Undoubtedly, everyone has seen on the news the events that unfolded in Washington DC this week. Regardless of your political affiliation, no one should be pleased of the disruptions that were caused in the operation and functionality of our government. This is not the way things are supposed to be. And depending upon which media outlet you choose to follow, some may be minimizing the actions, and some may be saying this is the end of the world.

As you have heard me say in sermons, and in previous writings, “When the world is at its worst, the Church needs to be at its best.” I believe that, and hope and believe that Chestnut Level can play a part, even if it’s a small one, in this truth, so that this becomes our mission and even embedded in our church’s DNA. 

The truth is, I don’t have all the answers. So, when we don’t know what to do, or what to say, we need to go to God’s holy word. Scripture informs how we are to live. We are to love the Lord our God with our heart, soul, mind and strength. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus said in his Sermon on the Mount, “Blessed are the peacemakers.“ Now this is not always easy. We are passionate about things, and it is not a bad thing to be convicted in our beliefs. However, as peacemakers, we should strive for harmony, and a unity of spirit in the bond of peace. There are so many more things that unite us then divide us. Let’s be sure we remember that as we go about our daily lives in Jesus Christ.

Looking forward to being back with you in person for worship at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM this Sunday morning. Obviously, we will still broadcast our worship services via Zoom, Facebook live, and YouTube at 10:30.

Blessings on you, and just remember we are still in the grip of God’s grace. It’s the place we need to be. It’s the best place for us to be.

Pastor John