Journey to The Journey

With everyone stuck at home (myself included), I figure it may be a good time to share some midweek encouragement. In many ways, just a few short days into this "experience," if you are like me, it probably already feels like the walls are suffocating and time is crawling by...and I'm an introvert and an acknowledged homebody! For a society that has become so accustomed to having an endless supply of options, this real lack of choices may feel like a prison sentence. But I think that a simple change in perspective may lead us to see our current circumstances as less of a burden and more of a blessing. Allow me to list several that I think we may be missing...

As you may have heard, today Ohio Governor Mike DeWine passed an executive order closing all public and private schools from March 16th through April 3rd in response to growing concerns over the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). We received additional clarification today from Marietta High School administrators that this will also prevent us from using the school building for our weekly church gathering.

In this week's lesson, we had the opportunity to look at what it means to wait upon the Lord. God often allows us to remain in seasons of waiting in order to teach us something about ourselves, about him, or perhaps a bit of both. However, when we find ourselves in these prolonged periods, we often struggle to remain faithful. Doubt, fear, worry, impatience, and frustration can all begin to creep in if we are not diligent to guard against such responses. Again, this isn't easy.

People often ask me to recommend churches to their friends and family who live in or around this area. After all, I love my church but I'm not delusional in thinking The Journey works for everyone. When people attend your church and aren't "feeling it" you don't have to get offended. Instead, develop a kingdom mindset and recommend other faithful churches so more people can get plugged in and more churches can grow.

This Sunday we’re moving our worship services to Marietta High School’s auditorium!