God is Stable
Throughout the course of time God's people have constantly moved because God himself moves. When David sought to build a fixed temple, God responded, "I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day" (2 Sam 7:6). Jesus, when people expressed their desire to follow him replied, "Foxes have holes, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" (Lk 9:58). Certainly there are places where God provides stability and a place for his people, but that place is only stable because God is with them. And, thankfully, God is with us.
The governor's recent increased restrictions are a response to the increased caseload of Covid-19 in our area. Our leadership team has discussed and prayed about what is best for Emmanuel, taking everything into account. So that we may not bind another's conscience, we have decided to move our Sunday service online for the next 2 (maybe 4) weeks. There is plenty more to say about this, so I'll record a brief video to provide a fuller explanation, thought, and our plan going forward. Once posted, you can find that on our Facebook page or on our Youtube channel.
A few more comments for the next few Sundays: We will meet online at our usual time, 3p. You can find the Zoom info below in the announcements section. Last Sunday we distributed wafers for communion. If you are in need of some, please email me.
Nothing about these decisions is easy and there is no playbook for how we navigate these things, other than this: let us love the Lord our God with our heart, soul, mind, & strength; and let us love our neighbors as ourselves. If biblical love for God and others animates our lives, it will keep us from spite and keep our hearts understanding. As questions or thoughts arise in light of these updates, or you want to discuss any of this, please reach out to me. I'm available.
Lastly, as the Lord brings people to your mind throughout the day, make a point to send them a quick email, text, phone call, or video message, encouraging them. This act, though small, can bring about much good. The PNW is certainly not overwhelmed by encouragement; there is always room and need for more.
Grace & Peace