Announcements

• Letter from Pastor Roger

  Greetings brothers and sisters in the Lord,

         I would like to share with a portion of a letter that one of my seminary friends sent to his congregation. I did ask for his permission to use this.

  Leviticus 13:45-46 “The person afflicted with an infectious skin disease is to have his clothes torn and his hair hanging loose, and he must cover his mouth and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ He will remain unclean as long as he has the infection; he is unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp. (HCSB)

        The entire thirteenth chapter of Leviticus prescribes how society is to deal with an individual that develops leprosy.  Chapter fourteen provides the procedure of having the stigma of the leprosy label removed.  I want to primarily focus on chapter thirteen as it details the diagnosis of the disease and how someone infected is to be dealt with.  Some of this chapter may strike us as barbaric, but much of this is also eerily similar as to how we are currently dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic our world is raging with.  It sounds like either they knew more of what to do back then than we like to give them credit for, or we have not really changed that much in over 3,500 years.  How ironic that a dry old legalistic book of the Old Testament (First Covenant) could speak with such relevance to the world of 2020!  Leprosy is a bacterial infection and COVID-19 is a viral infection, but both have profound implications if you are unlucky enough to contract one of them.

        Every year a word or phrase will rise to prominence in the social psyche and be voted on as the word or phrase of the year.  I believe that a solid candidate for 2020 will be the phrase social distancing.  Yet social distancing is not a new concept as evidenced in this passage from Leviticus.  The parallels in these verses mirror our own situation.  In leprosy and COVID-19, exposure to either disease triggers the need to isolate oneself as a means to curb transmission of the condition to others.  Once we are proven to be exposed or infected we are deemed 'unclean', and because we are 'unclean' we are to 'live outside the camp' until we are declared 'clean' again.  The current recommendation for social distancing is six feet, which is the estimated zone of contamination.  For those who are not convinced this is necessary, I would like to point out that standing horizontally six feet apart from one another above the ground is much more preferable than being isolated six feet apart from one another vertically below the ground!(quoted from a letter by R. Emery)

        As much I did not want to see the door close on the church temporarily, I must follow the scripture. Romans 13:1-5 tells something about our guidelines for following the mandates set by our president and governor. The subtitle in my bible is A Christian’s Duties to the State. It says: Everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. So then, the one who resists the authority is opposing God’s command, and those who oppose it will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have its approval. For government is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, because it does not carry the sword for no reason. For government is God’s servant, an avenger that brings wrath on the one who does wrong. Therefore, you must submit, not only because of wrath, but also because of your conscience. (HCSB)

        Fellow saints, this is a time for us to be strong, to pull together as the church. Call a neighbor or a family member. Perhaps dig a little deeper into the scriptures, pray a little more. Be safe and remember that God loves you and I love you. You are prayed for daily. Please call if you have any concerns or discussions. I will maintain my regular office hours during this time of crisis. (M-F 8-11).

  In service with and for the Master,

  Pastor Roger

• Worship Update 3/20

  We want to share another update from Pastor Roger:

  After yesterday's message from Governor Wolfe, as your shepherd and with mych prayer, I think the responsible thing to do is cancel our church services and activities for 2 weeks. It is with deep regret I do this. We have elderly and those with health concerns, so let's err on the side of caution. God Bless You. 
   
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  Rescheduled New Journey Concert

  We are excited to announce we will be having a New Journey Concert at Paradise U.M. Church on July 19 at 6:30pm.  New Journey is a group of 3 local ladies, sharing the Gospel through song, 2 of which started singing with their parents as part of "The Gospel Rays" years ago.  We would like to extend an invitation to other Church families along with our community.
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  Part Time Music Director Position

  We are currently seeking a Part Time Music Dierctor.

  If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact us for more information.
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  Praise Band Seeking New Members

  We are always looking for anyone interested in joining our praise band for Sunday worship. If you would like to be a part of this great group, please contact us for more information!
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  New Joy Circle Cookbook

  Our Joy Circle is selling cookbooks "Paradise Past and Present Treasured Recipes" The cost is $20 and you may purchase them from any Joy Circle member.
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  Food Bank Distribution

  Our Food Bank Distribution will be Held on Thursday April 9 from 1-3pm.