Pastor’s Note July & August 2020
Summer is upon us and it is hot! Yet, we did not hold back from our celebrating this past weekend. It was the 4th of July and a great day to celebrate Freedom & Independence! Both were achieved at a high price! As I study the scriptures each week, I am reminded that the cost of such liberties has always come at a high cost and many souls have given their all for the greater good of humankind. In our present time, naivety, innocence, and inexperience has left many of us believing that the price was paid and now we are all set! Unfortunately, the battles continue as we remain vigilant to the needs of others, committing to make real sacrifices when necessary for the greater good. With new and old conflicts to deal with, many are continuing to need to put their very lives on the line for the rights of others. The Pandemic named Covid-19, fear, ignorance and unrestrained bigotry and racism, are threatening the principles by which we live. These are difficult times and our need to be clear about our relationship with God has never been more crucial!
Fortunately, we are a blessed congregation as we are a strong community; a fellowship willing to support common goals within our joint ministry! Thankfully, we have come together during these tough times! The funding to upgrade our ministry, On-Line, while supporting our local needs has broadened our outreach ministry. Through the continued support of our New-Beginnings Ministry Team, we are exploring new avenues to care for the growing needs of others, during these turbulent and changing times. This past Sunday we blessed needed food supplies, which we are donating to a food pantry in our local community. We are committed to growing this outreach as we ask for food donations the first week of each month into the future. We pray our efforts to partner with a local parish will fill the needs of many hungry families and individuals locally.
As the weeks following bring more heat, storms, and unexpected challenges we each need to stay mindful of the importance our commitment to following the teachings of Jesus truly is! Jesus taught the fundamentals of offering an extravagant welcome to everyone. He taught that the marginalized, the downtrodden and the hungry need to be cared for with love, kindness, and a helping hand. He also led the way in breaking down the walls of fear and bigotry. He was outspoken in his fight for justice issues. The ‘ideal of fighting for the rights and needs of others’ did not spring forth from our efforts in the modern world. Speaking out for the civil rights of our neighbors became an integral part of the teachings and ministry of Jesus Christ! It is my prayer that the ministry of the Riviera United Church of Christ, will continue to pursue the teachings of Jesus into the future.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Tim Woodard
During the Health Crisis with COVID-19, your weekly or monthly donations can be made directly to the church by regular mail at 451 Riviera Drive NE Palm Bay, FL 32905.
Doing this will provide much needed cash flow for the congregation and will sustain us for several weeks until this crisis is over.
Thank you and God Bless
Day-Light savings caught many of us off guard this past Sunday, some of us were early and others late. Yet, what was and is really on our minds is the spread of this Coronavirus! As we brace for the spread of it, we shall all need to take extra precautions to protect ourselves and each other. We implemented some simple commonsense changes at worship service on Sunday. Less handshaking and more concern for the necessity to be conscious of honoring each other’s personal space as we seek to limit the spread of germs from one to another. If we think we are coming down with flu like symptoms or even a cold, let us stay home and call our doctor for advice. None of us want to come down with the virus, thus it is essential that we each take precautions as best we can. Furthermore, this a time when we truly need to pray, pray for others who are infected and pray for all the health workers who are trying their best to help individuals and the general public through this international problem.
The Lenten season is now upon us and we are reminded how we are not the first to be forced into situations and conditions that are less than ideal. The Jewish nation was under the thumb of the occupying nation of Rome. The Religious leaders of the time were under pressure to ‘deal’ with the gathering crowds that were increasing size because of the man Jesus. The pressure was building, and the ministry of Jesus was spreading quickly as he continued to teach and heal not only the hearts and souls of those who listened but for many, Jesus healed their very bodies. Frequently, Jesus was quoted as saying it is ‘your faith’ by which you are ‘healed’. As we face this new emergency, in our own time, we need to double-down on our own faith. It is times like this when faith may be the strongest asset we have! With uncertainty in the air, let us remember whom it is we have been putting our trust in!
My friends, we are approaching our annual remembrance of the trails and tribulations of those who came before us. We remember the ministry of Jesus and his teachings. We must also recall how he was treated by those who ought to have been the ones raising him up and recognizing him as our Messiah! Yet, their hearts were hardened, and fear took over as Jesus was arrested, persecuted, and ultimately crucified for simply loving us with all of his being! As we go through these weeks we need also be consoled as we remember what the first Easter morning brought! For there is always a morning after! We too shall be greeted with the miracle of Easter – just so long as we do not loss faith! Rather we must trust God as we do our earthly part in these coming days and weeks.
Truly, I pray we shall all pray for God’s guidance, as we reflect on our own need to trust God more each day. Take heart and have faith, a new day is coming! Allow your journey through this Lenten season to bring you through the valleys of life. The promise of Easter is already upon us!
Blessings to one and all!
Pastor Tim Woodard