Dear family and friends,
There are a great many millions who are going to be affected by this worldwide pandemic.
I just wrote a Facebook post for my church today that I could never in a millions years have anticipated that I would have to write four years ago when our family started down this journey.
I'm not afraid to say that I cried when I finally hit the "Post" button.
I love our Faith Lutheran services. ... Despite the sometimes challenging circumstances presented to our own personal family while pursing this call the last four years, I still find our FLC services to be the most spiritually fulfilling time of my week ... because I get to spend it with our broader faith family.
Two and a half years ago, this congregation lovingly embraced a wild-eyed, frightened and "green" seminarian, and they have helped to shape me into the intern pastor that I am today. I owe the people of Faith Lutheran a deep debt of gratitude, and so to know that we will not be able to gather in person for the foreseeable future, breaks my heart.
But if I know one thing about our congregation, I know that the coronavirus is not enough to break their faith. ... And I trust that they will embrace the call of faithful people everywhere to step forward with their time, talents and treasure wherever called.
This is why I love this congregation.
However, the need is so great that this global challenge is going to require of each and every one of us a level of sacrifice we haven't known in a generation. Not since 9/11.
Each of you that I am friends with on Facebook are good people. I know that because I only friend people whom with I have a relationship. And so I am absolutely confident that when I ask of you today, "Can you step out of your comfort zone to help one person or one family in need?" that you will respond.
Our "normal" lives were busy, but our "normal" lives are being interrupted by cancellations in all aspects of our lives: work, academics, recreation, sport, art, family gatherings, etc. ...
And while each of those cancellations brings with it a certain sadness, I also like to believe it gives us an opportunity to pour ourselves into others. Despite whatever events are being taken away from us, we are in exchange being given the opportunity to make others' lives better.
There are millions of opportunities for you to make a difference. There are still volunteer opportunities for limited-sized groups. ... There are people who have become shut-ins through no fault of their own other than their age or the facility in which they reside, and they could use phone calls or Skype visits, or what have you. ... There are food pantries that will go bare, and families that will go broke without work. ... Millions of peoples' lives will change in the near future. And you are capable of making a difference.
I pray that we all answer the call.
That being said, dear loved ones, if there is something our family can help you with during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. ... Or if I can somehow be a liaison to make bridges between something you have to give and people in need, please hit me up. ... I will faithfully serve to find your generosity a home.
Dear friends ... as people of faith, we need not be a people easily frightened into submission, but rather we have the Spirit, the skills and the love to reach out a hand to those in peril. ... Please take this time as our "normal" lives take a pause to think about those around you in the margins. I promise you they need us now more than ever.
Blessings to you all. Stay safe. Stay healthy. And stay connected.
With much love ... D
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