Church,

                These past several weeks have been very difficult for many of us. It has been trying, hard, but I do want you to hear that we have not stopped being the church. Period. The church of Jesus Christ is stronger than any pandemic, any separation, or any difficulty that may occur. We are stronger. With the question I hear often, “When is Second Ave. Church opening up?” Well, the good news I have an answer Ad Council voted to resume in person worship on July 5. Please know that many but not all events and gatherings locally during the month of June have been postponed or cancelled. The decision had many factors, but one of the main factors was that Second Ave. United Methodist has many people and all those people are their personal health vary greatly. In our church there are many people who are healthy and if they were to have an illness passed to them or they would get sick they would recover quickly. However, there are many vulnerable, elderly, those with compromised immune systems, those receiving treatment for a variety of health issues: cancer, heart concerns, those who have loved ones with compromised immune systems, and other health concerns. As leaders in the church it was our desire to show everyone the care and intentionality of opening Second Ave. Church in a safe way that allows people who are healthy and those who have health concerns to worship without fear. I know the decision is frustrating for some, a relief for others, and some don’t know how to feel, it is my prayer that you see this decision was met with so much prayer, thought, and I will firmly admit there is not a perfect date to open up, but leadership feels confident that our reopening will be a great celebration! In the mean time it is my encouragement to you as your pastor to connect with people over the phone, connect with people virtually, since we are in the green in Blair county as of tomorrow if you feel comfortable connect with small groups of people in person, pray deeply during these days, and there will be an opportunity in the upcoming weeks for you to connect with me in person about Second Ave. Church’s Covid-19 response I want to hear you, I want to pray with you, I want to dream what the church can be with you, I want to mourn with you, and I want to celebrate with you. Thank-you for understanding.

                As some of you read that, I’m sure there are feelings of relief, some feelings of anger, some feelings of concern, and some feelings that are all over the place. Here is the explanation for the date: based on the guidance of the Bishop and cabinet of our annual conference we still even in the green phase need to abide by guidelines from the CDC. There is an enormous amount of work to do from now until 7/5, some of that includes having a detailed seating plan, having enough supplies to properly clean the church after each worship gathering, properly communicating what is asked of each person during a worship experience, acquiring volunteers to usher people into their seats before and after a worship experience, communicating to families with children what they can expect as they come to a worship experience on a Sunday morning, opening up the wall and providing additional seating in the Elevation Room, and more. As your Pastor, I deeply miss you, I desire to be in person with you so badly, and I know that in terms of answers for how to respond to COVID-19. It is very hard to determine the when of opening but Ad Council we were very focused on the how we opened up. The Church council would like to open up in a safe, well-communicated way, that allows all people to worship without any fear.

During the survey that was sent out last month in terms of Second Ave.’s Covid-19, the survey results were fairly varied. Some were all on board with opening immediately and others were more cautious, with that being said a few things were fairly consistent: people were almost unanimously on board with doing what is asked of them in worship, people were very pleased with the steps leadership has taken during the pandemic as of 5/20. So, I want to say thank you for being the church, thank you for being patient, thank you for not stopping ministry, and thank you for understanding the level of difficulty and complexity of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic in a safe, responsible way.

This decision and conversation was met with great prayer, understanding, it was my intention to for Ad Council to see this through a theological lens. Theologically Jesus cared for all people, He loved all people. He loved people in disagreement. He loved all people, and His ministry was a transformative one that made people better. Jesus especially cared for the vulnerable in His society and continues to care about the vulnerable ones in our society today. Those vulnerable in our society today are the people with compromised immune systems, the elderly, the sick, and the young in our society and especially in our church. We are called to care for them, about them, and care for their well-being. Part of John Wesley’s three rules is: Do No Harm. Our goal is to make sure our re-opening is well executed, well communicated, follows the guidelines from the Bishop and Cabinet, and does no harm.  

I know you have read a lot of information, but I do want to share some first guidelines with you in this letter. The plan is to communicate the full plan by email, Facebook, and postal mail within the week. I do plan to have two times to meet with people to answer questions, share concerns, spend time in prayer, and provided guidance. I do want you to know this will not be forever, once the situation with COVID-19 becomes clearer the conversation will be had about which restrictions can be loosened and when. It is my desire to have that conversation during the early part of August. Here are some things you can begin to expect:

1)      For the time being you will be asked to wear a mask to enter and leave the building. If you feel comfortable removing your mask once you are at your seat that is your decision. 

