Our Tuesday devotional was prepared by Dean Faubel, a member of our faith community.
Scripture: Isaiah 41:10
Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
Reflections
The present Corona virus pandemic has reminded me of my experience with the measles when I was 5 years-old in 1948. At the time there was no vaccine for the measles. A vaccine didn’t arrive until 1963.
Even though my measles experience was decades ago, what stands out in my mind was how sick I felt. Bedridden in a darkened room for days with a high fever provided a lasting memory.
According to the WHO in 2018, there were 350,236 confirmed cases of measles worldwide, and it is estimated that 140,000 individuals died. Only 375 of those deaths were in the US. In 2019, there were more than 500,00 confirmed cases of measles from more than 180 countries.
How sad to see these statistics. Looking at the positive side, the measles vaccine has saved millions of lives since 1963. It is our hope that a vaccine to conquer COVID19 will do the same.
Prayer
Oh Lord, we ask for your mercy and support of the families that are currently dealing with the loss of their loved ones. Be with all persons who are risking their lives to enhance the effort against the Corona virus. Help us with our everyday lives as we look to you for direction and guidance. We all pray for your help in leading research to the answer for a vaccine/medicine that will slow down and overcome this virus. In Jesus name, Amen
Important Announcements
1. Would you like to write a devotional for this series? We need to receive a new supply of devotionals so that we can continue this series. If you’d like to submit a devotional, just as Dean Faubel did for today, please know that all devotionals are welcome. If you have a devotional—or, would like to write one—please contact Richard at richard.randolph@christumclinc.org. Just about every day, Richard receives an email from someone who deeply appreciated reading the devotion for that day. Contributing one of these devotionals is an important way we can support and care for members of our faith community.
2. Join us for a virtual Midweek Retreat this Wednesday, April 22nd, from 5:15-6:30 pm. We will spend most of our time seeing and talking with friends from Christ United Methodist Church. Then, towards the end of our time together, we will conclude with a “virtual” celebration of Holy Communion. If you go to the grocery store before Wednesday, be sure to purchase some grape juice (or, your favorite grape product) and have some bread on hand. If you don’t get to the grocery story, or if you forget to get grape juice, don’t worry. It will be perfectly all right to use anything, such as saltines and water. We will consecrate your elements from a distance, and receive the sacrament in our homes.
Once again, we will use zoom technology to connect. To join our virtual Midweek Retreat, get on your computers or phones and go to the website https://us02web.zoom.us/j/458451147If you need it, the Meeting ID is 458 451 147.
If you don’t have a computer or phone, with a camera and microphone, you can still join our virtual Midweek Retreat by traditional telephone. Simply call 346-248-7799. When prompted, type in the Meeting Id number, 458 451 147. This will allow you to participate in the virtual Midweek Retreat using your phone. We hope that you will join us for this special meeting