Dear First Pres,

   Have you been praying this week? One of the things that the Lord impressed on my heart as I was studying and preaching through James 5:13-18 was simply the call to pray. When you’re in trouble, pray. When you’re happy, pray. When you’re sick, pray. Get the elders to pray. Pray with one another. Pray for one another. And remember that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful as it is put into effect. We’re called to pray. Paul wrote to the Philippians, “Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” So, I’ve been trying to pray about everything. I encourage you to do the same.

   One thing I’ve been praying for in particular is that God would give us wisdom in our ongoing reopening process. I’m so grateful for the reopening committee that is meeting every week. As we meet, we’re considering how to best encourage both physical and spiritual health in our congregation and in our community. Our focus right now is on how to hold safe mid-size gatherings (Level 3), and I imagine we’ll have some news on that for you soon. In particular, we’re strategizing for an early Sunday morning outdoor worship service that could accommodate between 50 - 75 people. 

   In the meantime, knowing that the outdoor service won’t accommodate everyone, I want to encourage you to prayerfully consider how you might expand your Sunday morning worship experience by creating a worship pod. No, I don’t mean that you should build a small outhouse for you to worship in. I mean for you to consider choosing a few others to join you in Sunday worship at your house. Be outdoors if you can. Maintain physical distance. Wear your masks, especially when singing. Lather up with hand sanitizer. And participate in our 10am service together. This isn’t a good option for everyone, but for many of us, I believe it will be a great encouragement. Either way, I encourage you to keep doing your part to help our community get through this pandemic as quickly as possible while also tending to the needs of your soul. 

   Some of you may feel like you need help connecting with a worship pod. If that’s you, just send me an email at jvaccaro@fpcfresno.org and I’ll do my best to help you find a place to connect.

   Finally, please join me in praying - contending for God to deliver us from this virus and let loose His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. 

Blessings,
Jeremy

P.S. I had a great meeting with our Deacons this week. They wanted me to remind you that they’re still here and ready to help. If you’d like to get in touch with them, just call the church office and we’ll connect you with them.