Pastor Helga's Message
Until now I considered myself fortunate if I had time to read the Tri-City Herald and to hear the news. Now, with the deep realization of how interconnected we are across the globe I have subscribed to other online newspapers as well. I am reading about refugees and how they have no choice to keep their social distance. I read how the governments of different countries are helping those who cannot go to work.
My prayers and I trust yours, are for all people across the world. So too, I am keeping more informed and thinking more broadly. Just as we are isolating and keeping to ourselves, another part of me wants to reach out and care more widely.
Part of this is consistent with my daily question of God: what are you up to? I know that God acts in the toughest times. The resurrection happened after the death of Christ and after that shattering time when the disciples’ hopes were lost. So, more than ever I want to see how God is at work. It is always a “Reverent Best Guess”, but we know that the One who always acts on a global level is God. This is God’s world.
Everything is changing in the world. Our economy is reeling. At the same time money is being spent to restore health and well-being, and to bring relief to those who are losing their incomes and facing poverty. The military is changing its role. Navy ships are docking at ports and their medical staff are treating those infected with the virus. The wealthy are collaborating to find ways to treat and prevent the spread of the virus.
There is so much that is happening.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
In these anxious times reading the Bible may be especially comforting
You could look ahead and follow the readings that are set by the mainline churches.
If so, the daily texts are in Mark’s gospel chapter 12 onwards about half a chapter a day.
This Sunday it is the story from John 11:1-45
If you read these texts you may like to ask yourself some of the questions I ask as I prepare sermons:
What meaning does this text have for me?What questions do I have of this text? What does this say about God and Jesus? What is the good news here for us all?
God is greater and more powerful than evil, death and destruction. This means that God is doing something huge on a global scale right now.
God acts in times of suffering. Our theology of the cross is all about how God is very close to those who are hurting, afraid and vulnerable. We are all in this together as a world. We cannot control what is happening. No-one is immune.
My constant question is – what are you up to God? What are you doing? How are you transforming the tragic effects of this pandemic?
I am looking for God in every moment. I suspect that it is in these moments we have a heightened awareness and appreciation of all that we have. Life and people seem all the more precious. Nature is our solace and strength. Every act of kindness and generosity is a gift. It is a time to connect deeply with our humanity before God.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may. eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17
God is alive and well!
God is not socially distancing from us.
Christ is with us and hears our prayers.
In this season of Lent we are invited to
"Return to the Lord"
It is for our sakes that we turn to the Lord in faith
Trusting that Christ is with us in all circumstances
Our loving God has got the whole world in his hands!
Until now I considered myself fortunate if I had time to read the Tri-City Herald and to hear the news. Now, with the deep realization of how interconnected we are across the globe I have subscribed to other online newspapers as well. I am reading about refugees and how they have no choice to keep their social distance. I read how the governments of different countries are helping those who cannot go to work.
My prayers and I trust yours, are for all people across the world. So too, I am keeping more informed and thinking more broadly. Just as we are isolating and keeping to ourselves, another part of me wants to reach out and care more widely.
Part of this is consistent with my daily question of God: what are you up to? I know that God acts in the toughest times. The resurrection happened after the death of Christ and after that shattering time when the disciples’ hopes were lost. So, more than ever I want to see how God is at work. It is always a “Reverent Best Guess”, but we know that the One who always acts on a global level is God. This is God’s world.
Everything is changing in the world. Our economy is reeling. At the same time money is being spent to restore health and well-being, and to bring relief to those who are losing their incomes and facing poverty. The military is changing its role. Navy ships are docking at ports and their medical staff are treating those infected with the virus. The wealthy are collaborating to find ways to treat and prevent the spread of the virus.
There is so much that is happening.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33
In these anxious times reading the Bible may be especially comforting
You could look ahead and follow the readings that are set by the mainline churches.
If so, the daily texts are in Mark’s gospel chapter 12 onwards about half a chapter a day.
This Sunday it is the story from John 11:1-45
If you read these texts you may like to ask yourself some of the questions I ask as I prepare sermons:
What meaning does this text have for me?What questions do I have of this text? What does this say about God and Jesus? What is the good news here for us all?
God is greater and more powerful than evil, death and destruction. This means that God is doing something huge on a global scale right now.
God acts in times of suffering. Our theology of the cross is all about how God is very close to those who are hurting, afraid and vulnerable. We are all in this together as a world. We cannot control what is happening. No-one is immune.
My constant question is – what are you up to God? What are you doing? How are you transforming the tragic effects of this pandemic?
I am looking for God in every moment. I suspect that it is in these moments we have a heightened awareness and appreciation of all that we have. Life and people seem all the more precious. Nature is our solace and strength. Every act of kindness and generosity is a gift. It is a time to connect deeply with our humanity before God.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may. eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17
God is alive and well!
God is not socially distancing from us.
Christ is with us and hears our prayers.
In this season of Lent we are invited to
"Return to the Lord"
It is for our sakes that we turn to the Lord in faith
Trusting that Christ is with us in all circumstances
Our loving God has got the whole world in his hands!
