Fellowship "Elbow Bump" for April 21
Let me begin today on a much lighter note, since some of us (like me) need some levity. Last week, when we had to cancel our church Games Night, I asked you about online board games. Well, I’m pleased to announce that my father and I have both become proficient online Scrabble players. As we played, we opened up a simultaneous Zoom session; it was almost like being at the same table. I could still complain about his word choices, but I couldn’t knock over his tiles, or flip the board when he beat me. If you enjoy Scrabble, I recommend you try it, it’s a good way to pass a quarantined evening. And it was all free! What an interesting world we live in!
Today's song, recommended by both Jane and Joe, is of a different genre than all of our previous songs: "Jesus Laughing" by Mark Lowry. I know some of you will love it! If you've ever visited my office, or my online office, you will know why they recommended it. I've added that picture on this page, in case you haven't seen this picture that I love so much.
As I write this, Judy just sent me some good news from the Government of Ontario. While it does not change our behaviour on the short term, it sure is good to get some good news, isn’t is? She also shared this link to “211” with lots of COVID-19 specific resources.
I also want to show you this excellent sermon by Nicky Gumbel entitled “Choose Faith, Not Fear,” which Ralph shared with me. It is filled with many great spiritual resources for getting through this pandemic. It’s from the start of the lockdown period, but is still just as relevant. Nicky’s 6 “stays” are:
- Stay prayerful
- Stay wise
- Stay kind
- Stay united
- Stay connected
- Stay confident
We continue to pray today for the good people of Nova Scotia, for our seniors in care homes, for our healthcare workers, for others who must face the public (store clerks, package and postal delivery), food service people. Many people are doing great deeds by going and doing their jobs every day.
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
As we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Click here for God’s blessing in song.
Pastor Mark
PS – My online office hours today and tomorrow will be 11am-noon, and 1-2pm. Click the link to drop by and say hello!
PSS – Tomorrow is Earth Day! What are some ways that the environment has benefitted from this pandemic? Please take a moment and share, below, things that you have read, seen, heard or experienced, so we can take note of them, too!