PASTORAL APPEAL DURING CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul shared the following message with the worshiping community at Ephesus:
"I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4: 1-6
Over the past 175 years, despite great adversity in the nation and the world, the faithful people of Granite Presbyterian have kept the doors of the church open. Ministry has continued through the Civil War, World War I, the flu pandemic of 1918, the Great Depression, World War II, the Vietnam War, the tumultuous protests of the 1960s, the tragic attacks of 9/11, and through numerous hurricanes and national disasters over the decades. The congregation has prevailed as God's people have continued to bear witness to our resurrection lives in Christ.
We are all facing unprecedented and difficult challenges during the Coronavirus pandemic. It is hard to estimate the significant short-term and long-term consequences that will follow from having the ordinary activities of daily living interrupted and restricted, including the cancellation of church events. While social distancing is necessary to limit contagion, social isolation is hard for everyone. Not being able to gather as the body of Christ for worship, prayer, fellowship, and outreach is taking its toll on us spiritually.
During this time, the Elders of the congregation are exploring virtual platforms for furthering the ministries of the church. The Worship Committee is weighing creative options for Palm Sunday and Easter. Members are offering prayer and practical support to our most vulnerable seniors. The leadership of the Presbytery of Baltimore is reaching out to pastors with spiritual support and recommendations. Signs of our resurrection lives in Christ are evident, as fruits of the Holy Spirit are being shared: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Let us continue to pray for the spiritual health of our members, the nation, and the world. Until we can gather for worship, the fiscal health of the church will depend upon you. You may simply mail your weekly offering envelopes and financial gifts to the church office:
Granite Presbyterian Church
10637 Old Court Road
Woodstock, Maryland 21163
Thank you for all of the gifts of faith and life that you offer for the glory of God.
With God's grace and strength, may the faithful people of Granite Presbyterian keep the doors of the church open as we look ahead to another 175 years of ministry in the name of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ.
May you and yours stay safe and healthy.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Terrence
The Apostle Paul shared the following message with the worshiping community at Ephesus:
"I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all." Ephesians 4: 1-6
Over the past 175 years, despite great adversity in the nation and the world, the faithful people of Granite Presbyterian have kept the doors of the church open. Ministry has continued through the Civil War, World War I, the flu pandemic of 1918, the Great Depression, World War II, the Vietnam War, the tumultuous protests of the 1960s, the tragic attacks of 9/11, and through numerous hurricanes and national disasters over the decades. The congregation has prevailed as God's people have continued to bear witness to our resurrection lives in Christ.
We are all facing unprecedented and difficult challenges during the Coronavirus pandemic. It is hard to estimate the significant short-term and long-term consequences that will follow from having the ordinary activities of daily living interrupted and restricted, including the cancellation of church events. While social distancing is necessary to limit contagion, social isolation is hard for everyone. Not being able to gather as the body of Christ for worship, prayer, fellowship, and outreach is taking its toll on us spiritually.
During this time, the Elders of the congregation are exploring virtual platforms for furthering the ministries of the church. The Worship Committee is weighing creative options for Palm Sunday and Easter. Members are offering prayer and practical support to our most vulnerable seniors. The leadership of the Presbytery of Baltimore is reaching out to pastors with spiritual support and recommendations. Signs of our resurrection lives in Christ are evident, as fruits of the Holy Spirit are being shared: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Let us continue to pray for the spiritual health of our members, the nation, and the world. Until we can gather for worship, the fiscal health of the church will depend upon you. You may simply mail your weekly offering envelopes and financial gifts to the church office:
Granite Presbyterian Church
10637 Old Court Road
Woodstock, Maryland 21163
Thank you for all of the gifts of faith and life that you offer for the glory of God.
With God's grace and strength, may the faithful people of Granite Presbyterian keep the doors of the church open as we look ahead to another 175 years of ministry in the name of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ.
May you and yours stay safe and healthy.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Terrence