Dear CGS Family,
National (as well as global) conversation regarding the coronavirus (COVD-19) continues to gain momentum. Some of this discourse is useful; much is distinctly unedifying...
The CGS leadership would like to speak a word of encouragement and reassurance to each of you. The word encourage came into the English language from 15th century Old French:
encoragier
"make strong, hearten," from
en-
"make, put in"
+
corage
"courage, heart." At its inception, the word thus carried a distinctly more robust challenge than is conveyed by the "there, there, cheer up, things will work out" connotation which the term now often invokes. Think rather
of God's words as Joshua succeeded Moses:
"Haven't I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9
You - each of you - have been provided a specific opportunity to deliver a thoughtful, well-reasoned, prudent, and compassionate Christian response to those around you in this societal moment. Let's not let this occasion for potentially powerful witness pass us by....
Instead, let's equip ourselves with reliable information (see links immediately below), disengage from melodrama, and use common sense. Thus armed, let's minister to those around us:
All of our worship services and related activities are proceeding as scheduled.
The CGS staff and Session continue to monitor closely the recommendations from the CDC, as we trust you each are doing individually. Together, we can continue to provide a safe, warm, welcoming haven in which real people can encounter the real Jesus amidst the turmoil of the real world...
Quoting from the TGC article (above):
"Corrie ten Boom led courageously in the face of Nazi fascism, which itself was a different form of deadly virus. And she reminded the world that 'Worry doesn't empty tomorrow of its sorrows, it empties today of its strength.'"
Godspeed -
Glenn D. Jordan, MD
Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer
Church of the Good Shepherd
3741 Garrett Rd, Durham NC. 27707
Office: 919-490-1634
Email: [email protected]
