We have now had two Sundays of indoor, in-person worship as I write this. A few
people have opted to come in, while the majority still attend the drive-in worship.
Those of you worshiping indoors seem happy for your choice, while those of you in
the parking lot seem happy as well.
This has been a long six-plus months. Personal plans have changed for all of us—
vacations, family reunions, surgeries, work, you name it. It has been hard, but on
the flip side, God has used this time to challenge us as a church (both St. Timothy
and God’s larger church) to be creative in how we worship, have meetings, and
Bible studies. We even had to cancel the Synod’s Synod Assembly. Some synods
have had virtual ones, while ours, like others, have opted to wait a year.
We’ve been forced into flexibility by the pandemic. We’ve learned we could do
without some things we thought were essential. Out of it all, some of us have
found because of the enforced time at home, our relationship became closer with
our Lord.
Anyone who knows me well knows I am not a morning person. However, in this
time, I started waking up early. I felt God speaking to my heart that this was so I
could spend a relaxed time with God before getting started with my day. I’ve even
started journaling again! Now I set my alarm to be sure I give myself enough time
before Ray and the critters get up.
Do you have any stories of how this time has changed you for the good? If so, let
me know by phone or text at 716-904-0855 or by email at pastorivyg@gmail.com
or you can fill out the short form in the e-ministry, bulletin, and Church Mouse.
What has God been doing in your life? I’m sure I’m not the only one with a story.
A couple of scripture verses come to mind in connection with this. The first is from
the prophet Jeremiah, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD,
plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. 12 Then
when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you” (Jeremiah
29:11-12). Perhaps you’ve felt a little hopeless during these months. The other
scripture is from Paul’s letter to the Romans. Paul writes, “And God, who searches
the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for
the saints according to the will of God. 28 We know that all things work together for
good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans
8:27-28).
May God grant us grace to be those “who love God, who are called according to
his purpose.
Pastor Ivy
Pastor's Message
October 2020
