Based on the recommendations of the Center for Disease control and prevention and the decision of the Governor of Pennsylvania to implement a statewide shutdown, the decision has been made to postpone all in person gatherings at the church including worship, and all other activities, for the time being. This decision is not one that is made lightly, but one that is made in prayer and out of a concern for the health and safety of our whole community. 

Please know that as the old Sunday School song goes, “The church is not a building, the church is the people," we continue to be the people of God, though not physically gathered for a short time.  We recognize that it is important to be in prayer and focus on our relationship with God.  Our staff, councils, and leadership are developing opportunities for providing spiritual nurture to our congregation during this time.  More information about how you can engage is coming.

 As we begin our Lenten journey this month, the first Sunday in Lent begins with the story of Jesus being tempted by the devil in Matthew 4:1-11. 

It’s easy for us as Christians to forget just how human Jesus was. We often see him as perfect, beyond reproach, powerful and strong. We focus on his miracles, his ability to teach us lessons in life, and see him as model for our daily lives. The text in Matthew 4 shows us a different kind of Jesus. 

For 40 days Jesus is fasting, he’s tired, he’s hungry, he’s lonely. He’s drained physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. And in this vulnerable state the devil comes and tempts him. He challenges Jesus to change his circumstances, to eat food and to leave the wilderness. 

I wonder how many of us have been in a similar place. How many times have we felt what the very human Jesus is feeling in this passage? We too can become drained. We, too, can feel lonely, abandoned, like no one understands. And it’s in these moments when sin can easily take over. We become tempted by selfishness and fear. We seek to blame others for our circumstances, even God. 

These 40 days of Lent are a reminder for us that God has been there too. That God understands our suffering and temptations. As we journey together toward Easter, let us not lose sight of the grace that is in the world right now. Let us too stay focused on our relationship with God and one another. 

Blessings,

Deacon Gary Schaeffer