Dear siblings in Christ,
Hear the words of the Psalmist:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Psalm 46:1-3 (NRSV)
As we face the COVID-19 virus, allow me to remind you that God is with us. Everywhere and always. God is our refuge and strength. This is a time when we must intentionally stay connected to God.
Here are three things we can do to keep the church strong in these difficult days:
JOIN TOGETHER IN PRAYER. I am calling this synod to pray together at noon each day. Please stop and take a moment to pray for your congregation, the Northern Illinois Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Pray for your members. Pray for yourself. Pray for the ill, the frightened, the vulnerable, and the poor. Pray for the dying. Pray for world leaders and our own elected leaders. Pray for our healthcare workers. Pray for researchers. Pray for the unemployed, underemployed and laid off. Pray for all students from college to kindergarten who have been forced away from school. Pray for your pastor or whomever leads your congregation. Will you join me in prayer at noon?
PRACTICE SOUND FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP. The church’s ability to do ministry is dependent upon your regular gifts. Will you join me in supporting the work of your congregation on a weekly basis?
DON’T LET SOCIAL DISTANCING BECOME SOCIAL ISOLATION. Take all the precautions to prevent the spread of illness, but check on your neighbors. A crisis such as this quickly exposes those who are the most vulnerable. That is who the church is called to serve. Will you join me in loving our neighbors and encouraging others?
We are in this together. We are church together. We are stronger together. Even when we cannot be together physically. Thank you for your faithfulness. God bless and keep you. Walking with you,
Bishop Jeffrey Clements