Photo: Bill Whisnant

Church family,

I want to begin by thanking all of you. I'm not sure whether it was last week's article or something else, but many of you called, emailed, or texted to check in and see if I was okay. For those wondering, yes, I'm all right. Like you, I don't do well cooped up. You showed your care even more when you reached out after discovering that on Sunday I had to take my grandmother to the hospital, where she has remained these past few days. We are praying for a speedy recovery, so that she can get out of there quickly.

Thank you for your kindness and love.

In my writings and Bible study reflections, I tend not to pull punches, because I really want to take the Bible on its own terms, not look at it through the rose-colored glasses we sometimes interpose between ourselves and it. Because Scripture is the Word of God, it speaks truth to us wherever it finds us, and that means it speaks words of judgment, lament, pain, sorrow, and a whole complex array of emotions too long to list here.

At this time of international crisis I think we are invited, especially during Holy Week, to enter into the mourning of our nation and world. Unlike many, we have words to express our sorrow, divine words that start us on a journey leading to some place other than the dark valley. Take, for example, a word of sorrow from Lamentations (3:7-9), a book often read alongside that of the prophet Jeremiah, who wept when Jerusalem was destroyed by Babylon:

He has walled me about so that I cannot escape; he has put heavy chains on me; though I call and cry for help, he shuts out my prayer; he has blocked my ways with hewn stones, he has made my paths crooked.

As tough as we have had it, I think the poet was inspired by the Holy Spirit to share these words to express what life is like during and after a siege. Babylon surrounded the city. Like us, the inhabitants had to remain within their city walls, and likely in their homes, as they spent day after day, week after week, and month after month waiting and watching for one of two outcomes: (1) The attackers run out of supplies, thanks to an ally cutting off their supply lines, or (2) the walls fall and the invading army ravages their city.

Yes, these are not happy images, especially for days like our own. Nevertheless, I share them with you because they are the Word of God, and that Word can speak to us today. In fact, I think that if you read on, there is a Word that brings comfort amidst our hardship. The poet writes a little later in the same chapter (3:21-24):

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The Lord is my portion," says my soul, "therefore I will hope in him."

I love that line, "but this I call to mind." No new development brings that "but" into the conversation. In fact, right up until verse 21, things seem hopeless. Where does this hope come from? The poet makes it clear: our hope is grounded in the unceasing, never-ending, restless, boundless, steadfast love of God. There isn't a moment when it is not operative. God's grace is always there, the poet writes, and thus those whose portion is found in the Lord can never lose hope.

I read this morning that hope has sprung anew in our nation. The caseload in some of the states has leveled off. I am truly grateful to God for that, as well as to all those who have labored to save lives. I hope the trend continues. I hope to see all of you in person sooner rather than later. I have hope because God's faithfulness is even greater than that. Abide in his steadfast love.

Stay strong, keep praying, and be a blessing,

In Christ,

Pastor Sam

We are making a new adult Bible study available on our YouTube channel following worship every Sunday. The new Sunday Bible study will be an informal look at the Book of Psalms through the lens of prayer. Praying With the Psalms is intended to provide a focused opportunity to engage scriptures through our most basic and universal desire, prayer. We will discuss individual psalm themes or ideas as a vehicle then to pray. No preparation is needed, other than to have a Bible and an open heart. We will start with Psalm 1 this Sunday, April 12 (Easter), following our livestreamed worship. We will also continue to post a short study every Tuesday and Thursday. If you subscribe, you will be notified when new studies become available. / Dave Welch

Bill Whisnant worked hard in the church courtyard the other day and took some pictures so that we can all see how lovely it is this time of year. Don't miss the photo in Pastor Sam's "Word," which heads this newsletter. Enjoy!

Students! We may not be together physically, but we are still gathering via Zoom! Student Fellowship is a time for games, worship, a message, and breakout discussions. Middle School Gathering and High School Devos study and discuss the Bible in small groups.

We need each other in this journey, so please join us on Zoom as we do life together from afar! / Katie Arnold

Many of you are Reading Buddies at Fairmount Elementary School and have expressed a desire to stay connected with your buddy while maintaining a safe distance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fairmount has informed us that you can continue your involvement by recording yourself reading your favorite children's book and then sending the video to Kelli Campbell. She will post recordings on the school website and invite the children to check them out. Her email address is [email protected].