Staying Connected

It seems that every time I sit down to write, I begin with a sigh, a prayer, and a time of reflecting upon God’s Word. You’ve probably heard the news that Gov. Evers has extended the “Safer at Home” orders until 8:00 p.m., on Tues. May 26. Of course, we knew this was going to be a marathon, not a sprint. In some ways, the restrictions might be a little relaxed, but, as far as churches, it remains the same. We’re given an exception as an essential business, but we can’t have gatherings of more than 10 people, which means that we’re going to continue the course with reaching out with our emails, on Facebook with live devotions and interaction, with the Sunday School Facebook Page and Tammy’s page, with live-streamed and YouTubed services. Plus, we have our church’s app, our RightNow Media subscription, and our church’s webpage, where you can learn more about all these things.

We will ramp up efforts to contact everyone by phone, and by mail, too. I think I might even start using Twitter, just as a way of keeping in touch, though I never thought I would say that.
Which brings us to…

Please connect with me on Facebook – facebook.com/daryn.bahn – and Twitter – @pastordaryn
Please also contact me by phone – 715-305-8667 – or email – pastor_daryn@yahoo.com

One way or another, it is good to stay as connected as we possibly can. We will be looking at ways to “up our game,” in order to deal with the realties of this stay-at-home order, this might include the possibilities of drive-in services if we can do that in a way that is beneficial and safe.
However, when it comes to Holy Communion, we need to exercise caution, since the way that we’ve always done communion is, for the moment, taken from us. Here it is helpful to remember that there is no such thing as “emergency” Communion. God’s Word, and the fellowship of believers will sustain us, as we also remember our Baptisms daily. I also have been meeting people on an individual basis, for a variety of reasons, as long as proper precautions are taken. (Note that the practice of congregation members communing themselves at home is strongly discouraged on theological grounds by the synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations as well as in messages by various District Presidents and other pastors.)

It’s important to remember: God has not stopped being God. We have not stopped being a congregation. The Word of God is still the Word of God, and the Holy Spirit still works through it. God’s Word will NEVER return to Him void. It’s been amazing and encouraging and sometimes downright miraculous to see just how the people of God at Christ are BEING salt and light… right where you are. You’ve remembered us in your prayers. You’ve supported us with your offerings on the app and by sending them in to church, you’ve sent us encouragement  by phone, letter, and online. You’ve shared struggles and songs and stories. Keep up the good work. Keep fighting the fight of faith. Keep trusting in God to guide and lead you through each day. Keep digging deep into God’s Word. Keep up on the “read the Bible in a year” challenge. Keep watching our services and devotions online. Keep on hoping and rejoicing, yes, rejoicing! Read the whole of Psalm 118. When you get to verse 15, pause. Let it sink in: “Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous…”  Praise God, serve God, trust in God, hope in God… right where you are, right in your own “tent.”  And rest assured, you are in our hearts, too. Celebrate the Easter season and the resurrection of Jesus!

With that in mind… I leave you with one more verse from Psalm 118:

“I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord.” (v. 17)

Or two…

“We bless you from the house of the Lord.” (v. 26)

In Christ’s love,
Pastor Daryn