From Pastor Zeke Page 1 From the Desk of Pastor Zeke “New” “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new” 2 Corinthians 5:17 In this moment in our lives, things have become quite serious and frightening. The reality of Covid-19 as affecting people we know has come front and center. My prayer that “everyone is safe and well” is more fervent than ever. It is interesting to see the different reactions people have to a global pandemic. Some are doing their best to follow guidelines and be as safe as possible while others feel things should just go back to the way they were before the virus. I cannot presume to think that this virus does not affect me personally or we, as a church corporately. I mourn not being able to see everyone, interact with folks, and see the body connecting and interacting with one another. It as if part of who we are as a community of faith has been taken from us. To some extent, I think that very well may be true. As I reflect on our new “normal”, I wonder, with some significant anxiety, what church will look like in the future. I am certain it will be different and know that is not altogether a bad thing. So what are we to do, to think, to believe? First and foremost, we must remember that God is still God. In control, all-loving, and all-powerful. We must remember the power of God, through Christ, working within the presence of the Holy Spirit is in our lives. This affords us the opportunity to evaluate what is truly important in our lives and in the lives of those we love. It must remind us that we are loved and cherished by God. We must be creative about how we live out our faith. 2 Corinthians 5:17 has been on my heart and my mind in these past few weeks. It is filled with such hope. A hope that God is still creating newness in our lives. Of us, as people of faith, hope is not something fragile. We are in a place and time when we need a whole lot of hope. As Christians, regardless of the situation, there is always hope. So if and when you find yourself overwhelmed with our current reality, may you know with confidence, that we always have hope which is found in Jesus Christ. There is always the light of Christ that is shining in the dark places of our lives. I love each of you and pray for abundant hope and newness in your lives. -Keep the Faith Strong, Pastor Zeke Wesley UMC Newsletter July 2020
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