Coronavirus Update 4/29/20

Brothers and Sisters,
 
     Effective Friday, the Governor will begin to ease social-distancing restrictions in phases as we seek to come out of this Coronavirus pandemic and get back to work, public worship, and all the other things we take joy and delight in.  Today, after discussions with our church’s executive team and staff, we have determined that it will be best to continue to gather online ONLY for public worship, Wednesday Night Bible Study, and all of our major activities for the next two weeks (phase 1).  It is our prayer that there will be no spike with the disease and that we will be able to start gathering again for public worship and other gatherings on May 17th (beginning of phase 2).  We are all ready for our church family to be reunited and hope that this approach will be best.
 
    Under the new guidelines, we will allow daytime small group Bible studies to resume at the discretion of the Bible study leaders.  Please reach out to Kara Harris at karaharris@firstmethodistmidland.com for more information and to notify her if you plan to restart.   
 
THIS SUNDAY, we will continue our sermon series on Psalm 23 as we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, our Good Shepherd, during this downturn. You will share communion in your homes as your pastors lead you online. (So before 10:45am on Sunday): Please prepare a makeshift altar table in your home with bread or crackers and grape juice and maybe a candle and a cross so that you will be prepared to celebrate Holy Communion with us online on Facebook or our website (www.firstmethodistmidland.com).
 
     Today, as I am longing for normal, I am reminded of II Corinthians 4:7-10.  Paul is sharing about the struggles of life and ministry, and he correctly strives to see them though the filter of Jesus.  He writes, “We have this treasure (Jesus is Lord) in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”   
 
     What we are going through is hard, but Jesus remains our greatest treasure!  May His life continue to be revealed in all of our attitudes and actions as we walk through this dark valley.  Let us join together, with our greatest treasure leading the way, as we face health and financial concerns as the Body of Christ.
 
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Steve Brooks
432-559-0208