Dear Friends,
These last few weeks have been powerful. The community of St. Andrew’s has been moving at full-steam as we live into our call to be and bring the healing power of Christ in the world. With a focus on safety, and spiritual and physical health, we hosted our first in-person worship service and have another this coming Saturday. We've deepened our online worship viewership, baptized many babies, and officiated at many funerals and several weddings. Life continues on. During this work, we have a record number of people in Bible study. We are connecting with families through our youth and children’s ministry, providing care for the sick, and serving people experiencing poverty. It has been a challenge, but one that has been a profound blessing to witness.
The other day, however, someone asked me how they can pray for the people of St. Andrew’s, and I think they were surprised at my response. They were expecting me to say, “Pray that we open up for regular, in-person worship soon.” That is not my prayer. (Although, I am hopeful of returning soon, and I miss seeing you in person.)
Here is my prayer (one I have been praying nearly every day we have been guarding ourselves against this virus):
Lord God,
You have called me as pastor of this beloved community of believers. Lord, help them to trust you above all things. May I trust you above all things. I boldly ask that in your great mercy, protect them from all that would do them harm. We ask these things in the name of the life-giving love of Jesus the Christ.
Amen
Our goal as a church is that you grow in faith and that you stay safe. Whether you come to church in person or attend online, we want you to grow and stay healthy. Dear blessed church - you are loved by this pastor, and by the whole pastoral and church staff. We continue in prayer for you and with you. We move forward in faith.
In Christ,
Pastor Michael D. Carlson
PS- Please continue to let us know what you are praying for and how we can help you.
