ACH AUTOMATIC WITHDRAWL OPTIONS

As the church staff contacted members this past week, many asked about church offerings. Expenses at church have not ceased and sound Biblical stewardship practices need to remain. You can continue to give your offering in the following ways:

1. You can mail your offerings to the church.
2. The church also offers the opportunity for you to give your offering via ACH withdraws from your bank. This can be done as a one-time gift or for a temporary window of time. Or you might decide that this is the time to begin ACH withdraws on a permanent basis. Both forms are available below.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call Pastor Heren.

Count your Blessings in the Midst of a Virus Pandemic

For many of us the Coronavirus national emergency is perhaps the biggest life-changing event that as a country we will face.  Fortunately, our generation has missed the great depression and world wars which caused even greater lifestyle changes than what we are facing today.  As we all know, this virus pandemic has caused the closing of schools and colleges, the cancellations of sporting events, and the job loss for many people.  Many churches are no longer holding services, concerts cancelled, restaurants closed, vacations postponed, etc.  The coronavirus has caused significant declines in the world’s financial markets, decreasing the value of people’s investments and retirement funds. 

It is easy for people to become bitter and frightened in these circumstances and many will blame God.  God’s Word tells us of a better way. “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).  These verses give us actions that will enable us to overcome the worst circumstances.  We aren’t told just to “feel better” but to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks…” 

There’s a lot to give thanks for, too, when we’re going through difficult times.  God is with us, and He is control.  What a joy we have knowing that we have God’s presence and protection.  We have God’s strong and abiding presence through His Word and Sacrament.  Each and every day, we have the opportunity to turn to God in His Word to be uplifted and refreshed even when the world around us seems to be closing down.  Through the faith that God gives us, we know it is God’s will that we rejoice in Him and seek His peace in the midst of this virus pandemic.

In the midst of this crisis, the church still continues its vital mission and ministry.  Jesus tells us “I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).  God promises us that nothing will overcome the Church because it rests on Jesus.  The church is here to minister to the bitter, frightened, and doubtful.  We encourage your prayers and ask you to continue your generous giving.  The fear of catching the virus will keep many away from church, but we do ask that you continue your faithful giving as you are able.  May God help us all during these challenging times be the light that He wants us to be.