From Pastor Zeke Page 1 From the Desk of Pastor Zeke Grounded In a Shaking World “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” 1 Peter 5:7 I hope this month’s newsletter finds each of you well and safe. This has been a prayer of mine for each of you during this time. I would guess most of us have experienced heightened anxiety over the past few weeks. Likewise, a lot of uncertainty, loss of freedom, maybe a touch of depression, and some pent-up frustration. I can say this because I, too, have been feeling these things. I continue to try to navigate how to be your pastor in our new reality of Covid-19. It has not been altogether easy. While I can honestly say that I don’t know what the future holds as far as when we can gather again, I can say without hesitation that God has got this. If I had a bumper sticker verse for these days, it would be 1 Peter 5:7. I know the God that we serve and place our faith in. God’s ways are steadfast, uncompromising, tenacious, foundational, filled with love, and within reach for us all. I must daily remind myself of these truths. I will not fear because “perfect love casts out fear”. We are called to “cast our anxiety on him” and that is something we all can do. I believe that is the path forward for us all. Likewise, I believe this time of self-quarantine and mass prohibitions will not last forever. We will again be able to gather for church. We will again be able to experience the joy of communal worship. I believe that, when we are able to gather again, none of us will take it for granted. We will cherish our time together in worship and as a church united in the name of Jesus. I want you to know that I love and cherish you all. You are each so precious to me and it is true joy to have the privilege to serve as your pastor. Hang in there and, as always, keep the faith strong. -Zeke Wesley UMC Newsletter May 2020
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