| Dear Brothers and Sisters, “So I will bless you as long as I live; I will lift up my hands and call on your name.” Psalm 63:4 |
Over the last few weeks, since we have had online only services, one of the things that I have missed the most is looking out across the sanctuary and seeing all of you with your hands raised during the final benediction. One of my favorite customs of our church family is when we lift our hands up at the end of worship as a way of raising up a prayer request for ourselves or another. And while I know that you are all continuing to do this as you worship at home, I miss seeing all of your hands raised as we join together in prayer and blessing.
In the middle of these unprecedented and uncertain times, we need each other’s prayers and blessings more than ever. Today I invite you to join me as we raise our hands for:
~all who have lost their lives to COVID 19,
~all who are at high risk of contracting the virus
~all who have lost loved ones to this disease
~all who have lost jobs
~all hospital workers, paramedics, firefighters and all who are working in essential industries.
~all teachers, students, and parents
~all who are separated from loved ones
~all who are in fear, trouble or anguish.
~all who are alone and uncertain
~all who are struggling to find the good in these bad times
~all who are seeking faith, finding hope, sharing love
~all of our church family at New Philadelphia
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you; May he lift his countenance upon you, and give you his peace. In the name of Jesus. Amen
Remember that you are not alone and you are loved.
Pastor Joe
