From Pastor Zeke Page 1 From the Desk of Pastor Zeke New Beginnings “I hereby command you: be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord God is with you wherever you go” - Joshua 1:9 Is it true? Can it be? Did we survive 2020? This past year has been a very difficult year for everyone. However, as I reflect on this past year, I am aware of the many blessings I have witnessed. I have seen the resilience of our church and its people. In March when we postponed all in-person services and meetings, the resilience of the church shone bright. We all figured out together how to have virtual church. It was way different for us all but we made the best of it. I saw church members call one another, check in, write cards, make calls, and send texts. Even though we couldn’t physically be together we found a way to be together. Each of you have embodied Jesus by the way you have loved and cared for one another. Even though we couldn’t worship in person on Easter, we still find ways to celebrate the gift of Jesus all year. When we returned to in-person worship, we found a way to continue streaming our worship services for online viewing. While things are far from normal now, I believe we have all made the best of 2020 and some real blessings and hope have come our way. I have come to believe faith grows legs in the midst of struggle and strife. We have had plenty of both of these and thank God we are all people of faith. Faith has carried us and faith will continue to carry us. In the scripture above, the Lord is speaking to Joshua and the people as they prepare to finally enter the Promised Land. These words to “Be strong and courageous” are perfect words for us in our context right now as we stand on the precipice of a new year. I am so hopeful for 2021. I can be hopeful because I know God is with us and I know the faith of the people in our church. Please pray for our church and for our world. Please continue to support our church and its mission and ministries. Most of all, continue to love each other and care for one another. Do not neglect one another and love courageously. - Keep the Faith Strong, Zeke Wesley UMC Newsletter January 2021
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