Pastor's DeskContinued Thankfulness Despite the Pandemic!Pastor Marlene Ciranowicz
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Sept/Oct 2020
It has now been six months since the pandemic started. I don’t think any of us realized in March just how long it would last and the type of restrictions that would be ongoing when we had to shut down in the middle of March. However, despite these trying times, God is on the move in amazing ways! I would like to share a few of these with you so that we can rejoice together.
• Our Christian Education committee has outdone themselves. You will read in Marilyn’s report all the activities that they have been doing while practicing social distancing and wearing masks. We now have a children’s moment in every service and I wish you could hear them. They are wonderful! In addition, they have kept in touch with the children through some very creative ways. In cooperation with Grace Lutheran, 75 bags were distributed to children who had attended VBS in the past. Our local Christian bookstore, Parable, was so taken with what they were doing they photographed the bag to let churches know about the creativity of our team. They have truly shown their love and concern for children in this very trying time.
• Despite strict restrictions in place, Alicia Dixon-Garrard, was ordained here at Memorial Park on August 2. It was not the type of celebration and service we would ordinarily have had but she was not held back in her ministry calling because of the pandemic! We received an email just this past week from one of her seminary professors who attended applauding our efforts in keeping everyone safe while having a very meaningful service.
• We had never videotaped a portion of the service before. We had talked about doing it from time to time but never really got it off the ground. The pandemic brought that need front and center and we had only a few days to work out the kinks. Thanks to Ron for his efforts in providing us with a quality video each week! While churches were closed, I heard many complaints of people attending other churches how difficult it was to watch their church’s broadcast because of many glitches. Ours ran smoothly. But more important than that, we have learned of people unknown to us who are tuning in. Just a few days ago I received yet another email from someone I 3 didn’t know who stumbled across our website and watches now faithfully every week. She is planning to attend when the restrictions are lifted. Wow!
• Who doesn’t know about Dianne's ladies luncheon every month? Of course, that had to stop too. Did that discourage her? Oh no, every month around the time the luncheon would have been held, she is busy writing by hand a note to all the attendees. She includes a hand written recipe, a mind game, and a devotional thought. Then she mails the many envelopes out every month to stay connected with the women. I, for one, have been blessed.
• The church office, not being used much with the restrictions, is in the process of getting a facelift through several significant donations. Wait till you see it finished! However, in the midst of the renovation, a fire hazard was uncovered, thanks to Pastor Andy from Grace Lutheran who is also a certified electrician and lending a helping help. Then even more problems were revealed. Again I am amazed how God lead Grace and Pastor Andy to us in their hour of need and spared us from a fire waiting to happen here!
These are just a few things that have shown just how much God is taking care of us doing this difficult time in our nation. God has made it quite clear that despite the restrictions, He is still on the throne and His work continues, in part through us. I hope this encourages you. We need to continue to walk through this valley with our feet firmly planted on our faith and keep our focus on God. We all know what happened to Peter when he took his focus off of Jesus: he sank! Instead of the pandemic sinking us, it has raised us up to even greater heights. Praise God for His wonderful provisions in such a time as this!
I can’t wait to see you Sunday and if not in church on our website!
Blessings, Pastor Marlene
It has now been six months since the pandemic started. I don’t think any of us realized in March just how long it would last and the type of restrictions that would be ongoing when we had to shut down in the middle of March. However, despite these trying times, God is on the move in amazing ways! I would like to share a few of these with you so that we can rejoice together.
• Our Christian Education committee has outdone themselves. You will read in Marilyn’s report all the activities that they have been doing while practicing social distancing and wearing masks. We now have a children’s moment in every service and I wish you could hear them. They are wonderful! In addition, they have kept in touch with the children through some very creative ways. In cooperation with Grace Lutheran, 75 bags were distributed to children who had attended VBS in the past. Our local Christian bookstore, Parable, was so taken with what they were doing they photographed the bag to let churches know about the creativity of our team. They have truly shown their love and concern for children in this very trying time.
• Despite strict restrictions in place, Alicia Dixon-Garrard, was ordained here at Memorial Park on August 2. It was not the type of celebration and service we would ordinarily have had but she was not held back in her ministry calling because of the pandemic! We received an email just this past week from one of her seminary professors who attended applauding our efforts in keeping everyone safe while having a very meaningful service.
• We had never videotaped a portion of the service before. We had talked about doing it from time to time but never really got it off the ground. The pandemic brought that need front and center and we had only a few days to work out the kinks. Thanks to Ron for his efforts in providing us with a quality video each week! While churches were closed, I heard many complaints of people attending other churches how difficult it was to watch their church’s broadcast because of many glitches. Ours ran smoothly. But more important than that, we have learned of people unknown to us who are tuning in. Just a few days ago I received yet another email from someone I 3 didn’t know who stumbled across our website and watches now faithfully every week. She is planning to attend when the restrictions are lifted. Wow!
• Who doesn’t know about Dianne's ladies luncheon every month? Of course, that had to stop too. Did that discourage her? Oh no, every month around the time the luncheon would have been held, she is busy writing by hand a note to all the attendees. She includes a hand written recipe, a mind game, and a devotional thought. Then she mails the many envelopes out every month to stay connected with the women. I, for one, have been blessed.
• The church office, not being used much with the restrictions, is in the process of getting a facelift through several significant donations. Wait till you see it finished! However, in the midst of the renovation, a fire hazard was uncovered, thanks to Pastor Andy from Grace Lutheran who is also a certified electrician and lending a helping help. Then even more problems were revealed. Again I am amazed how God lead Grace and Pastor Andy to us in their hour of need and spared us from a fire waiting to happen here!
These are just a few things that have shown just how much God is taking care of us doing this difficult time in our nation. God has made it quite clear that despite the restrictions, He is still on the throne and His work continues, in part through us. I hope this encourages you. We need to continue to walk through this valley with our feet firmly planted on our faith and keep our focus on God. We all know what happened to Peter when he took his focus off of Jesus: he sank! Instead of the pandemic sinking us, it has raised us up to even greater heights. Praise God for His wonderful provisions in such a time as this!
I can’t wait to see you Sunday and if not in church on our website!
Blessings, Pastor Marlene