Good morning church family. Like everyone else I am wondering how long this shut down will continue. I am very eager to worship together again. In the meantime, keep the faith. The verse Marie sent out today (James 1:2) is very appropriate for our current situation. God does allow trials to test our faith. Will we trust Him in the trials, or will we only trust Him when things are going well?

Our Church board will be meeting Tuesday to discuss future plans for our church. What changes will we need to make in view of the present circumstances?

Marie and I will be serving the Lord’s Supper again this Sunday from 9 to 11. Those who feel comfortable to venture out are welcome to join us for a 3-minute
individual communion service.

I think we can thank God for the low incidence of the virus in Benton County (3 cases, all recovered). Let us continue to pray that His hand of protection will continue to watch over us.
Pastor Bowman

Easter has come and gone. Our church was as empty as Jesus tomb – – – well, not quite as empty. We had 21 people come for our individual 3 minute communion service. While we regret our empty church, we rejoice in the empty tomb. Our Savior was resurrected, and because He lives, we too shall live. Because of Jesus, life is still good no matter what.

We will also serve communion next Sunday in the sanctuary from 9 to 11 AM for any and all who wish to come. Otherwise, all group gatherings at the church continue to be on hold. This forced separation has made me appreciate even more how much I appreciate the church and our Sunday gathering. I miss our Sunday worship service and Sunday school so much! I know you join with me in prayer that this virus will soon be gone.

We do have room for 6 more people to meet at the church on 4/24 for the DHF webinar from noon to 2 PM. . Let me know if you plan to join us.

I will be announcing the answers and winner(s) from our “Guess Who” contest early this afternoon. There is still time to enter your guess and win the phenomenal prize of a $10 gift certificate from Subway!

Blessings and the peace of Christ be with you all.
Pastor Bowman

We are near to the greatest Christian holy day, Easter. It is sad that we are mandated to stay at home except for necessary trips. Nevertheless, Christ is risen! The salvation He purchased for us is still valid. The Corona virus cannot change that. We have God’s own promise that we who believe in Jesus are welcomed into God’s forever family. Even though we are separated from one another, we have reason to rejoice. Like Job, we are being tested. In the midst of his very severe trials, Job cried out, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him (Job 13:15)….The Lord gives, the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” (Job 1:22). Please, do not charge God with wrong in this time of testing. He has a purpose in all that is happening. Trust Him. Hold fast to your faith in Jesus, and it will be well with your soul.

Remember rhe 24 hour prayer vigil on Good Friday. All slots have been taken, but if you haven’t signed up I encourage you to find a time to pray on Good Friday.

Marie and I will be at the church on Easter from 9 AM to noon to serve communion. Come individually and observe all the health precautions.

We will come together again. Until then, God be with you. May His grace, mercy and peace fill your heart and soul. Pastor Bowman

The basic news for the entire month of April is “everything canceled.” No church services, no Easter celebration, no FCW, FCM. no choir, no board meeting. We will continue to follow Federal guidelines and hunker down for the month. This is certainly new territory for us. I cannot remember ever having to cancel church on Easter.

Mark Simmons and I will continue to send out daily thoughts. We hope they are helpful, and it is an electronic way of staying in touch. I sent out a paper/electronic sermon this week and will do so for Palm Sunday and Easter. I plan to do a second Easter sermon when we are once again able to gather together. We don’t really know the date of Easter, and I think it would be proper to celebrate Easter, Part 2 when we next come together.

I am keeping my usual work schedule at the church. I am the only one here so I am practicing social distancing. I continue to prepare sermons for each Sunday. The written version is not as satisfying to me as the spoken version, but it was what we have to do for now. Marie and I will be here again on Palm Sunday from 9 to 11 for anyone wishing to receive the Lord’s Supper. It was good to see those who came for communion last Sunday. Several have also sent in offerings which is appreciated. Because of past faithfulness I am sure we can survive financially for several months, but we prefer not to exhaust our reserve monies.

A few people have wondered why I had no columns in the Enterprise for 2 weeks. I submit an article weekly, but they only print them if they have the space. Maybe I will make it in this week!

Stay safe; stay strong. God is still in control.Jesus is still our Savior and Lord. This truth will never change, and is an anchor for our souls during this storm.

Pastor Bowman

As the Corona virus continues to be a threat, all church group activities are canceled. How long this will go on is anyone’s guess. I am still keeping mu usual schedule at church. I am the only one here so I am observing social distancing! What am I doing? I am working ahead on sermons and Bible studies. I am doing the daily thought and prayer. I am going through books and CDS to see what I can discard. I am talking to members on the phone. I have the kind of job where there is always something to do.

Just a reminder that our expenses do not stop for the Corona virus! You may mail contributions to the church, PO box 968, attention Jackie Barb. No one will know what you contribute except our treasurer.

The sermon I am sending is one from 5 or 6 years ago. I tried to find a sermon relevant to the present situation. I hope it is helpful. When we all return I will continue with the Gospel of John and finish up with the Samaritan woman.

The question many are asking is “Why does God allow such pestilence to sweep our world.” I have a simple answer. I don’t know. I do know that we live in a fallen world and one of the consequences of that is sickness and death. I lost an aunt I never knew in the flu epidemic of 1918-19. 675,000 Americans lost their lives. Thank God our medical knowledge as vastly increased in the last 100 years.

But as we cling to faith in Jesus we know that heaven is our destiny, so everything is fine. I think one thing God is teaching us in these situations is just how much we need Him. Our country seemed to be on a very positive path, and then everything changed. God never changes. We can always depend on Him no matter what.

One day (soon, I hope) we will be back together as a church family. In the meantime stay safe, and keep the faith! Keep me updated on prayer requests or any other need that you may have.

Pastor Bowman