Rhythm of Life

It seems so very different to worship online this morning. Cathy and I watched two live streams, both very good and reminding us of the church as a global community, and at the same time missing our immediate family since we could not gather this day. Through this past week it has become obvious that the more distance we keep, the more we realize that we were created for community. At the dawn of creation this was recognized by God when he saw Adam alone and said, “It is not good for man to be alone” before creating Eve to be with him. And Jesus remembered that when he was about to ascend back to the Father, promising to send His Spirit and said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”  When we gather at church it is often said, where two or three are gathered, there he will be also, but today we are encouraged that even if we are in individual spaces practicing social and physical isolation, we are still never alone. Our God is watching over us and ever present with us. We hear his words through Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” May God grant each of us a blessing of his nearness.

As another item of rejoicing, although we can’t post it on our screen at church, we do want to congratulate Mike and Annie Oegema, as new grandparents, Heiko and Helen Oegema, as great grandparents, and also Uncle Derek and Uncle Ian, as Cam and Kristi have been blessed with a baby girl, Charlotte Ann Oegema born yesterday.  Hopefully we can share their joy in person soon but for today give God praise as we are.  More details on their Facebook page.

Pastor George