Faith and the Coronavirus
March 1, 2020
How should people of Christian faith respond to the coronavirus? It is has been the top story in the news. It understandably has people anxious. Here are three thoughts on how to respond.
- Respond cautiously optimistic. We are in yet another long line of things to kill us all! From SARS, to MERS, to Ebola, we have had a long recent history of being keenly aware of the latest biological threat. In light of all humanity has overcome, I am choosing to remain optimistic about the latest cause for concern. Yet, remaining optimistic does not mean ignoring what is happening. I think it means we try not to let worry dominate us.
- Respond prudently realistic. We may get sick. Let’s do everything we can to stay healthy and limit germ exposure. The majority of deaths will be from those who have an underlying health condition. It seems like the best advice is hygienic, like washing your hands. I worked in a hospital for awhile. I made washing my hands a game. See how long you can scrub those germs off. If I remember right, we were suppose to sing Happy Birthday three times while scrubbing. It ruined the song for me.
- Stay vigilantly faithful. Our faith will not be in our cleaning abilities (although you should try to keep clean hands). Our faith is in Jesus. With this we should be vigilant about how God wants to use his people during this time. How is God calling us to love our neighbor? Is it to let them know you will be there for them if they are sick? Is it to show confidence in the face of a global virus? Is it to donate to an organization helping those with the virus? Let’s stay vigilant on ways God may use our church and us individually.
This is post #4 in my Forty Posts of Lent Challenge.
My Terrifying Team Speech
February 29, 2020
This past week I had my first speech with a local baseball team I am coaching. The church I work at is sponsoring the team and I am the coach. So I guess you could say I am the coach, owner, and general manager? The team is the Twin City United Methodist Angels. Here is what I prepared to tell these four and five-year-olds at our first practice (please read in a Jon Gruden voice).
“Now I know you think since you are on a team called the angels we might be cute and fun… but let me tell something. In the Bible when angels showed up it freaked people out. The angel told Mary, “Don’t be afraid”. When Zachariah saw an angel, the angel took his voice for questioning him. When the shepherds in the field saw the angels on the night Jesus was born… they … were … terrified…
We are not coming out on this field to make the other team feel good… we are here to terrify them! Everybody put your hand in here. Terrify on three.”
OK, well maybe we didn’t start out like this.
We did, however have a fun practice that started with us all sharing our favorite cartoons, fielding, and batting.
Maybe we are going to be more fun and fundamentals focused rather than Biblical visions of angels.
This is post #3 in my Forty Posts of Lent Challenge
Three Reasons I am Excited about Last Words from the Cross
February 28, 2020
This Sunday, March 1st at 11a.m. we begin a new series of Sermons at Twin City United Methodist Church. Each week we will look at the phrases Jesus said while on the cross. We are calling the series The Last Words from the Cross (Facebook Event). Here are three reasons I am looking forward to this series.
- There is beauty in these words. As a pastor, one of the honors I have is to be around people in their tough moments. I get to see people before they go back for surgery, to have a baby, and yes even as they pass from this world to the next. It’s a blessing to be with the family. One of the things we all do is lean in and listen to hear what the last words are from the patient. In the same way we get to lean in and hear the words Jesus left those around him. There is beauty in having these words recorded because they show us Jesus’ love and care for us.
- We have some amazing guests preachers. In this series I am honored to have some great help preaching. On Sunday, March 8th retired college professor and pastor David Dudley will preach on the phrase “I thirst”. On Sunday, March 22nd the Associate Director of Connectional Ministries for the South Georgia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will preach on the words. “Today you will be with me in paradise.” Both of these people are talented communicators. I can’t wait to hear them share.
- We are in the season of Lent. I love the season of Lent. It is a time of Christians preparing for Easter. Lent is also a time of reconnecting with God. There is something special about the people of God, together, returning to the Lord. If you haven’t been to church in awhile or want to check it out, now is one of the best times to jump in. We will have a hot cup of coffee waiting on you.
Sermon Schedule
- Sunday, March 1st – “Father Forgive them they know now what they do.” Luke 23:24
- Sunday, March 8th – “I thirst” John 19:28 Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. David Dudley
- Sunday, March 15th – “Behold your mother, Behold your son.” John 19:26-27
- Sunday, March 22nd – “Today you will be with me in paradise” Luke 23:43 Guest preacher Allison Lindsey
- Sunday, March 29th – “My God, My God why you Forsaken Me” Matthew 27:6
- Sunday, April 5th – “Into Your hands I commit my spirit” Luke 23:46
- EASTER Sunday, April 12th – “It is Finished” John 19:30 plus additional Easter readings. There will be two Easter Sunday services at 9:00a.m. and 11:00a.m.
This is post #2 in my 40 posts for Lent challenge.
David Donnan 