Letter to Congregation 07-08-2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As Rev. Freeborn announced over my time off, our family experienced a sort of unexpected death. Romans 12:15 reminds us that we rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. I am deeply appreciative for all of you who have reach out to mourn with me in my time of mourning. Rev. Freeborn also announced the great article that rejoices all that our church has been doing to live into our mission. (see link to article below) I rejoice with you in all that we have done and continue to do to further God’s kingdom here on earth. Despite all that is going on around me, I am blessed to know I am a part of a church family that lives into Paul’s words to rejoice and weep together when the times call for them.
I rejoice also in sharing again that we will be doing another parking lot service this week. Some have asked why we are still doing parking lot service since we have opened the church for service. As I said before, we are great at loving each other and as such, we recognize that there are still many who do not feel comfortable coming into the building for worship, but would like to be as close as possible to their church family. We love them by giving them these opportunities to worship with us. We rejoice and worship God together, just as we mourn together. Additionally, we rejoice in being able to celebrate the Lord’s supper together this Sunday for our parking lot service. As such, I would invite you to do as we have done and bring your communion elements to worship, wherever that is for you. Gather the “bread” which can be a slice of ordinary bread, a roll, cracker, cookie, goldfish cracker, etc. anything will do. Don’t feel the need to go out and purchase anything, just use whatever food item you have on hand. Also, gather the “fruit of the vine” which can be juice, wine, water, or any beverage you have on hand.
Let us come and rejoice and mourn together this Sunday in worship in all these new ways.
In His 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/
The Synod article about ESPC can be found at https://www.syntrinity.org/featured/you-have-saved-lives-east-stroudsburg-church-serving-community-during-pandemic/
