Letter to Congregation 12-09-2020
Pastor Letter 12/09/20
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This week, our family had the privilege of volunteering to ring bells for the Salvation Army on behalf of ESPC. All of us, but especially the kids, enjoyed ringing the bell and wishing people a Merry Christmas. For me though, I was filled with a sense of joy when I discovered Christ in a most precious way. Shortly after we got started, a man in a motorized wheelchair came toward me. He had a Salvation Army winter cap on and introduced himself as Dan. Looking at him, I felt a sense of sadness for his suffering, which was evident in his clothing and state of his equipment. Yet, in speaking to him, he was so joyful and even shared how blessed he felt. I had a beautiful conversation with him and saw Christ right there in front of me. Dan didn’t complain about his condition, instead he shared the joy he found in Christ with others by ringing the bell for the Salvation Army every year. What he taught me is that joy is contagious. He was so joy filled I couldn’t help but to join him in looking past all the struggles and share that joy, not only back with him, but with all those we encountered in that day and beyond.
This Sunday we continue in our Advent series of rediscovering and redefining the advent themes focusing this week on joy. A way we can experience joy is by rejoicing and worshiping the giver of joy. We will again have in-person hybrid worship. As a reminder, this means we have in-person worship available with overflow rooms once the sanctuary has reached guideline capacity. We also offer two ways to worship from home live on Facebook and YouTube. We are reminded that in order to follow guidelines and make in-person worship possible, we must continue to wear masks, keep our safe distance and remain in our seats until dismissed by an usher. May we remember that we do this out of love for each other. For those who can and choose to join us remotely, allowing for those who want to attend in person in the sanctuary, I would encourage you to continue to do so. Let us come together in whatever way to rediscover and redefine joy in this different Christmas season.
In Christ Peace,
Pastor Nicki
Some helpful links…
Click on the link below near the time the service begins at 10:00am to watch the live stream https://www.facebook.com/espresbyterian/
YouTube recording can be found at https://www.espresbyterian.com/worship/ or https://www.youtube.com/user/ESPresbyterian
Additionally, bulletins and an online hymnal have been put on the website and can be found at https://www.espresbyterian.com/worship/sunday-bulletin/
