Philippians 4:10-20
How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.
As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness.
At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Now all glory to God our Father forever and ever! Amen.
The Apostle Paul traveled a lot.
He moved around between modern day Turkey to Rome.
He walked.
He sailed.
I'm sure he traveled on some beast of burden too.
Paul's missionary journeys laid the foundation for Western Christianity.
These journeys required many people to make it happen.
It made it necessary for someone to write for him.
It created a need for someone to make sure details were taken care of as they moved from city to city; synagogue to synagogue.
It required funding.
It required others with a sense of compassion
and a willingness to help where they could.
That is why Paul is writing to the Philippians.
He is thanking them for their efforts to support the missionary journey that Paul and his cohort have embarked upon.
It is a beautiful illustration of how God provides for the Church.
And it is a vivid description of how God continues to provide at Holy Trinity.
I have been overjoyed to no end at the number of people that have stepped up to "make things happen" during this season of life that we find ourselves in.
So, I thought I would recognize and thank some of the people who have been working behind the scenes:
(*Note* This is not an exhaustive list)
The Virtual Church Crew
Matt Reynolds, Summer Green, Barry Shurtz,
Trish Shurtz and
Paula DeGiorgis
.
If you're wondering how we have managed to not have ANY online presence before our quarantine to having a fully functioning online service (complete with a recorded version posted in three different venues), these are the people that have made it happen. Matt is the Nutty-Professor-tech-guy who is a joy to watch overcome all of the obstacles that have been thrown at him. Trish and Barry are our resident consultants of everything from Zoom meetings to wordsmithing (and they are building a new website behind the scenes to boot). Paula is our in-house art and beautification provider, making sure the information that we send out has a lovely background to support the message. And Summer. Summer is the gracious Zoom host that makes sure all the pieces go together.
The Relentless Phone Call Group
Summer Green,
Stuart Lauters, Midge Gallagher, Sarah Woerner, Ben Mills, Kristie Garcia and Larry Hoy
.
Most of you, if not all of you, should have received several calls during our time apart from one another. We wanted to make sure everyone got a "touch" while we cannot meet physically (and if you haven't got a call....please let us know...it means there is an error in our records and contacts and we would LOVE to talk to you...really...let us know).
Compassionate Ministry Czar
Carol Fegté
What can I say about Carol. She is our big-hearted ambassador to the homeless and hungry. She has put it to us to do more during this time to help others by organizing more meals (and I know that she could not do this without all of you who are the generous benefactors).
Yardscape Beautification Cadre
Stuart Lauters, Todd and Karen Hoida
.
I hear from others (the non-church others) ALL THE TIME that our church looks well-loved. The yard is beautiful right now and these three are making sure that this happens.
Cleaning and Disinfectant Squad
Sherry Dunn, Andy Moisey and Erin Thomas-Rose
.
During the early stages of all of this when we were still meeting and our support groups were still meeting, these three made sure that this place was safe for all to be in. Kudos to their dedication to make it so.
Finance Corp
Tom Ewart and Lee Adams
.
These two are making sure checks get deposited, bills are paid and the books are balanced so that we can maintain our ministry in this community.
Virtual Choir and Music Troupe
Tina Spriggs, Jeff, Reynolds, Jean Reynolds, Matt Reynolds, Stan Thomas-Rose and Erin Thomas-Rose
.
I've had more than a few people ask me how it was legal for us to have a full choir in our services during this time. We have not had a full choir. Just the talents and voices of these folks.
Secret Seamstress
Gerry Tribble
Maybe you have noticed and maybe you have not, but we have a new white, wall parament for our altar. There are lots of things I want to say about how special it is, but I will wait until we are together in one place again. Suffice it to say, this would not be possible without Gerry's skill.
Many Blessings to you,
brad+