Fellowship "Elbow Bump" for March 23

Dear Fellowship:            

We began these “Elbow Bumps” a week ago, but now social distancing requires that we stay 2m apart!  Oh, no!  Do not panic, these virtual “Elbow Bumps” will continue as long as they are serving a need.

Thanks to everyone who filled out last week’s “tech survey” and shared early spring pictures.  All of the pictures are posted on the “Pastor’s blog” and you can see them by clicking here. If you have not completed the tech survey yet, please do, the link https://tinyurl.com/tob7xov is still working.

Our song for today was suggested by Gera and is “The Spirit of the Lord” by the Oasis Chorale; you can hear it by clicking here. It is based on Jesus’ self-revealing in Luke 4:18-19,

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

(You will recall that we reflected on these verses as part of our Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 Epiphany series. Remember when we used to be able to gather on Sundays?) Many of us were able to worship together in the Spirit yesterday using our first recorded worship service, which you can still access at https://www.fellowshipetobicoke.com/podcasts/media/2020-03-22-the-better-part .  We received input from many of you, which was really helpful, and we are energized to produce another version for this coming Sunday.  If you were not able to participate, we need to hear from you, too.  What kept you from being able to participate? How can we make it easier for you?

For obvious reasons many of us have been thinking a lot about technology recently.  Every church I know is exploring how technology can help  them address current challenges.  Most of us, especially small churches, are on very steep learning curves.  But we believe the Holy Spirit is pushing us further in these areas, to carry on this Messianic commission in new areas.  You will continue to see changes to the way we use technology here at Fellowship, and yes, it will involve each of us learning new ways of doing things.

One small change we have made is that we have worked with our church web provider to enable comments on the “Pastor’s Blog” web page.  Try it now!  When you click this link you will be taken to today’s “Elbow Bump”. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and leave a comment for everyone to enjoy. Remember all church web pages are public pages, so don’t leave any personal information, such as last names.  The discussion question for today is: “How has COVID-19 caused you to use technology in new and innovative ways?”  Leave your answer in the comment box for all to learn from.

Let’s pray together:

• For first responders and other essential service workers, who don’t have the option of staying 2m from those they serve
• For God’s grace and good sleep for health care workers who are now working 7 days a week and are face-to-face with the sick
• For ministry leaders who are working hard to preach, teach and worship using new technologies and methods

In closing, let’s pray together as our Lord taught us to pray,

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.

Go with this blessing:

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Pastor Mark

PS – If you know that someone in our congregation does not receive or read email, please share this with them.

PSS – Today we are asking for your comments on this question: ““How has COVID-19 caused YOU to use technology in new and innovative ways?”