John 10:1-10
Grace mercy and peace to you in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Like most parents, I have been forced to face the unpleasant fact that I am unable to do middle school algebra. I understand in theory what my sons are trying to do. I can understand the general idea of the x and y axes, as well as slope and intercept … I just don’t know enough operations to solve for any of those variables. I think I remember, sometime in my distant past, muttering the words, “When am I ever going to use this?”

That’s one of the long time knocks on math, right? Especially for those of us who weren’t drawn to STEM careers. When are we every going to need to know this? When are we ever going to use this? Well, when you are staying home in the middle of a plague and your son asks your help with math problem. I guess that’s one time.

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals … and to prayer” Acts 2:42 (NLT)

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

Grace, mercy and peace to you in name of Jesus Christ.
With the start of a new month, it is becoming apparent that we are entering a new stage in our journey together. This past week, Governor Murphy sketched an outline for the slow and, we pray steady, restart of the states economy. This weekend, parks and even golf courses are being reopened, with provisions for social distance and minimal contact, so that we might enjoy the sunshine, warm weather and exercise. In the days ahead we can look forward to the reopening of workplaces and businesses, again with provisions for social distancing and minimal contact. Churches, including this congregation, are working together with local colleagues to developing guidelines and outline provisions so that we can gather for worship, fellowship, study and prayer together in person. Before we take these next steps, however, we stop to make sure that we are clear within ourselves about our purpose, our mission, and our witness to the community. It is my prayer that this letter will help us clarify our vision for the future and unite us in Christ’s mission for the days and weeks ahead.