In all things…
Four years ago…
Reports splashed across our news feeds of a deadly virus that was rapidly infecting the nation. For days, the news media depicted the spread with maps dotted in red showing the virus quickly reaching epidemic levels- the East coast its last and certain target. As a pastor, I was on my knees for wisdom. Should Lenape Valley Church close our doors to protect our people from the potential of exposure in a group gathering? I talked with colleagues- they were equally unsure. I read a confusing mix of commentators, none of whom really understood what we were facing. Finally, on Saturday, March 14th the Elders of the church gathered on a conference call to prayerfully discern the wise course of action. By noon, the decision to close was set in motion- emails, phone calls to our non-internet folks, and a plan for Lenape Valley’s first livestream service for Sunday, March 15, 2020. That first Sunday will go down in Lenape Valley history- our bold worship team leading worship before empty pews as JR Wolff captured the scene with an iPad, streaming on Facebook Live. By God’s providence, the sermon planned months before entitled “Mountain Moving Prayer” called us to fix our eyes on the Mountain Mover who alone is able. In those early days what came to be known as COVID-19 had not been politicized. We were walking by faith not by sight as we faced an enemy none of us understood with a God we can trust in all things…
Looking back, I vividly remember the fear and anxiety of those early days. Confusion and isolation threatened to define our community. Some found themselves facing an economic crisis that left their cupboards bare. Families struggled to balance virtual work and virtual school. Seniors were lonely. First responders and medical professionals risked their lives to care for the sick. What should have united a nation in a shared battle became political fodder, dividing our nation and pitting Christian against Christian. The horror seemed to take on new dimensions every day. But our Mountain Moving God is able. St. Paul reminds us, “In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) In all things… Day by day, I watched Lenape Valley walk in that faith, trusting a Mountain Moving God to make good rise out of chaos, and rise it did. Our mission outreach grew exponentially as people dropped off dry goods and sent checks the Deacon’s Fund to feed our hungry neighbors. The Fellowship Team broke through the isolation of those days with outdoor family events and flower deliveries to our seniors. The Deacons expanded their pastoral care to ensure that none of our people would fall through the cracks. Their cards, phone calls and emails held our community together even while we were apart. Our Worship and Tech teams worked tirelessly to refine our livestream that continues to bless our faith witness today. In all things…
Do you remember the tornado that tore the roof off Lenape Valley’s Christian Ed wing in August 2020? Rain poured into our Sunday School rooms. The destruction of those winds seemed catastrophic. But our Mountain Moving God is able. With the insurance money given to fix the damage, we were able to renovate the CE wing with a new roof, floors, lighting, and fresh paint. The remaining money allowed us to remediate our stucco problem in Fellowship Hall with new siding and interior paint. Next came a new fire alarm system and new lighting in the sanctuary. When the tornado struck, we could not have imagined the blessings that would follow. In all things…
Recent news reports showed scenes from the mountains of California hit by an unrelenting blizzard that dumped over 10 feet of snow on the Sierra Nevada. We heard stories of impassable roads, stranded motorists, and communities hunkered down waiting for relief. The pain of those days, however, brought a blessing. Every year, California depends on the mountain snowpack to provide water for the communities below as the spring thaw melts the winter supply. But the 2023-24 snow levels fell short, until the recent blizzard. Now California will have the water they need for the summer to come. In all things…
Even the Spotted Lantern Fly can be a source of blessing. We have all been told of the danger those deceptively beautiful insects pose to our trees and grapevines. But did you know that they also leave a sweet residue that bees collect and use to create a late-season, dark, smokey honey? In all things…
Saturday, the women of Lenape Valley will gather for a retreat with Marie Monville. Her story of God’s transformational grace after the tragedy in the Nickle Mines community in Lancaster will inspire the women to remember that our Mountain Moving God is able to redeem in all things.
