Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
These are trying times as we watch for news of the spread of the Coronavirus in our city, state, and nation. Our leaders are working hard to get out in front of this disease. Recommendations are changing daily, it seems, and are becoming stricter with each report. Yesterday, March 16, Governor Polis announced the closing of restaurants, bars and theaters across the state to onsite activities (takeout and delivery is still allowed).
A few days ago it was mandated in Colorado that all gatherings of fifty people or more be canceled. Yesterday, the CDC and the president's task force asked that, for at least the next two weeks, any community with minimal to moderate COVID-19 spread cancel gatherings of ten people or more.
As followers of Jesus Christ and as citizens of God's heavenly kingdom, we are not to live our lives in fear of anything save God alone. Romans 8:28 says, "We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." In confident faith we trust that his promise is true. A few verses later we read, "He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?" The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the demonstration of God's love for each one of us and for the world (Romans 5:8). Therefore we do not live in fear, but we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
While we do not live in fear, trusting ourselves to the Lord's care, we also must act as responsible citizens in our community. We have been urged by our district office to heed the advice of the CDC and our local authorities in how we respond to and work to minimize the impact and spread of the Coronavirus. There are many in our congregation and larger circles who are at high risk from this disease.
I have been in contact with our Elders and Church Council, and we have come to the difficult decision that, for the good of our church community and the community at large, University Hills will discontinue all church-related activities for the time being. Christ Lutheran and other congregations have decided to do the same. We will continue to monitor the recommendations of the CDC and local authorities and will keep our members informed of any decisions that are made as we go forward.
What we are witnessing is unprecedented. We don't know what, in the end, the impact will be. What we do know is that our Lord remains in control, and that he will continue to work for our good. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord!
During this time I will continue posting audio sermons to this website, found here. Please hit the “subscribe button” at the top of the page to have the sermons automatically delivered to your phone. You can also find an expanded online form of our service including the scripture readings for the day, sermon, creed, Lord's prayer, prayer for our congregation and society, and benediction here. Please contact Roberta or myself if you would prefer an audio CD or a printed copy to be mailed to you each week. I'd also like to be able to offer times when I would be available at the church (Christ Lutheran) for members to receive private communion. Watch for details that will be forthcoming. Please also continue to update the church office (Roberta) or myself with prayer requests.
There are devotional materials and sermons from The Lutheran Hour Ministries at www.lutheranhour.org and from Lutheran Public Radio at www.lutheranpublicradio.org. The Lutheran Hour is broadcast each Sunday in Denver at 6:00 a.m. on 850 AM and 94.1 FM.
God is giving us an opportunity to love each other and our neighbor. If you have any needs at all (grocery shopping, rides to doctor, etc.), please contact me (at the phone number below) or one of the Elders. We have people ready and able to be helpful to our brothers and sisters. Likewise, remember to check on your neighbors and offer help where you are able.
On Sunday we read responsively Psalm 46. It is very applicable to our situation today.
God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
I will be praying for you all and I encourage you to continue in prayer for one another, for our congregation, and for the nation at large. God be with you!
In Christ,
Pastor Vanderhyde
303-759-0161