Sunday morning, May 10th, the process began with some attendees returning for our ‘Time of Worship’ at 11:00. For the last two months we have had 10 to 12 in the worship center for our ‘Time of Worship’ and Sunday our attendance jumped to over 50! Bro. Ross was right when he said, “People smile with their eyes.” because even while everyone had their mask on you could tell people were happy to be back!
While all the guidelines are still in place I believe the number of attendees will grow and I appreciate your cooperation concerning the guidelines. Everyone will be asked to wear a mask, enter through the front entrance only, and practice social distancing at all times, except for families that arrive together and are seated together. We are not allowed to have small groups or nurseries and children’s classes.
I truly understand why some will be waiting, about returning, to see how all this relaxing of numbers will affect the situation with the virus. I also want to encourage those with health issues to consider waiting about their return. I understand the latest guidelines, from the Governor, could last up to forty-five days. With all the unknowns, we are dealing with, I believe it will be several weeks, or months, before we see a normal day of worship.
The Word of God is true and James reminds us in James 1:3, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” I heard a person say that, “If this is going to increase my patience I wish it would hurry up!” The challenges of life will confront our faith and I am aware, first of all, that my faith is directly tied to my knowledge of the Word, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”(Rom. 10:17) There is never a bad time to read the Word of God and I would challenge all of us to spend more time reading the Word and let our Heavenly Father speak to us.
Patience means; endurance, persistence, fortitude, lack of complaint and staying power. One of the greatest request ever made by the disciples was when they asked Jesus to “increase their faith”. These are trying times, and we must walk by faith, if we are going to shine the light of endurance, persistence, perseverance for the glory of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Let’s all remember the words of Heb. 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please God…”
SEE YOU SOON – BRO. ED