Dear church family,
As we enter our third week of official confinement, we are faced with the news that this will continue on in the country of France until at least April 15. This news may not come as a surprise to most of us, but I am sure many of us are disappointed. We are relational beings who need to be with others. While we are confined to our homes, most of us have the luxury of family members to talk with and to share life with in a physical space. Others are alone and are craving that real contact. We are blessed with technology that enables us to at least speak with and see eachother. We should continue to utilize the different forms of technology at our disposal in order to maintain our relationships, especially with those who are alone or lonely.
We have prepared this week’s service with a message that was not specifically created or recorded for this time of our lives, but it was perhaps prophetically given to Stephen Foster as a word of preparation for us in this time of trial. Many of us have lost loved ones in the past two weeks, either to the virus or other circumstances, and we are forced to grieve from afar, or alone. We recognize that the trials we are going through are temporary, yet they have a lasting impact on how we live once we have been “released”. I would urge you to listen to Stephen’s words, his experiences and his advice. Reflect on what he shares and consider how you could apply some of what he says to your own cirumstances.
We hope and pray that you are well. In case you are not aware, we have set up a Prayer Facebook Messenger group. If you would like to be included in the group, please contact Rochelle. If you do not have a Facebook account, or need to speak with someone about how you are, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We pray this service will speak to you and please feel free to send us any reactions or questions you might have. We look forward to praying together via Zoom this Thursday, April 2.
If you cannot make the call, but would like us to include a prayer request, again please let us know.
| “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?” Matt. 6:25-27 NLT |
Blessings to you and your dearest ones.
This week’s service is one that was planned to encourage all of us today, but also in future times of uncertainty and trial.
Our verse of the year encourages us in that we hear Jesus tell us that He chose us, even before we chose to follow him.
As you read this verse, may the words strengthen and encourage you as you navigate life in your home and community this week.
Simply Church, Herault, France 