In Romans 13:1, we read: Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
We don't always have to agree with our leaders, in fact, there are times, when we will not agree with the their policies or practices, but we are still called to respect our leaders and pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2). There may be a place for civil disobedience when policies and procedures violate the Word of God, but for the most part we are to be a people who obey the lands of the land.
In this time of a global pandemic, when we see many disgregarding the advice and directives of our governing leaders and health care officials, I want to commend you, the people of Valley, for cooperating with and following those measure implented to mitigate the spread of this virus; for doing your part to help keep one another and our communties safe. Thank you for following the protocols in place as we gather each week for worship; for you understanding regarding decisions to restrict the sharing of communion elements, the sharing of meals together, limiting our fellowship and small group/ in-home gatherings. And thank you for your faithfulness in financially supporting the local church and the work of our Lord. Because of your faithfulness we have been able to meet all of our obligations and cover all of our expenses to date.
We all recognize this has indeed been unprecidented; for many of us we have never experienced anything like this before. We as a Leadership Team and people at Valley are seeking to navigate our way through uncharted waters. I want to commend our Elders and Deacons and all of you for doing your part to make things work as we have regathered for worship and as we cotinually wrestle with how best to minister to one another during this time. Thank you for caring and for praying.
I received an email from a collegue who offered this insight: More than ever, church leaders have been feeling the pressure of leadership, especially now in this difficult global season. At first glance, COVID-19 cancelled all kinds of meetings and calendars cleared. It looked like you suddenly had all kinds of time. But then you soon discovered the "new normal" actually took more effort than ever. Some in the circles you lead are calling for more action, others are calling for less. Add to that the increased demands, restrictions, and expecations of this season and leaders are feeling deeply tired, taxed, drained in their emotional reserve and for some, isolated. I have felt this, and perhaps you have as well.
More than ever we need to support and encourage and cheer one another on as we continue to walk this uncertain pathway. As we seek to be the church to one another and in our communties, I want to encourage you with these words from the Apostle Paul: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:9-10).
We don't always have to agree with our leaders, in fact, there are times, when we will not agree with the their policies or practices, but we are still called to respect our leaders and pray for them (1 Timothy 2:1-2). There may be a place for civil disobedience when policies and procedures violate the Word of God, but for the most part we are to be a people who obey the lands of the land.
In this time of a global pandemic, when we see many disgregarding the advice and directives of our governing leaders and health care officials, I want to commend you, the people of Valley, for cooperating with and following those measure implented to mitigate the spread of this virus; for doing your part to help keep one another and our communties safe. Thank you for following the protocols in place as we gather each week for worship; for you understanding regarding decisions to restrict the sharing of communion elements, the sharing of meals together, limiting our fellowship and small group/ in-home gatherings. And thank you for your faithfulness in financially supporting the local church and the work of our Lord. Because of your faithfulness we have been able to meet all of our obligations and cover all of our expenses to date.
We all recognize this has indeed been unprecidented; for many of us we have never experienced anything like this before. We as a Leadership Team and people at Valley are seeking to navigate our way through uncharted waters. I want to commend our Elders and Deacons and all of you for doing your part to make things work as we have regathered for worship and as we cotinually wrestle with how best to minister to one another during this time. Thank you for caring and for praying.
I received an email from a collegue who offered this insight: More than ever, church leaders have been feeling the pressure of leadership, especially now in this difficult global season. At first glance, COVID-19 cancelled all kinds of meetings and calendars cleared. It looked like you suddenly had all kinds of time. But then you soon discovered the "new normal" actually took more effort than ever. Some in the circles you lead are calling for more action, others are calling for less. Add to that the increased demands, restrictions, and expecations of this season and leaders are feeling deeply tired, taxed, drained in their emotional reserve and for some, isolated. I have felt this, and perhaps you have as well.
More than ever we need to support and encourage and cheer one another on as we continue to walk this uncertain pathway. As we seek to be the church to one another and in our communties, I want to encourage you with these words from the Apostle Paul: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:9-10).
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