It’s another less-than-sunny morning in Ohio. Kids have been home for a week or more. Questions are piling up much higher than answers. What can we do? What is our capacity? How long will this last? Will we get sick? What do we tell our kids? What do we do when we don’t know what to do?
In The Salvation Army, the answer seems simple. Even though we prepare budgets, measure outcomes, and create long-range plans, in times of crisis, we pray and we serve. We find people in need and we reach out in the name of Jesus. How grateful we are for that heritage.
Resources
Ashland friends at Park Street Brethren Church joined in worship and prayer last night and generously share it at this link. Select the 3-19-20 broadcast. Skip the long intro of dead air – it will start about 15 minutes in – we’re all learning a lot about technology these days.
Doug Clay, the general superintendent of the Assemblies of God provides some wise guidance on pastoral self-care.
Art activities for the kiddos – and maybe the adults too.
For a smile
My friend Martha: Pulled a pint of homemade tomato sauce out of the freezer.
Now I have to make something with rhubarb!#LabelsAreImportant
Now I have to make something with rhubarb!#LabelsAreImportant
And my neighbor Colleen just posted: Just when I think the world can’t get any more unpredictable- my parents join Facebook.
From the Frontlines
We echo words from Captain Kelsie Eggers Moreno that you may want to share:
Good morning Salvation Army friends, corps officers and staff, and all those who will wake up today, get dressed, and head out to serve - good morning from the frontlines! Good morning to the frontlines! Just a reminder that you are doing good work, and I am praying for all of us who are not able to stay home. We are called to serve, so serve we shall, as safely as possible. God’s blessings on you today and always!
From the Word:
“In the roar of Your waterfalls, ancient depths surge, calling out to the deep. All Your waves break over me; am I drowning? Yet in the light of day, the Eternal shows me His love. When night settles in and all is dark, He keeps me company— His soothing song, a prayerful melody to the True God of my life.”
Psalm 42:7-8 (VOICE)
Psalm 42:7-8 (VOICE)
Grace and peace be yours in abundance,
JoAnn and Larry
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