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Pastor Paul: With gratitude, for our health

Dear Bethanians,

I am perhaps like everyone else in these days, when I have a quick cough, or a runny nose, or a scratch in my throat, I wonder, “Am I afflicted with the coronavirus?”  While I don’t obsess over it, perhaps I am especially aware in the morning as I arise from bed, of how my body is feeling.  I am also particularly grateful at that time of day, giving thanks for my health at the start of each day.  Moments of gratitude, especially to begin each day, are a helpful remedy for me, especially in these days of isolation and health concerns. 

Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer speaks to this:

“I give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have protected me through the night from all harm and danger.  I ask that you would also protect me today …”

May you today indeed be afflicted … with hope and healing and gratitude.  And may it be contagious.

Pastor Paul

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Pastor Paul: How do we define 'essential'?

Dear Bethanians,

“What is essential?”  Laurie received a document yesterday from Martha and Mary declaring her to be an “essential employee.” This is something she can display if ever she is stopped and questioned, apparently.  Please note, I have received no such document … however, Gov. Inslee did make the provision for faith communities to do online worship, allowing a small group for production.  I feel validated somehow.

But this is a time when we need to ask ourselves, “What is essential?”  whenever we look to venture out, for groceries, for pharmaceuticals, for a walk (essential in my thinking).  We ask this not just with ourselves in mind, but for the sake of the whole community, realizing the importance of social distancing. (I was disturbed to read in this morning’s paper of a few megachurches that met physically together for worship yesterday, as many as 1,000 gathered together, many not practicing the appropriate spacing. Those pastors have a high opinion of themselves, apparently … )

But “what is essential?” might be a good question to ponder today.  And for our ponderings we have Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Let that lead us to what is “essential.”

Pastor Paul

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