Sunday, April 26 – Via Zoom
Opening Thoughts for Sunday School – Leland Litzenberger
The Sunday school lesson title, “A Justice Loving God” is a reminder that God is not just waiting to come down on us when we do wrong, but He does know who is following Him and who is not.
Hebrews 12:1-11 reminds us to think about our relationship with the Lord.
I didn’t have to take a lot notes for Sunday school or the church service because Larry and Lloyd each used a PowerPoint.
Sunday School Teacher – Larry Rohrer
Lesson Title – A Justice Loving God
Scripture Matthew 7:21-33
Does being part of “The Church” have a different feeling than it did six weeks ago? It is a good reminder that the church is “us” – and other believers across the world.
We are together by Zoom, but I miss seeing your faces and your eyes.
Praise God we are under the New Covenant and have a wonderful opportunity to share God’s love during COVID-19.
This is not a surprise to God. He knew before the beginning of time that COVID-19 was going to happen in the year 2020.
The words “hope” and “restoration” were laid on my heart for this lesson.
Aren’t we ready for restoration – for life to be restored to normal?
Can you imagine how God hates all the social nitpicking?
Carol and I were at The Ark just before COVID-19 shut everything down.
As we walked through The Ark, which was fairly empty due to the beginnings of the virus, I thought about God being a righteous God. I thought about how God equips His people to do His work.
God has gotten our attention through this virus.
What is our role today? Are we “building” an ark?
Are we EVERY DAY faithful?
How do we wait during this COVID-19?
Are we blessing others?
Are we showing others “the door” to the ark of safety.
This isn’t the first storm the church has faced.
The opportunity is great – don’t miss the opportunities this virus give us.
Children’s Story – Jared and Andi Groff and family
Do you love cake?
Lucy, (Center front) what ingredients are in a cake?
“Eggs, sugar, milk, flour, baking soda…”
Do they taste good all by themselves?
Sugar – yes!
Ramona did not like the flour.
Baking soda – yuck
Everyone wanted milk!
Somethings are okay, somethings are yucky.
Our lives are like a cake – some days are okay, other days are yucky. But put all things together and God creates a masterpiece.
Use COVID-19 for something beautiful.
In the meantime our family looks forward to seeing you again. Ramona said it best for our family. “I just want to go to church and see all the people.”
Opening Devotions – Jon Cassel
Using Zoom as our way of staying connected is a good reminder that the church is not confined to a building.
Make sure to let your friends know that anyone is welcome to join us.
Forty-three days ago – did any of us have an idea of what we would go through? How are you doing?
Does not knowing how far we are into this worry you? Does not knowing if we are even half-way through this cause you concern?
Are you seeing God’s hand?
Are you struggling? Do you feel isolated?
I read that in India where the people have nothing – they are going into their houses to see what they have to give others.
In our culture we are stockpiling.
Matt Groff read II Timothy 1:5-9
5 when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
6 Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.
7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,
9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
Church Service – Speaker – Dr. Lloyd Lorenz, Dunkard Brethren Church, Plevna, Indiana
“Removing the ‘Crown’ from Coronavirus”
We are living in unusual times – in a place where our world has been disrupted.
Is it starting to affect our attitudes?
We are learning new words like: mitigation and flattening the curve.
Our doctors and nurses who are going to places like New York City tell us they are seeing unbelievable situations.
It sometimes feels like it is out of control – but it is good to be reminded that God is still in control.
Corona means crown – the reason for my subject title.
When our president announced that he would have to shut down the country, I knew immediately that my life as a doctor was going to change. Just like it did when I was in medical school and the medical field was beginning to deal with AIDS.
There is a high probability of a second wave and I expect social distancing is here for a long time.
He had an interesting and amusing series of pictures on the proper ways to wear a mask.
The above slide includes pictures of his daughter and Lloyd wearying a mask properly.
The next three were meant to be amusing – but probably serious if the virus is in your house.
Inge, this one is for you. 🙂
This one with a line through the gloves was a reminder to not trust gloves, because they also become contaminated if you touch someone or something with the virus. If you wear gloves you must also wash your hands – with gloves on.
Never forget: COVID-19 cannot destroy your soul.
Epaphroditus reminds us of individuals who reach out to others no matter how it may endanger their own lives.
Being in the medical field during this time is rewarding, especially when I see people serving those who are ill.
This is not over – and the effects are going to be around way beyond this pandemic – medical and financial.
It is also rewarding to be on the receiving end of food, snacks and kind words. I have received cards and notes from those who tell me they are praying.
(You could tell by the “break” in his voice that these blessings truly touched him.)
Closing Remarks – Ron Copenhaver (from their attic where he gets good reception)
As I read about Issachar, I noticed that he understood the signs of the times.
May we be men and women who are wise and understand the signs of our times.
