Unfortunately, it will be another quiet week at the church. No activities are scheduled involving groups gathering together. I heard on the news that social distancing may occur throughout the summer. The church board is considering options. We are on hold for the present, hoping and praying that the virus will disappear.

We continue to send out daily devotionals via email. Thanks to Mark Simmons for his help, and Marie for her daily Bible verse. Today’s verse is very appropriate as we are seeking to walk by faith, not by sight. Mark’s reflections on Thomas are also relevant to our situation today. Many “doubt” God when tragedy strikes. We need to surrender our doubts to Jesus and continue to trust Him.

I am also sending out copies of the Sunday sermon both by email and regular mail. We will continue to serve communion from 9 to 11 on Sunday morning for those who wish to venture out.

Thank you for sending in your offerings. Our expenses for utilities, insurance, salaries, etc. continue. Please keep me updated on prayer requests, and let me know if you need anything. We will do our best to help.

Our church phone answering machine was not working for several days before it was noticed. If you left a message and we did not respond, we did not receive your call. The answering machine is working now.

Blessings to all our church family.

Pastor Bowman

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