Pastor's Blog

Lisa and I went today and picked up a few items for her parents along with another senior adult who lives in Grand Bay.  We talked about it and decided that offering to do the same for the senior adults within the Friendship family is very possible.  Since I have been home I have received a message from one of our young adults who is now off work and has offered to do the same.

So, if you are a senior adult within the Friendship family, or know of such a person, who needs someone to run necessary errands i.e. buying food, picking up medicines, et cetera then contact me and we will help whenever possible.  The key word is necessary and not just things of convenience.  Obviously, we are mainly focusing on those who do not have family members who can help in these areas.

Also, if you know of a senior adult regardless of church affiliation, or with no church affiliation, within our community who does not have anyone to help them then we can minister to them as well.

Pass the word, please.

I told you this is a fluid situation and changes could happen at any moment.  In an effort to be consistent and cautious, we will not have a nursery, childcare or classes for any child under the sixth grade in any of our services – Wednesday or Sunday.  All buildings on our campus will be locked with the exception of the CAB (youth) and auditorium today and then the auditorium on Sunday.

Again, no nursery, childcare or classes for any child under the sixth grade – Wednesday or Sunday.

Please pass the word!  Stay tuned!

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15 (NASB)

Visited with Belvin McDonald yesterday.  They were in the process of trying to get him discharged today by moving him to oral medications, et cetera.  Keep praying for Belvin.

Eddie Albritton was in therapy when I stopped by his hospital room.  I saw his wife in the parking lot as I was leaving and she was coming.  Keep praying for Eddie and his therapy.

Myrtle Bowden was taken to the hospital late Monday night but returned home early Tuesday morning.  Keep praying for Myrtle.

We have some within the Friendship family who have now lost their jobs temporarily due to the virus.  Some of them have been told to expect six weeks with no pay.  Dale & Karla have seen their entire March & April schedule wiped clean due to cancellations.  We need to pray for these folks.

We are on a regular schedule this morning and tonight with the exception of no children’s or preschool choir tonight.  Again, sick folks do not need to attend.  I am totally fine with anyone else, regardless of age, who chooses to not attend out of concern, being uncomfortable, et cetera.  Yes, our elderly folks need to be very cautious when it comes to getting out in any public setting and that includes church services.

By the way, our CAB is closed to any sporting activities i.e. basketball games whether they be one on one, two on two or whatever. Just FYI.

I have heard from folks on both sides of the proverbial aisle when it comes to how the church should respond to this virus.  I appreciate those who have shared their thoughts and I appreciate the kind attitudes shown.  Some of my younger pastor friends are really struggling with how to handle this situation.  We all are because we have never done this before.  Again, the situation is fluid and something could happen any day to change our plans.

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.