17 March 2020
The 3rd Tuesday of Lent
Dear Members of our LSLC-CDC family,
Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ, who has promised to be present with us always (Matthew 28:18) … and who remains faithful to that promise through all things!
During such times, it is easy to become spiritually isolated without contact in a larger community. To this end, we are working to keep our faith community connected – with a daily theme via our E-outreach Ministry, with Pastor Eric, Deacon Lexanne Graves, Deacon Justin Rimbo, and Good News Coordinator, Lisa Petty. As a gift of blessing, hope, and encouragement, we invite you to join us in these daily experiences of ongoing community:
Worship Wednesdays: Join in the live-stream of our Lenten drama worship experience at 6:30 pm, with our ongoing theme, “Deeper in the Cross.” (3/18 = Criminals on the Cross; 3/25 = Pilate & servant; 4/1 = Mary of Magdala and Mary, mother of Jesus).
Thankful Thursdays: Pastor will live-stream (and post) a reflection at 11:00 am. We ask everyone to think of 1 blessing for which you are thankful – and consider 1 specific way you have seen God at work, even in the midst of this crisis. Post your thanks-giving message or photo on Facebook and tag to our page (@livingspringscolumbia) or Twitter (@livingspringssc). Or send your photo / message to our special email, GodAroundUs@livingspringscolumbia.org.
“No Fear” Fridays: Pastor and Lexanne will live-stream (and post) a reflection at 11:00 am, focusing on one of many passages from Scripture which include the needed encouragement, “Do not be afraid!”
Sabbath Saturdays: Rest…rest….rest! Find a time to sit down and re-read Psalm 46 (which inspired Martin Luther to write his hymn, “A Mighty Fortress Is our God”). Take time to “be still and know that God is God!” – Psalm 46:10
Sacred Sundays: Set up a prayerful space in your home with your family and join in the live-stream of Sunday worship at 10:00 am. (We will continue to include our children’s messages.)
Matthew Mondays: Pastor, Lexanne, and staff will live-stream (and post) at 11:00 am “Dwelling in the Word” from the Gospel of Matthew, our Bible Book of the Month. We invite you to spend some special time on Monday reading or re-reading some section of Matthew’s gospel.
Thoughtful Tuesdays: Pastor, Lexanne, and staff will live-stream (and post) an on-line reflection at 11:00 am, focusing on our weekly Lenten cross-items & devotions. (week of 3/15 = nail; week of 3/22 = INRI sign; week of 3/29 = sponge; week of 4/5 = chalice).
The live-streams are available on our LS YouTube channel at: bit.ly/3cXld8t-LSYouTube; and they will remain posted there for viewing at any time after the service. In addition, Lexanne will continue to stream and post them on Facebook at @livingspringscolumbia. For Wednesday and Sunday worship services, Lisa will also post a copy of worship bulletins on our website (livingspringscolumbia.org), so that you can use the bulletin to join in speaking, singing, and praying throughout the worship experiences on Wednesday evening and Sunday morning.
We are currently engaged in a battle against the spread of 2 viruses: the Covid-19 coronavirus and the virus of fear. As we walk through these days together, remember Jesus’ words that are spoken at every baptism: “You are the light of the world – let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16). There are many who might be overcome by worry or fear in these days – but amidst this crisis (as with all the crises of human history), God has placed the light of hope in very special persons to be shared with others – and YOU are one of those special, chosen people of God for this moment of history. In every interaction and encounter, let that light shine – as we walk through these days that lead us again to Easter, the great celebration of truth that there is “nothing in all creation that can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!” (Romans 8:39). This week, I had Lisa post on our church sign, “There is no virus that can cancel God’s love for you!” And so it is … thanks be to God!
With much love in Christ for each of you – and with ongoing confidence in the sure & certain promise of Emmanuel (“God with us!”), Pastor Eric