Counsel for Tough Times

From the Pastor’s Pen…

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Possibility of being able to worship together for Mother’s Day next Sunday. Determination to be made by elders this week!

DRIVE-UP COMMUNION SERVED AT OUR CHURCH, 10:00-11:30 AM AGAIN THIS SUNDAY. ELEMENTS WILL BE SERVED IN INDIVIDUAL, SEALED CUPS. I WILL BE WEARING N-95 MASK AND GLOVES.  DRIVE INTO SECOND ENTRANCE, USE THE FIRST TO EXIT.

YOU MAY CHOOSE THIS OPTION, OR ENJOY COMMUNION AS PART OF THE ONLINE SERVICE IN YOUR HOME, PROVIDING YOUR OWN ELEMENTS

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Counsel for Tough Times (1 Corinthians 16:13, 14)

No one would deny that these are tough times in which we are living. The coronavirus is just the tip of the spear. We have all been impacted by the shelter in place orders, and impacted by the economy and loss of jobs. The world as we know it is a different place than it was even three months ago. I remember thinking back to April 27, 2011, when our home was hit by a tornado. Ultimately 268 people were killed in that Alabama tornado outbreak! But disasters like that, and even 9/11, haven't had the worldwide impact of the COVID 19 Pandemic.

The question is how are we to cope? The challenges can seem overwhelming. But 19 centuries ago the apostle Paul concluded his letter to a troubled church in the city of Corinth and five brief words of encouragement that I believe is help us deal with the challenges of our day.

I.               Be on guard  Do you remember N.O.R.A.D? The North American Aerospace Defense command was designed to guard an attack against North America, particularly from the North Pole region, as well as from outer space. , Paul's point here is that we need to be alert to spiritual danger, for ourselves and our families.

II.             Be steadfast in faith this morning is the key to #1. If we are not ‘rooted and grounded’ in His Word, we will not be able to guard against spiritual danger. Picture a massive skyscraper or a towering oak tree. Both must be deeply rooted, or disaster awaits.

III.           Be courageous The Greek Paul uses literally means “be manly,” though it applies to women as well. Both Aristotle and Josephus use the word to describe courage, an asset in short supply during these fearful times.

IV.           Be strong The most accurate rendering of this word is, “become strong.” And how do we do that? By exercising! We gain strength as we depend on the Holy Spirit, and as we are nourished by feeding on the Word. 

V.             Be loving in all I believe this includes having a wholehearted love for God, and an unconditional love for people. (Mark 12:28-31.) Love toward our families, our church family, those we work with and our neighbors and help us get through these challenging days.

·      WHY? Because Christ died for us

·      How? By Christ in us, by the fruit of the Spirit 

As we all know, the “Stay at Home” edict continues in force. Remember the mandates to maintain health at this time:  social distancing, staying at home and sheltering in place, hand washing, not touching our hands to our faces, the use of sanitary wipes, and maintaining an appropriate distance between individuals (6 feet, no handshakes, and no hugs). 

Also, help is available if you need it. From John and Jill Royal: If any of our FCC Wylie church family needs someone to go to the grocery store/pharmacy to avoid public contact, Jill Royal would be happy to help. Just call or text her @ 817- 941- 1204

And feel free to call or text me with prayer requests or concerns; (205) 999-7322

 IF YOU NEED TO, SET AN ALARM TO REMIND YOU OF WORSHIP ON SUNDAY AM. It does not have to be right at 10:45, worship as you are ready, and have communion elements set out 

Virtual church does not allow us to sing together, but we will have some music to sing along with, and special music as well. I recommend families and individuals sing two or three songs that are familiar to you. Also, have your communion elements ready!

Worshipping together online doesn’t allow us to pass the plate for our tithes and offerings, but we have established a convenient way to give online through the church’s website (www.fccwylie.org) or the church’s Facebook page. The link for this giving, which will go directly into the church bank account, is https://give.cornerstone.cc/FCCWylie.  We make this available as a convenience since we are not able to come to the church building.  You may also mail your offering to the church at PO Box 458, Wylie, TX 75098.

Carrie Gooch, who has put together and posted the Sunday service videos Jim Casteel has recorded  24 views (representing individuals and families) of last Sunday’s service. In all we’ve had 157 views over the last 28 days. Feel free to help us spread the word about our services on fccwylie.org!

Every Sunday we celebrate what Jesus did for all of us at Calvary and the ‘Easter Message’ of the empty tomb. How? By remembering Him. By loving Him. By worshipping Him. By praising Him. May this be a day of celebration! 

A blessed Sunday worship!

Don Hawkins, D. Min.                                                                                                    Interim Pastor