Chris' Corner - March 29, 2020
I trust everyone was able to be in the spirit of worship last Sunday. Whether it was in personal prayer and meditation, or with family members or other nearby Christians, we all should have been able to be in the mindset of worship on the Lord's day. Just because we couldn't be together in our own building doesn't mean we cannot worship. After all, Christians are the church!
For those who have access to computers, smartphones or other devices, we are able to use the tools of modern technology to live-stream worship services from other congregations. River Road doesn't have this capability. Most of the places we found online had also suspended their in-house or corporate worship services as we did. Preachers and IT people made it possible for those who tuned in to be together in the spirit and truth of worship. Some of the sermons were prerecorded, but that doesn't take away from the message preached. There were many choices. Carrie and I were able to participate in one worship, and then because of the time zones we watched and listened to several other sermons throughout the morning.
The kind of emotions that came over us was quite unexpected. It was different from the normal feelings we have in our regular worship services on a normal Sunday. Maybe you experienced the same. I suppose it was because we missed being with our own people. Our River Road family was definitely on our minds last Sunday.
For those of you who receive the bulletin electronically, you can take advantage this week of the resource list I have compiled on page two. The rest will get them later for future reference. Since we're at home more these days, we have more time to spend in God's word. Since many have been asking about live-streaming and/or recorded services for Sunday worship, I have included some links for this as well.
These are unusual times. These are difficult times. We have never gone through such extremes before. History is being made. I am confident, for the most part, our members understand the decisions that have been made and what needs to be done. Keep up the good work.
I will reiterate what I said last week. Please pray for our elders and encourage them in the work they are doing. Especially in these unprecedented times. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call on them. They watch for the well-being of our souls. In recent days, they also are concerned for our physical health during this pandemic.
We encourage everyone to stay in touch over these few weeks. If you need something, call on us. The apostle said, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4). "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Hebrews 13:16)."Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another...rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints.. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:10-15).
I know our collective prayers will be that we're together again real soon. God bless and take care.