EASTER PROMISES

​As we continue to navigate our way through the uncharted territory of being confined to our homes and social distancing ourselves away from one another– It is really  a time for the church to shine and stay strong. Everyone is getting really anxious and  filled with fear and uncertainty. Rightly so, as we have never gone through something like this. It will cause even believing Christians to be scared and worried. Know that God understands. He is with you every step of the way. We listen to story after story on Sunday about people who have gone before us who were scared and going through uncertain times –their faith also was shaken and they were scared. It really brings their story alive for us.  It has been easy to listen to the gospel stories and because we know the way they turn out to say that they should have believed more in God and He would have gotten them through the crisis.
 
Now is our time to put our faith into action. The world is going to be looking at the church to see if we really believe what we preach. Yes, we do believe and know that God is alive and He is with us throughout this whole thing. Yes -the virus is going to affect people that we know and love and it may not be easy to get through this, but know that we stand together and God is amongst us calling us to Pray for his healing Grace. Pray for his presence, Pray for his Love, Pray for an outpouring of his Holy Spirit. Know that God is bigger than the corona virus and He is with us throughout this Pandemic. He wants us to rely on his Saving Grace. The same grace that has gotten us through every other crisis in our life.
 
It is when we stand together that we see the body of Christ, so I am asking you to call one another and really look out for one another. If you know someone who needs prayer or someone to talk to PLEASE let me know or give them my cell phone number (309) 361-0182.
 
The virus is one of the problems, but being shut in causes depression, anxiety, and anger issues and so we need to really be there for one another at this time. Believing in the God who loves us and wants us to depend on his Goodness, love and Power.
 
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
 
With that being said I want to let you know that I am here for you—I may not be in the office, but I am available. If you or someone you know needs anything please call me. Faith and Church are really important at a time like this, so we need to be church for one another.
 
We are still trying to do our worship service and taping it and getting it posted by Friday for the coming week. I am also trying to post a message on Wednesday as well. These will be on our Facebook page for the church. Please check them out and let me know what you think or things that would make it better. If you do not have Facebook please let us know and we will try to get it to you another way.
 
Holy Week and Easter Sunday will be here soon, and we are looking into what our options are and we will let you know what we come up with. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you with an out pouring of his Holy Spirit and love.
 
In Christ Love,
 
Rev. Stephen W. Barch