God ~ Our Shelter

Another month in which we continue to shelter in place and look out for one another. Another month of social distancing and still trying to stay connected to one another. The longer the shelter in place continues, the harder it is on people who just want to be with family and friends. We were not made to social distance- and it is hard on people to be away from one another. We, as the body of Christ, have the calling to reach out to our brothers and sisters and find ways to connect and let them know that they matter. Even though we can not be together physically, we are together Spiritually and emotionally. We, as the church, are now called to find new and unique ways of connecting to one another- both those within the Church as well as those outside the Church. When we were called in our baptism, it was to live out our faith, growing each and everyday into our baptismal vows. God has given us many different ways and many different situations, and he is with us in all of them. We too often become comfortable going to church and praying with other like-minded people and calling it “living out our faith.” Jesus called us to live out our faith outside the walls of the church - reaching the least, lost, and forgotten. Church is where we are fed to have the strength for what God has called us to do.

What an opportunity we have now! We need to reach out in faith and know that God is with us. He needs our hands and our feet to do the work that He wants to accomplish. When we offer it to the Lord and work for his kingdom here on earth, we see wonderful things happening. We see God at work and we get to work with Him. What an Awesome God we have. Our have to’s become get to’s. I get to do this for the Lord. We realize what a privilege our baptismal calling is to us and the world that we are in. Yes, things around us may have changed, but our calling has not changed and we are continually growing in our faith and the opportunities that God continues to give to us daily.

If you, or anyone you know, are struggling or are lonely PLEASE give them my phone number and tell them they can call me and we can talk. There are many people who are struggling with all kinds of challenges during this time and they need someone to talk to. My phone is (309)361-0182. May we all pray for one another. May God bless our thoughts and deeds. All for the kingdom of God.

​Rev Stephen W. Barch