With you learning to trust our Mountain Moving God in all things,
Anita
Reports splashed across our news feeds of a deadly virus that was rapidly infecting the nation. For days, the news media depicted the spread with maps dotted in red showing the virus quickly reaching epidemic levels- the East coast its last and certain target. As a pastor, I was on my knees for wisdom. Should Lenape Valley Church close our doors to protect our people from the potential of exposure in a group gathering? I talked with colleagues- they were equally unsure. I read a confusing mix of commentators, none of whom really understood what we were facing. Finally, on Saturday, March 14th the Elders of the church gathered on a conference call to prayerfully discern the wise course of action. By noon, the decision to close was set in motion- emails, phone calls to our non-internet folks, and a plan for Lenape Valley’s first livestream service for Sunday, March 15, 2020. That first Sunday will go down in Lenape Valley history- our bold worship team leading worship before empty pews as JR Wolff captured the scene with an iPad, streaming on Facebook Live. By God’s providence, the sermon planned months before entitled “Mountain Moving Prayer” called us to fix our eyes on the Mountain Mover who alone is able. In those early days what came to be known as COVID-19 had not been politicized. We were walking by faith not by sight as we faced an enemy none of us understood with a God we can trust in all things…
Looking back, I vividly remember the fear and anxiety of those early days. Confusion and isolation threatened to define our community. Some found themselves facing an economic crisis that left their cupboards bare. Families struggled to balance virtual work and virtual school. Seniors were lonely. First responders and medical professionals risked their lives to care for the sick. What should have united a nation in a shared battle became political fodder, dividing our nation and pitting Christian against Christian. The horror seemed to take on new dimensions every day. But our Mountain Moving God is able. St. Paul reminds us, “In all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) In all things… Day by day, I watched Lenape Valley walk in that faith, trusting a Mountain Moving God to make good rise out of chaos, and rise it did. Our mission outreach grew exponentially as people dropped off dry goods and sent checks the Deacon’s Fund to feed our hungry neighbors. The Fellowship Team broke through the isolation of those days with outdoor family events and flower deliveries to our seniors. The Deacons expanded their pastoral care to ensure that none of our people would fall through the cracks. Their cards, phone calls and emails held our community together even while we were apart. Our Worship and Tech teams worked tirelessly to refine our livestream that continues to bless our faith witness today. In all things…
Do you remember the tornado that tore the roof off Lenape Valley’s Christian Ed wing in August 2020? Rain poured into our Sunday School rooms. The destruction of those winds seemed catastrophic. But our Mountain Moving God is able. With the insurance money given to fix the damage, we were able to renovate the CE wing with a new roof, floors, lighting, and fresh paint. The remaining money allowed us to remediate our stucco problem in Fellowship Hall with new siding and interior paint. Next came a new fire alarm system and new lighting in the sanctuary. When the tornado struck, we could not have imagined the blessings that would follow. In all things…
Recent news reports showed scenes from the mountains of California hit by an unrelenting blizzard that dumped over 10 feet of snow on the Sierra Nevada. We heard stories of impassable roads, stranded motorists, and communities hunkered down waiting for relief. The pain of those days, however, brought a blessing. Every year, California depends on the mountain snowpack to provide water for the communities below as the spring thaw melts the winter supply. But the 2023-24 snow levels fell short, until the recent blizzard. Now California will have the water they need for the summer to come. In all things…
Even the Spotted Lantern Fly can be a source of blessing. We have all been told of the danger those deceptively beautiful insects pose to our trees and grapevines. But did you know that they also leave a sweet residue that bees collect and use to create a late-season, dark, smokey honey? In all things…
Saturday, the women of Lenape Valley will gather for a retreat with Marie Monville. Her story of God’s transformational grace after the tragedy in the Nickle Mines community in Lancaster will inspire the women to remember that our Mountain Moving God is able to redeem in all things.
With you learning to trust our Mountain Moving God in all things,
Anita
Posted in From The Pastor
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