A message from Pastor Jim

Hello sisters and brothers of Donway Baptist Church,

I’ve recorded a message for you and posted it on youtube. Watch it below: 


 

If you have trouble viewing it, here is the full text of my reflections:

These past few days have been troublesome and difficult for all of us. Many of us who can work, study, or stay at home have decided to do so in order to protect others and ourselves from COVID-19. The news continues to be bad as far as the spread and the impact of the virus on our country and the world. Many of us are isolated, which does not help amidst this challenging situation. But it is not naïve to say that God is with us and to cling to our faith in God more than ever. While we continue to take protective measures, such as social distancing and washing our hands, we can take comfort that God walks with us through this dark valley. 


This Sunday’s Old Testament lesson is Psalm 23.  

The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
    He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.


We often associate this Psalm with dying. It’s read at funerals and hospital rooms. I remember someone sharing with me that her mother was in the hospital and the pastor came into visit and began to read Psalm 23. Her mother replied, “Psalm 23, everyone who comes in here is reading Psalm 23 to me!”

I’d like to suggest that Psalm 23 is a Psalm for the living. It is for you, me and all, who are fearful, stressed, anxious, and lonely at this time. The Wonderful Shepherd walks with you and provides for you and protects you. Even though we are walking through the darkest of valleys– death valley – he comforts us with his arms of protection. His goodness and steadfast love fill our lives. I encourage you to read this Psalm and sit silently and let the words fill your mind and heart. 

 

Let’s pray. 

 

You, Lord, are the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his sheep.

Thank you, that you know me and call me by name.

Thank you that you would search and search

just for one missing sheep out of a hundred—

even it were me—

and not rest until it was back in the fold.

And thank you, too, for the great words of the psalms,

which comfort, challenge and inspire us.

We shall not want, Lord, for we are yours,

and you have given us what we need.

You have given us all we need.


Thank you for green pastures. 
Thank you for quiet waters. 
Thank you for refreshing my soul.


Even when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear.


You, Lord, are my shepherd.

You have called me by name.

And you have searched, until you have found me.

Enfold us in your love. Amen.

 

 

At this time it is important to remember that the Good Shepherd guides us, but it is also good to remember that we have each other. I’m pleased to see you’re connecting with each other by phone, email and Facebook. I’ve created a Donway Baptist Church email group and many of you are sharing information and encouragement with each other. The pastoral care committee is checking in by phone with the older folks in our congregation. Sandi Porter suggested the idea of creating a buddy system by pairing up people in the congregation to call and connect with one another. We are finalizing the list now and it will be emailed to you soon. 

Presently, I am putting the finishing touches on a virtual worship service for Sunday that you can do in your own home. It will be sent to you by email and be posted on the church website. Let’s continue to remain connected to each other especially at these times where we need to practice social distancing. 

 

 

Go in peace and love and care for each other in the name of the Lord;

and may God lead you to places of rest and renewal;

may Christ Jesus give you life in abundance;

and may the Holy Spirit fill your hearts with gladness and generosity,

both now and forevermore.  

Amen.