Today’s Word from Pastor Jim

“All who believed were together and had all things in common, they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all as any had need.” The Second Chapter of Acts.

Last week I asked a very simple question: “What day is it?” It is so disorienting to wake up each morning to Groundhog Day. I want to thank those of you who continue to email me each morning to tell me what day it is. The question this morning is equally simple with a surprising twist: “Where are you this week?” I am guessing that the answer for most of us is “home.” The Governor has mandated that we stay home and your pastor has asked you to love your neighbor by staying home. In this most surreal spring, love looks like an empty church.

“Where are you this week?” You may be home, but you are also on the road, reaching out, doing good, helping distressed neighbors. When this crisis broke, we/you/TLC sent $2,000 to Good Cheer Food Bank. This past week we sent $2,000 to Camp Lutherwood as they struggle to keep their doors open. 2020 has been a financial disaster for families, businesses, and your Church. However, this is not a time for us to hoard money or let fear rule the day. 2020 has been a financial disaster, but we/you/TLC has already given away 45% of our yearly commitment to benevolences. $45,000 is out there working, and though you are stuck at home, you are also out there assisting your neighbors in crisis.

Where are you this week? Consider this: 2020 has been a financial disaster for the TLC Endowment, and yet this week they/we/you released $25,000 to help our neighbors in this time of uncertainty. Already, $15,000 has been passed on to Good Cheer. You are at Good Cheer this week helping your neighbors, even as you stay at home.

Where are you this week? The High School Graduating class of 2020 is sitting home, missing out on dances, sports, and the glow of their achievement. The TLC Endowment has pledged its full support of our students. We will once again award more than $100,000 in scholarships. You are there! Your gifts to TLC make it possible for us to assist neighbors, students, church members and strangers in a time of crisis.

I would encourage everyone to stay safe by staying at home. You are there and on the front lines at the same time. Thank God for the blessings that come to us each day in a thousand different ways. Blessed to be a blessing!

One day closer to May 17th—One day closer to the end of this crisis.

My love to you!

Pastor Jim

 

 

A Note From your TLC Fun Committee: It’s Trivia Monday!
Follow this link to see our first round of trivia questions from our trivia master Kevin Lungren: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1INiunMZM7Unta3sbx4yuIviikahf9EU3iobKbyHFa6E/edit?usp=sharing

You can play on your own or on a team. It is really between you and God. Score yourself on the JM (Just Me) or GA (Google Assisted) scales. Look for a special video tomorrow from our trivia master with the correct answers.

To Donate to TLC, follow this link: https://trinitylutheranfreeland.org/give