Caring for one another – We are in this together

Dear friends,
As a Church, we continue our primary business:  the worship of God.  Every day we offer a prayer video, with a live worship service on Sundays.  Even if you are not able to join us online, please know that we are holding you in our prayers and you are with us in spirit. 
And we continue our ministry of serving others.  I am so grateful to the many parishioners of St. Andrew’s who are reaching out in love in so many ways—by contacting folks to check in; by donating generously to THRIVE, LINK, and our own toilet paper ministry; by contributing stimulus checks to those in greater need; by so many other compassionate acts, large and small.
This is such a stressful and difficult time, and it impacts each of us differently.  For many, what may be uppermost on our minds is the physical health and safety of our families and loved ones.  For others, fear about being able to provide food or pay for shelter may be the top concern.  It’s hard, all the way around.
If you yourself are in financial need, please let me know.  Through the anonymous generosity of other parishioners, I may be able to help connect you with some financial resources to get through this troubled time.  I definitely want to know what’s going on so that I can pray with you and support you.  Remember Romans 12:15:  Paul tells us that Christians are to rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  As the community of faith, we are in this together, and we have an obligation to care for one another.  I am reminded of our baptismal promise, made anew each time someone joins the household of God:  Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?  We will!  Surely that support includes helping fellow members of the household of God meet their most basic needs!  If you are struggling, please let me know.  My cell number is 804-687-5396. 
May God bless each of you abundantly, knowing and responding to your exact needs just as he did to Thomas’ exact need in John 21:27.
Anne+