Christ is risen, risen indeed!
What good news that sets a clear perspective! At the time of this writing, you have ‘stayed home’ (or had restricted travels) for five weeks. Your stress might have risen at alarming news, but has now since calmed. At the moment you may feel a little depressed staying away from children and grandchildren, friends and neighbors. And the anticipation that the order will be extended does not help. It is frustrating. It is a little depressing. It does not feel good. Remember: Jesus lives— just as promised. Which means, he keeps promises. He keeps the promise to strengthen you with his Word. He keeps his promise to hear and answer your prayers. He keeps his promise to bless you with patience, mental strength, and peace. When exasperated, take him up on those promises. Go to him in prayer. Memorize and recall his Word meant for you, for a moment like this. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE UPDATE AS SOME INFORMATION HAS CHANGED. Once again, April 30th will address Governor Whitmer’s ‘Stay-at-Home’ order. While we fully expect it to be extended, there remains a possibility certain organizations might open. Again, when the order is lifted, you will receive instructions regarding worship. Until that time, we will worship remotely.
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Pastor Ewald is available by appointment for devotions and private communion in his office during this time of restrictions. (This type of activity is allowed under the current Executive Order, 2020-42, pt. 13.) Please call to schedule. He holds steady office hours (8:00am-5:00pm) at St. John, Clare He will be at Faith Harrison Wednesday afternoon (1:00pm-5:00pm). He also will try to contact you via telephone, e-mail, Facebook, or text message about every 7-10 days. Please do not hesitate to reach out to him. Please contact the church office should you have difficulty picking up essentials. We will do our best in meeting reasonable requests. Also, fabric facemasks have been donated to the church by Jim, Ann, and Betty Schaeffer. If you have need of one, please reach out. We will make sure to get one to you. Your thank-offerings are still being received and deposited (when a sizeable deposit can be made). At present offerings are below our weekly needs (hovering around 70% of budgeted needs), but we thank God that our ministry has not fallen into dire financial straits. Our financial outlook remains positive. That means, you (and I) are still able to consider in our hearts what God has given us and what amount we may return to God (2 Corinthians 9:7). In this way we demonstrate love for God (as we treasure his Word over wealth) and demonstrate love for his Word in life. Your financial support enables us to produce and deliver these worship materials for you and your fellow members. Please remember the privilege God gives us in supporting a ministry that carries eternal implications. God’s peace be yours. Your friend, Rev. Andrew G. Ewald Christ is and remains risen, risen indeed!
That good news is not meant for one day, only to be packed up with the rest of the Easter decorations. That good news applies to life every day, be it April 30th, July 21st, October 11th or January 18th. The fact that Jesus rose long ago and remains alive means that death will not hold you in the ground. It means you will see God face to face. It means your Jesus, once publicly humiliated, is now reigning at the top, governing all things for your good! The troubles in this life can weigh heavy on our minds and pull our attentions off from this good news. When you find yourself sitting under a heavy cloud, stop and listen to Jesus teach his disciples the point of his death and resurrection: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE UPDATE AS SOME INFORMATION HAS CHANGED. Nothing has changed in the response of Faith, Harrison, and St. John, Clare, to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Governor Whitmer’s ‘Stay-at-Home’ order remains in effect until Thursday, April 30th. Until we receive further guidance, we will still worship remotely. When the order is finally lifted, you will receive instructions regarding worship opportunities. Until then, you will continue receiving an abbreviated order of service, a sermon, and a familiar hymn. You have options as to how you may receive and use these materials:
** Thank you to all who have subscribed. If you have not yet done so, please considering ‘subscribing’ as this makes our content more visible and easier to find.
Pastor Ewald still makes himself available by appointment for devotions and private communion in his office during this time of restrictions. (This type of activity is allowed under the current Executive Order, 2020-42, pt. 13.) Please call to schedule. He holds steady office hours (8:00am-5:00pm) at St. John, Clare. PLEASE NOTE: He will be at Faith Harrison Wednesday this THURSDAY afternoon (1:00pm-5:00pm). He also will try to contact you via telephone, e-mail, Facebook, or text message about every 7-10 days. Please do not hesitate to reach out to him. Several local grocery stores will take your order, offer payment methods, and arrange home delivery or curbside pick up. (You may also contact the church office should you have difficulty picking up necessities. We will do our best in meeting reasonable requests.) CARROW'S SUPERMARKET (FARWELL) call in order (989-588-2965) give credit card over the phone curbside pickup (9a-6p) Clare County Transit Delivery: (9a-2p) (orders for same-day delivery made before 1:00p) STEVE’S COUNTRY MARKET (HARRISON) call in order (989-539-3110) give credit card over the phone curbside pickup (8a-6p) Clare County Transit Delivery (2p-8p) (orders for same-day delivery made before 11:00a) WITBECKS GROCERY (CLARE) call in order (989-386-7591) NO credit card over the phone pay cash or check at curbside curbside pickup 9a-6p Clare County Transit Delivery (2p-8p) Finally, your financial contributions to the ministry of Faith, Harrison, and St. John, Clare, enable us to produce and deliver these worship materials for you. Our thank-offerings are a form of worship in which we thank God for (1) what he has given us physically and (2) what he gives us spiritually. Your offerings are much appreciated as they serve my needs, your needs, and the needs of your fellow members. God fill you with the certain peace that flows from the empty tomb. Your friend in Jesus, Rev. Andrew G. Ewald |
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