The first Sunday of October has been observed since the 1940s as World Communion Sunday. This year, it promises to be more poignant than ever before. Because of the pandemic, most of us have not been able to receive communion together; and those of us who have been able to
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Dear friends, Some people view the pandemic as an interruption. Others view it as a disruption. I heard this thought recently during a professional development seminar, and it resonated deeply within me. The speaker put into words the dichotomy I’ve been experiencing among friends, congregants, colleagues, community members, etc. over
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Dear friends, The meteorologists are predicting a wonderful weekend that feels like fall. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some cooler outdoor temps. While things feel quite different this year – can you say, “college football”?? “People decorating for Halloween in September”?? “Virtual school”?? – one thing
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Dear church family and friends, The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of us greatly. It has presented us with numerous challenges, entirely changed our way of living, and distanced all of us from being together in community. Because humans are adaptive and resilient, many of us have for the most
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Dear friends, Not sure how many of you watched my #EastSideLIFELINE last Wednesday, but it was me reflecting on how much our church and ASP (our mission arm – Avondale Samaritan Place) is moving and shaking this summer. Y’all … God is doing amazing things that we never could’ve imagined
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Dear Church Family and Friends, It’s now been 13 weeks since we last worshiped together in the sanctuary. I remember vividly that last Sunday, March 8, standing in the back of the sanctuary during the closing hymn and wondering if this might be the last time we worship together in
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The past few days I’ve struggled to find words as I’ve watched our country explode from the underlying racial tension that has been brewing for far too long. I’ve prayed for the families of George Floyd, of Breonna Taylor, of Ahmaud Arbery … that God will comfort them in the
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Dear friends, In-person worship has long been at the heart of Christian community. However, recent times have changed that reality. You likely heard our governor yesterday say that churches are allowed to reopen as long as they can safely maintain social distancing guidelines. While I know many of us long
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Dear friends, I am continuing to pray for all of you during this time. I pray for everyone’s health, both physical and mental … and I pray that all of you are able to experience God’s deep peace. If you are struggling mentally/emotionally and need someone to talk to, please
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Happy Easter!!! Yes, I said it, and I’ll say it again for the people in the back … Happy Easter!!! You may be thinking, ‘How sad! Being cooped up all day every day at home because of social distancing is really taking a toll on Pastor Malinda. She’s lost all
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