Dear First Pres,

   Last night our family got the news that Fresno Unified will not be reopening schools for the remainder of the school year. It felt like a punch in the gut. It wasn’t unexpected, but it still felt like another loss to add to the growing list of losses due to the Coronavirus pandemic. So today we began mourning that loss as a family by talking about it, praying about it, and not being afraid to feel sad about it.

   I share that because I believe the sense of loss in this season is universal. So much has been cancelled or postponed indefinitely. We’re not able to be with each other in the ways we love. And people are truly suffering economically, emotionally, and physically.

   But when grief hits us who are believers in Christ Jesus, it’s important we remember what is ultimately true. God is with us - He will never leave or forsake us. God knows our pain - He knows what it’s like to experience loss. God is our comforter - the Holy Spirit reminds of God’s love and presence. God blesses those who mourn - see Matthew 5:4. God is for us - see Romans 8:31. God loves us and has compassion for us - Jesus demonstrated this again and again. God is our hope - “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). God doesn’t protect us from grief, but He blesses us and helps us as we mourn. I think that’s really important for all of us to remember right now.

   And, as things seem to be getting more intense in the fight against COVID-19, we also need to remember that God is at work. God is using this season to open hard hearts to His love and care. God is using this season to advance the Gospel into places it has not been before. God is using this season to expose our idols and bring us to repentance in the hope of Christ. God is using this season to increase our connection with our neighbors. God is at work. 

   Our incredible privilege is to join Him in that work. 

   One of the ways that we can join in with His work is through prayer. Here are a few important upcoming opportunities. 

  • Prayer@FPC. Sunday evening from 6-7pm we’ll have an online version of this monthly prayer time. Click HERE to find the details for the Zoom gathering. The Meeting ID is 777 678 862. Or you may call 1-669-900-9128  on your cell phone to join audio-only.
  • Day of Prayer and Fasting. Our denominational leaders are calling all EPC congregations to join in with the Presbyterian Church of America and the Anglican Church of North America for a day of prayer and fasting on Good Friday, April 10. We’ll be sending out some more resources on this, but wanted to get it on your radar today.

   Another way that we can join in with His work is through sewing … yes, sewing. We were asked specifically by the Marjaree Mason Center to help them with protective gear for their employees as they serve the children and adults who come to them to escape domestic abuse. Please contact Cindy Sterling if you’re interested in helping out.

   Another way we connect with what God is doing is through worship. It seems a bit surreal, but next week is Holy Week. We will celebrate Palm Sunday online at 10:00a.m. this Sunday. We will also observe Maundy Thursday at 7:00pm on Thursday, April 9. And, of course, our Easter worship celebration will be at 10:00a.m. April 12. All are on our YouTube channel

   God is at work, Beloved. Even as we experience the losses of this season, may we also be open to experience and participate in the advancement of God’s Kingdom in our city as it is in heaven.

Blessings,
Jeremy

P.S. Finally I want to encourage all of you social media users to “like” or “follow” First Presbyterian Church Fresno on Facebook and Instagram. I’ll be posting more videos in the days to come and I want to make sure you see them there.