Dear St. John’s,
I pray this note finds you healthy and hopeful. We are a little over a week into social distancing, so I wanted to touch base to see how you are and to give you a few updates regarding life here at St. John’s. Our office remains “open”, with some modifications. We are continuing to serve those who are hungry through our modified food pantry. Matt+ and I continue to meet with community members in greatest need. Whether we are at the offices or at home, please know we have access to our emails, any messages left on the office numbers, and of course, my cell phone is with me (814) 386-3973.
Our most important focus right now is connecting with you all in new and somewhat creative ways. We will be posting daily videos and posts to our social media pages. If you do not have Facebook or Instagram, you can find all the videos on our website under Sermons – please check often! Now would be a great time to subscribe to our website blog/announcements. If you don’ t know how, call us and we’ll walk you through it.
Frankly, we don’t know how long this social distancing and quarantine may last. I’ll certainly keep you updated as more information becomes available. In the meantime, we will be livestreaming Morning Prayer every Sunday at 10:00 AM. After we record the service, we will upload it to our website and YouTube channel. We will send a link to the worship service and the bulletin at the end of this week.
Many of you have asked what you can do during this unprecedented time. I have two suggestions. The first is this: Every week, take a sabbath day and refrain from all technology. Turn off the news, log off of Facebook, turn the ringer off of your phone and rest in the loving arms of God. It’s not only ok, but remembering the sabbath is a commandment from God. Give yourself the grace to pause every week – it’s good for your soul.
The second is this: give. Give your time to prayer. Give your attention to your family who needs you right now. Give to your neighbors in whatever shape that takes. Give to the church. Give now, so we can thrive later.
Whenever this ends, know we are going to throw the biggest party this church has ever seen. There will be dancing, singing, worship, and feasting. And there will be cake. Lots of cake. Hang in there, St. John’s. This is a marathon not a sprint.
Before I sign off, I want to draw your attention to a letter from our beloved Treasurer, Charles. Please take a look and remember: together we can do anything: A Message from our Treasurer
I miss you all.
Amanda+