2)      For the time being you will be asked to refrain from hugs and handshakes, please greet one another verbally, please send cards, please call one another on the phone, but for the time being please refrain from greeting one another with hugs and handshakes.

3)      Both services: will be blessed with wonderfully beautiful music. It is my desire to showcase the gifts and talents of our wonderfully blessed music community. Due to numerous studies and guidance from the Bishop and Cabinet singing for the time being in a church setting has been discouraged. Please sing at home. Please sing in the car, please sing outdoors, but due to guidance of the Bishop and Cabinet we are discouraging singing just for the time being.

Thank you for being the church. Thank you for loving Jesus. Get ready. Be prepared we are coming back! Our brothers and sisters at Juniata United Methodist Church will be coming back for in person worship as well on 7/5/2020. Please stay tuned for more information as we move closer to the time. It is my desire that we can incorporate many people to serve as we desire to open up in a safe, effective way.

It is with great joy that I do want to share that Rise Up Sports Camp will be occurring this summer. The camp will be held from 7/20-7/24 at a local park in the area. Stay tuned for more information. A sign up sheet for the church picnic will be going around here soon, the church picnic will be held on Saturday July 25. The Corn Boil is a go for this summer! It will be held on Saturday August 8. The Food bank, Hope Chest, and Soup and Sandwich Luncheon will be all be operating this summer, and my prayer is that you would consider being a part of these life giving ministries.

Blessings,

Pastor B

Friends, these most certainly are challenging and uncertain times. One of the most challenging things during this time is there is not a certain end date and most people are very uncertain as to what the end will look like. That makes life tough. But, friends I want to remind you that numerous times throughout God’s salvation story times have been tough for His people. My encouragement is to not mask if you’re having trouble, don’t hide it, reach out to a trusted friend, small group leader, teacher, spouse, neighbor, fellow church member, or co-worker. We will get through these times, but in the mean time let us be there for one another during times of uncertainty. Here are a few reminders about God during these times that I encourage you to share with others:

1. God is with you, even in the midst of the valley of the shadow of death. (Psalm 23:4) You won’t be alone.
2. The joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:7) You know where to find your true joy and where strength can be found.
3. Jesus has left you His peace. (John 14:27) In the midst of uncertainty, chaos, and fear you can claim an unconditional peace only found in Christ.
4. The Lord is your light and salvation. You don’t have to be afraid. (Psalm 27:1)
5. In the end God wins. (Revelation 21:1-3) Let’s stay faithful, connected, and with each other knowing that God has us and will always have us.

As of this moment we are still planning on opening up the food pantry on Friday March 20th.

In John 1:1-18, we are blessed to have a beautiful prologue to one of the most compelling, life changing pieces of literature ever written: the gospel of John. John begins the Gospel with a powerful image: Jesus as the word. In the Greek the word, word, is logos. Logos is more than just a simple word spoken. Logos is a life changing, paradigm shifting word that gives power, word that brings truth, and word that equips the person to live their life to the fullest.

This text is a great reminder of God’s salvation history. 1) The word was with God in the beginning. This distinction is important because the Father and the Son are both God. The Son has the power and authority to create, forgive sins, and redeem humanity. The Word was with God and the Word is God.

2) The prologue continues by reminding us of the clear contrast between light and darkness. The darkness is shown in this text as really pervasive and extensive, however the great comfort and promise is found in the truth that the darkness will not overcome the light. What a great truth, no matter how hard, how challenging, how daunting, the darkness is it will never overcome the light.

3) Finally, in the prologue we see the goal of salvation: God becoming a human being. I love how Eugene Peterson translates John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood.” God is here. He’s not going anywhere, and we have that great promise and truth this Christmas.

