"O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever." (Psalm 136:1)
I shared this Psalm with our Wednesday check-in on Zoom last night, noting how the phrase, "for his steadfast love endures forever" is repeated in the second half of every verse. Every verse. That's 26 times. Twenty-six times the Psalm says, "for his steadfast love endures forever." Do you think the people remembered it? How many times do you need to tell yourself every day, "God is with me." Or "God loves me." Or simply "Breathe. Just breathe." What's your mantra that keeps you calm and helps you through each day? Go ahead, repeat it, 26 times. That may be what it takes.
Again, worship is Sunday, 10am, Facebook Live or on the new and improved webpage at www.monroevilleucc.org. For much of May I will be focusing on the book of Acts and talking about what it means to be the church. It appears at this time we will continue to worship virtually for the month of May. As for June, we'll see. I'm hopeful, but only time will tell.
We are stocking up for the Non-Food Bank on May 20. We will be doing drive-up on Chapel Street from 9am to noon. If you want to donate any items, leave them by the back door by my office on Tuesday or Thursday morning next week. Big needs are bar soap, multi-purpose cleaner, face tissue and paper towel. Please NO toothbrushes.
I worry about food security in our community. If you know of anyone who may be struggling please let me know. I wonder if there is a way we can do more here for our community. Let me know if you have any thoughts on this.
A video of the funeral service for Juanita Ries is available for viewing for those who were unable to attend. Go to https://www.pfeilfuneralhome.com/obituary/Juanita-Ries
Lastly, unfortunately both work and life have taken me out into the community quite a bit lately and I have been struck by the number of people who do not wear masks. Let me encourage everyone to please wear a mask. It is one more way we can care for each other and show love for our neighbor as ourselves.
