Head Elder's Corner

Greetings in Christ. 

I hope this letter finds all of you well.  For my first letter as Head Elder, I decided to reference a verse that hangs on a picture in Kaylee’s room.  It is one I see every night as I tuck her into bed.  While I hung it there specifically for her, I take great comfort in the fact that it applies to all of us.  Jeremiah 19:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord. “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” The prophet Jeremiah was writing a letter to the elders, priests, prophets who had just been carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.  Jeremiah 29:5 says “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters.”

I find those words so comforting, especially at a time like this.  If you notice Jeremiah doesn’t say anything about “make sure you get the kids to soccer practice on time,” “prepare a seven-course meal for dinner,” “vacuum, dust and wash the floors of your house every 3 days” or “have enough money in your savings account to live for 6 months.”  A year ago, none of us could have possibly imagined the world we are currently living in.  The post-COVID world certainly operates at a pace that is less breakneck than pre-COVID. Due to a reduction in the kid’s activities, my family has actually had time to work on our house and do some gardening.  The increased number of family meals we have had recently leads me to believe Karla and I are doing a better job focusing on raising our son and daughter than before COVID. While our country and the world as a whole is facing a difficult time, my hope is we can all take a step back and accept the fact everything that happens is part of God’s plan.  That plan includes “plans to prosper you and not to harm you and give you hope and a future.”  Based on our belief that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, the future is brighter than ever.

God Bless, 
Andrew 

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