Friends, one of the more challenging epistles in scripture is John’s Revelation. In this gripping narrative John the Apostle is blessed to see many revelations through the power of the Holy Spirit of what the end of time will look like. My encouragement for all of us is to know what this powerful text says, to allow the text to fill us with wisdom, and to use the text as a preview of what is to come. Here are a few things I want to highlight in John’s Revelation:

1. Pay attention to the letters to the churches. In Revelation 2-3 we see seven letters written to the churches of Asia Minor these letters were written many believe between 93-96 AD. These letters contain an admonition, warning, promise, and observation, these letters all have very powerful teachings to say to the church. We are called to be hot, not lukewarm (3:16), aware that God knows our deeds (3:8), and to wake up and be observant (3:2). This is not just prophetic literature this is good advice to the church of today: in the present there are too many churches that care about buildings over outreach, traditions of the past rather than addressing necessary needs in the present, and would rather be inward focus than outward committed. Those are just a few actions of lukewarm churches. It is time to be on fire for our faith! One of the great truths is that God fully knows us, who we are, and what we’ve done. What a freeing thought!! We can be real, open, and authentic in the presence of God. You don’t have to have it all together, because God already does. Rest in that great knowledge today, and it is time to be real and open in God’s presence:)

Stay tune for more insight on the book of Revelation!!

Throughout the next several weeks in church we will be looking at the book of Revelation during our worship time. This challenging book is one that gives us a glimpse at the end of time, and it is a reminder for all believers as Billy Graham so eloquently says, “I’ve read the last page, and I know that we win.” This is a challenging text, I’m not going to lie, but it is a text that when we understand a few things it can make reading it a little easier.

1. There will be great chaos, but God will never lose control. I’m constantly in awe of the great control of God. Many times I look at our world, and I shudder thinking that God is losing control amidst all of the chaos. But, He never does. God allows us complete freedom while never losing control. Rest easy in that thought my friends. There has never been a point in human history where God has ever lost control, and He certainly will not during the end of time.
2. God knows you and God understands you. During the midst of living in the chaotic soon to be end of days, and if you read Jesus’ prophecy in Luke 21 about the end of time it certainly seems we are there. My encouragement is for you never to forget that God knows you, He has a deep, loving knowledge of who you are. God knows your hopes and dreams, but He also knows your fears and disappointments. Even in the midst of your failures and your weakness, and I believe the end of time will bring about a lot of failure and weakness from many people who do love Jesus, please know God understands and is ready to restore you and to guide you in the paths of righteousness.

 

Friends, this is an amazing journey. Let us celebrate, learn, and grow together for God is about to do something great in and through our midst.

This Sunday we are so blessed to be able to conclude our series on discipleship here at Second Ave. Church. During this journey we’ve looked at Peter, John, Phillip, Nathanael, Judas, and we’ll conclude by looking at Paul. This series has shown us many things, both good and bad for us as God’s children to incorporate into our discipleship journey. Here are a few things to highlight in this post.

1. God uses ordinary people. With the exception of the Apostle Paul, most of the disciples were not chosen on merit, but rather on faithfulness. Granted all the disciples of Jesus grew, were equipped, and well prepared to live out the Great Commission, when they were called they were normal, ordinary tradesmen. Wherever your station in life is at the moment rest assured God can and will use you!
2. Faithfulness should be our measuring tool, not success. It is really hard to be an enthusiastic, committed disciple of Jesus Christ when you’re not seeing fruits from your labor. Look at your efforts through the lens of faithfulness. Are you showing up? Are you faithfully praying for your church, its leadership, and mission? Are you a committed spouse? Parent? Son or Daughter? Are you showing support and devotion to your family? Are you faithfully giving financially where you can? Faithfully giving your time when you can? If you answered yes to all or a few of those questions know that God is using you and will continue to use your faithfulness to expand and make the Kingdom more apparent.
3. Go in grace! In the Gospels Jesus sends His disciples out on numerous occasions. We as the people of God are always called to go and change the world. You’re not called to look like the world, embrace the world’s values, think like the world thinks, or be found in the world. God has called you to go and change the world. Now, is the time to go:)

Friends, we need more people in our world today who love truth. Their is a dearth of people who believe in absolute truth as taught in the word of God and tradition of our church, and that is a problem. However, the good news is God is still on the throne, God is not shaken by any of this, and in the end as Billy Graham says so well, “I’ve read the last page of the book, and we win.” But, in the meantime as we desire to live into who we are as people who live to establish the Kingdom of God through the work of the Holy Spirit, what happens in the present? The good news is discipleship looks different for different people, but it all has the same end: a renewed love and passion to know and live for Jesus Christ.

