Richmond Emmaus Community,
We are in unchartered territory right now as
the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has become a state of emergency in our
Commonwealth, nation and world So, it is imperative that we, the Body of
Christ, respond with wisdom and faithfulness and with a sense of calmness
during these days of uncertainty and fear.
Pastor Jay Carey contacted me to let me know
the Bishop has suspended all activities in the district. See below:
“So effective today (March 13th), ALL WORSHIP
SERVICES, MEETINGS, ACTIVITIES, CLASSES AND GATHERINGS OF ANY SIZE SCHEDULED TO
MEET AT Bethia UMC ARE NOW CANCELLED UNTIL MONDAY MARCH 23 (Unless, if
necessary, extended to a later date for health reasons).
This includes ALL OUTSIDE GROUPS that use our
church facility for their meetings and gatherings.”
GATHERING TOMORROW HAS BEEN CANCELED
AND THE NEXT GATHERING WILL BE APRIL 18TH AT BETHIA AND 4TH
DAY TRAINING WILL BE PRIOR.
Details to follow.
The board had already voted to cancel
gathering prior to this information in the interest of safety for our
community.
The UPPER ROOM issued a statement recommending
all retreats be cancelled until the end of April. The board reviewed this and
all information relating to this situation and made the decision to postpone
Richmond 135 to June 4-7 which was the next available date at the retreat.
R135 HAS BE POSTPONED UNTIL JUNE 4-7
God has this! Let’s look at this as an
opportunity to add more pilgrims to R135!
I am sharing brief devotion from today as it
made me smile and reminded me that even though I do not see this as a “pit” He
is in control.
Today’s
Scripture
“…He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of
the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God…” (Psalm 40:2-3,NIV)
Be
a Pit Praiser
When God sees you praising Him in the pit,
praising Him in the storm, praising Him in the loss, that’s what He calls “a
sacrifice of praise.” He knows it’s not easy and you feel like quitting. When
you praise Him in the pit that moves Him in a greater way. Its one thing to be
grateful when things are going your way, but when you have a song of praise in
your heart when every circumstance says you should be depressed, get ready for
God to show out in your life. David said in today’s Scripture that praise
brings you out of the pit. Praise when it’s sunny, and praise when it’s rainy.
Praise when business is up, and praise when it’s down. David said in Psalm 34,
“I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise will continually be in my
mouth.” God is looking for some pit praisers, people who praise no matter what
happens.
A
Prayer for Today
“Father, thank you that the pits I find myself
in are only temporary stops along the way to my final destination. Thank You
that I can offer You a sacrifice of praise because You hold victory in store
for the upright. I believe that You’ll get me to where I’m supposed to be. In
Jesus’ Name, Amen.” –
Please feel to reach to me directly if you have questions or
concerns at 804-787-4214.
God Bless
Kevin
Richmond
Emmaus Community Lay Director
