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When I was playing football in high school, we had a poster up in our locker room which said: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” I’m sure many of you have heard that saying and to one degree or another have tried to live by it. There was another saying I recall from my Navy days when I was in the Engineering Department of my first ship. Fortunately, it was a bit of a joke, though it had a ring of truth to it: “When in worry, when in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!”
So, we might ask, which is it? I don’t think I will get an argument that the current situation with the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is not something that qualifies for tough times. Do we just pull ourselves up the bootstraps and tough it out? Or, like some when faced with any sort of dilemma, do we just run in circles, screaming and shouting? The good news is that neither approach is necessary nor appropriate for the Christian. Our hope (confident assurance) and trust is in the Living God who does all things well.
We serve a faithful God who was not caught off guard by the present world pandemic. Dr. Sam Cathey was fond of the saying, “Has is ever occurred to you that nothing ever occurs to God?” Can I get an “Amen?” Paul said to the Philippians, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (4:6-7). Let’s trust our great God and use good common sense as we whether this storm.
Today Governor Kemp announced that he was going forward with a “shelter-in-place” order starting Friday. We are not certain exactly what that means since we have not yet seen the specifics of the order. But some things seem clear enough for us to announce that we will remain closed for activities at the church through April 30. Going forward will of course depend on how things progress with the virus situation. As it stands now, we will plan for worship at TBC on May 3.
We have had a great response of our online services and they will continue (according to the schedule below). We are considering (emphasis on considering!) a possible live “drive-in” service in the parking lot on Easter Sunday. There are number of considerations, not the least of which is permission from state and local authorities. At the present time, we have it confirmed in writing that we may have a drive-in service, but we realize that circumstance could change. The staff and I are working on the logistics to determine the feasibility.
By the way, if anyone has an AM radio transmitter, we could surely use one if we are able to determine that we can otherwise have a drive-in service.
Please “LIKE” our Facebook pages and then share our services and posts with others. It’s a great way to get the word out about TBC.
Please remember that the church’s financial needs continue. You can mail your check to the church or give on line at: https://app.easytithe.com/App/Giving/tabe6611136
As always, I am looking forward to what God will do at Tabernacle this coming Sunday. Please be present with your Bibles in hand as we worship the Lord together – from our living rooms, dens, and other locations! Pray!
Blessings, YFJS, Bro. Tom
Here is the schedule:
Sunday School Lesson for Adults from Church’s Facebook page: 9:15 am on Sundays - Will likely be available sometime Saturday and will be uploaded to Facebook, the Website and You Tube Channel.
Sunday School Lesson for Children by Melba, on the Church’s Children’s Facebook page: 10:00 am Sundays
Worship Service from Church’s Facebook – recorded live streaming: 10:30 am on Sundays
Wednesday Children’s Lesson by Melba, on the Church’s Children’s Facebook page: 6:30 pm
Wednesday Prayer Meeting/Update, Live on Church’s Facebook page: 7:00pm