1. Learn to be obedient in small things. One of the most compelling stories in the gospels is Jesus telling the parable of the talents. In this text, three men are given a certain amount of talents. One man was given five, another two, and the last man was given just one talent. The understanding from the master who gave each man a certain amount of talents was that they would be obedient and acquire more talents through the talents they had been given. The first man doubles his talents and now has ten. The second does the same and now has four talents. The third man, tells the master that since he was afraid of him, he hides his talent in the ground.

Unfortunately, the master is furious with the third man over his laziness and disobedience, so he throws him out of his house into the darkness. The narrative ends on a chilling note, but it does have quite a bit we can learn from it: 1) You are blessed with gifts. You have a certain gift or for quite a few of us gifts that you are blessed with and can use to bring God glory. Use your gift. Use your gift to bless others, and you will be amazed at what God can do. 2) Obedience comes in using your God given gift. Obedience is often seen a negative light where someone is yelling at someone to obey them and listen. Obedience is positive. It is freeing. Obedience is best understood as using your spiritual gift (s) and living as your were created to be. Use your gift! 3) Encourage others to use their gifts as well. The third man in this text was afraid and uncertain, wouldn’t it have been amazing if he had good people that came along side and encouraged him to use his talent? I know this story is a parable, but it symbolizes a lot of real life scenarios, we need good people to encourage others to use their gifts for the glory of God.

 

Encourage someone today. Believe in someone today. Pray for someone today.

Friends, we are children of the Resurrection. We worship on Sunday because that was the day that Jesus rose from the dead. But, what does living into the resurrection look like in the hear and now? Here are a few things to consider:

1. For Resurrection to occur something has to die. That’s one of the toughest things for us to wrap our minds around, many times we as human beings want the joy of resurrection without having to have anything die. My encouragement is to die to yourself, die to your desires, die to your wants, die to your hopes, and dreams. But, allow God to resurrect His dreams, allow God to fill your heart with what His heart cares about. Resurrection only works when something dies.
2. Vocalize progress. Living into the resurrection is a process. Many times people take big steps, but for a lot of people the process is much slower. But celebrate and vocalize progress. Celebrate when someone has a spiritual victory. Rejoice with them in victory, learn to offer ways to improve, but be very intentional about celebrating success.
3. Finally, be present with people. Be with them in good times or bad. Pray with them. Love them. Encourage them. Life is meant to be together with people. Be with them.

In our journey through the book of Ruth this month, one of the most common themes is this journey from grief, hurt, confusion, loss, towards joy. Essentially, how do we as human beings move towards the blessing and promise? That is an easy question to ask, but it can be a particularly hard question to understand. I hope the ideas below help to bring some clarity.

1. Understand your situation. One of the most common mistakes we make is to not fully understand why we’re in the tough situation we find ourselves in currently. Wrestle with and try to understand where you may be at fault, and begin to understand the smaller decisions that led to the current moment of trouble. The hurt and pain you are experiencing more than likely you had some part to play in it. Now, I’m not saying that you have to beat yourself up, but it is important to understand how you arrived at the moment you’re experiencing. So, understand, learn, and grow from the situation.
2. In Ruth the answer is present, but it is not one that many like to hear: Ruth works and Ruth takes a big risk. Ruth shows that move forward in life many times prayer and hard work are the answer. I love what renowned author and preacher Charles Spurgeon says, “Work as though it all depended on you, but pray as it all depended on God.” Let’s learn how to work hard at work, in our relationships, in our home, and in our love and admiration for God. Ruth in chapter 3 takes a big risk by lying at Boaz’s feet. A foreign woman was not supposed to do this. But, Ruth takes a risk, trusts Naomi’s idea, and in the end is redeemed and now has a home and a family. Don’t get me wrong, risks do have inherit risks and can fail. But, we serve a God who desires His children to risk and step out in faith. So, don’t be afraid. Trust in the promise of God, and know that God will provide.
3. Ruth is patient. Boaz drops quite a bombshell on her in chapter 3: someone else is closer to redeem you than I. Ruth returns to Naomi in the end of chapter 3, and she is instructed quite simply to be patient as Boaz will complete it all today. Friends in your journey be patient. God will show up and lead you to where you need to go.