<![if !vml]>
<![endif]>Maryvale Church
“Embracing Our Community with C.A.R.E”
Christlike Actions that Restore and Encourage
March 19,2020 First Day of Spring
Good news
Democrats and Republicans are working together and saying – “let’s put politics aside and work together.” Wow – things must really be serious to bring such unity. Praise God!
And more good news
- the relief bills being passed by congress may really help American families
- there may be a vaccine that is the remedy to COVID-19
The scripture reminds us of God’s mercies being renewed each day and that God does indeed answer prayer and that even before we ask – help is on the way.
I also remember from history that some of the greatest inventions, innovations and heroic deeds came out of the hard and difficult situations.
Romans 8:18,28 (NIV) reminds us that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” and that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.”
I just received this encouragement from a friend from the 40-days for life prayer movement: “These are the days when the people of God can live out their faith in serving others in creative ways. “While the world is in a frenzy over a virus, FEAR NOT. While the world is in a panic, may the peace of Christ be with you. While the world has gone into an extreme mode of self-preservation, the selfless Christ calls us to the work of restoration. While the world is turning every other human into a threat to be avoided, we will treat every other human as a life to be loved.”
Ironically, the world is facing this as we approach the most blessed time of the church calendar. No matter the stresses of life, our resurrected Christ provides personal peace and the power to minister to people who are desperately in need of hope. He is alive and available!
Please let us know if you are in need of food or supplies – we will do our best to help.
Use these days at home to call each other in the church directory – those that you do know and also even if you do not know someone in the directory, give them a call and introduce yourself – pray one for another.
While there is much we do not know about this virus and whether the precautions that have been issued by our elected officials will effectively flatten the rate of infection – we want to be good citizens and do our best to comply with the order to close schools, stores, restaurants, etc.
The church is not shut down – the buildings may be temporarily closed but the church is people – and the people of God are to be proactive and in service. Keep doing the good.
Also, since there seems to be so much fluctuation in the news reports I do not want to cancel all of our services for the next several weeks as some are doing. We will take it a week at a time and let you know.
To keep in touch …
- I am establishing a blog on our website to keep people up to date with announcements and devotionals. Church web site is: maryvalechurch.org
- Also, from our website, you can take a look at Facebook and make your comments to one another
- Pastors Carla, Deb, and I are making sure each member of the church family is being contacted on a regular basis by phone, text or emails and we encourage you do contact each other as well.
Blessings on this first day of spring
Pastor Dan
