Well, let me thanking you for your flexibility and help in this challenging season. Like so many of us I thought this virus would have done its business and been gone by now. Many analysists are reflecting on how this is changing the societal practices and patterns of America forever. Here at Twin Oaks, most of us are simply wondering, “What is happening on Sunday, and when will things be back to normal?” Currently, Sacramento County is in the Widespread tier, which means that by the letter of the law churches can only have gathering outdoors with modifications (CDC guidelines). This information can be found at https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/ on the Web. What does the Lord want us to do? He wants us to... To assemble and encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25) To come together devoting ourselves to learning, fellowship, prayer, and remembrance of our Savior’s sacrifice and example. (Acts 2:42) To share our joys and sorrow, community implied. (Rom. 12:15) To grow stronger in faith, equipping ourselves for life and ministry. (Eph 4:12, 2 Peter 3:18) To sing and give God praise, and thus gain more resolve and passion to live for Him. (Col. 3:16) Now you’ll notice that none of these points state that we must do this indoors with the comfort of nice seats in a climate control atmosphere. Yes, that would be desirable and certainly help us to focus better. If we weren’t blessed with such a nice church campus and proportionately sized congregation, this would be a real problem. The Lord also wants us to live peaceable and to be in subjection to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1). In the same manner, we don’t want to convey the idea that we are being reckless, especially as some wrestle with the loss of family & friends. Yes, there is some absurdity to all this *, but nothing we can’t handle or anything that the Lord prohibits. Therefore, until further notice we will be meeting outside** for Sunday services on fair days, and regular attendees will be notified on Saturday of any cancellation. Yes, সহ it could be worse! Carpe Diem! Seize the day! Let’s not long for the good old days of 2019. Let’s ask the right question, “Lord, what would you have me do?” Let’s encourage each other. Let’s invite people to church. We have an imaginative Creator, who invites you and me, His children, to see the open doors He is creating (2 Cor. 2:12), and go through them. Please let me know how I can help and encourage you. May your Thanksgiving be one where we appreciate the many gifts we have cherished, enjoy today, and will be given.
Grace & Peace to you!
Pastor Andre
Heb 10:24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
Heb 10:25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging {one another;} and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Acts 2:42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Rom 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
Eph 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
2 Pet 3:18 but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him {be} the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
Col 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms {and} hymns {and} spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.