March 22 Distance Worship Service

Videos of both a liturgical service led by pastor Kim Riddlebarger and a catechism lesson led by pastor Brad Lenzner are posted on “This Week’s Bulletin” page of this website. Bring your family together this Sunday morning and participate in the distance morning worship service and afternoon catechism lesson.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic we have temporarily suspended our worship services for March 22 and March 29.  We will keep you posted when we will be able to resume our gatherings.

Pastor Yi Wang wishes to encourage us to trust in God in these uncertain times and to consider the needs of our neighbors and one another in our congregation with this excerpt from Martin Luther’s tract, Should Christians Flee from a Deadly Plague (1527): 

“I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance infect and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person, but will go freely.”

This is a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God. All things come from the hands of our compassionate heavenly Father. In Christ, death, our greatest enemy, has already been defeated. Death is not the end for a Christian, but instead it leads to the gates of eternal life. We can remain calm while facing every kind of suffering, disease, weapon, and death, because none of these things can separate us from the love of Christ. Whatever we have experienced and will experience will pass away, and God will himself wipe dry all our tears. “And further, that whatever evil He sends upon me in this troubled life, He will turn to my good; for He is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing also, being a faithful Father.” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q.26)

Let us pray and intercede for those who are stricken by this disaster. May the grace, peace, and joy from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you during this time of uncertainty and suffering.

Rev. Yi Wang