First United Methodist Church

Service Times

9am Contemporary | 11am Traditional

Devotion from Lloyd Jaeger, our Christ-like Servants Pillar Leader (Nov. 3)

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed.” Psalm 46:1-2

“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” Psalm 37: 7

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” Philippians 4: 5

Throughout these recent seven to eight months, I have been reflecting frequently about how patience, endurance, and sanctuary have become necessary and essential. Many of us have engaged in self-limiting and isolating behaviors, as well as invented new structures within which to guide even the most cautious of our interactions. Family units now have bubbles; work and venues have new safety protocols; personal and employment communication has shifted largely to on-line and video tools. In effect, we have created sanctuaries, albeit refuges, within which to guide our patterns for living and our interactive decisions. The key is that God has been within and with us throughout. Our prayers and conversations with him are sources for our strength and endurance in this currently troubled time. We have had his sanctuary, protection, and refuge continually. Though we may grow impatient and want to test the boundaries for safe living, we may be at peace knowing that what we need of him and ask of him can be expressed along with our thanks for all that he has already done. We are never alone.

Over time and history, the notion of the sanctuary as it is associated with the church has evolved from being a process for providing a physical place of safety for those at risk and need, to a designated sacred space for shared worship. This opening November Sunday, our church sanctuary will reopen for in-person worship with due and careful consideration for our collective safety. Each of us will now choose when it is appropriate to return to our cherished church sanctuary for shared in-person worship. Those individual considerations notwithstanding we may be comforted in knowing that God has been and will always be our sanctuary. He guides our decisions, infuses us with patience, and helps us create our personal refuges when we are troubled.

Blessings and peace to all of you,

Lloyd Jaeger, Christ-like Servants Pillar Leader