Letter from Pastor Brian
March 19, 2020
Brian Hasse
March 19, 2020
Good afternoon, Church Family!
Wow, do I ever miss seeing you! I have had three conversations in the past 24 hours that centered on the desire for the fellowship and community that is offered by the Church. While I have spent all of my life going to church, only now am I realizing day-by-day how much I have taken for granted the gatherings of the Body of Christ through the years. I cannot tell you how many times I was “forced” to go to church, yet I find myself longing for the chance to gather with my Christian brothers and sisters.
Wow, do I ever miss seeing you! I have had three conversations in the past 24 hours that centered on the desire for the fellowship and community that is offered by the Church. While I have spent all of my life going to church, only now am I realizing day-by-day how much I have taken for granted the gatherings of the Body of Christ through the years. I cannot tell you how many times I was “forced” to go to church, yet I find myself longing for the chance to gather with my Christian brothers and sisters.
I love how Carolyn Palmer reached out to the ladies in her Gospel Circle this week and said, “We sang Gospel-centered songs on Sunday. Special prayers were offered. A solid, Biblical message was delivered. But something was missing! And what was missing was YOU!” I can testify to that as well! It’s almost as if God created us with the longing to enjoy community. It’s almost as if we were made in the image of a God who loves community so much that He is a community Himself—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! :) No wonder our hearts long to be with one another!
I was speaking to a dear friend in a distant state today who was sharing some concerns about how the quarantine would affect his business—and therefore, his ability to provide for his family. I reminded him that God already knew that this pandemic was going to happen, that God already knows His needs before He even speaks them, and that God is most likely smiling at how we will respond once we see the future that He already knows. I reminded him that if God were to just reveal to us the end and point the way, we’d take off without Him. Instead, God desires us to walk day-by-day, step-by-step with Him through this journey of life.
Could you desire a greater testimony than what we read about a man named Enoch in the Bible? Genesis 5:24 says, “And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” A man known for little more than walking with God. And in Hebrews 11:5, Enoch is mentioned again with an addendum to his testimony. The author of Hebrews added, “…he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” Wow! One thing this pandemic is allowing us an opportunity to do is to walk with and lean on God. And placing our faith and trust in Him—when we have no idea what lies ahead—pleases God. I want that!
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Yesterday evening, the three pastors led in a Bible study called “Root to Fruit.” I would strongly encourage you to take the time to either watch or listen to the study. The truth is transformational to what we are experiencing right now—and could change the rest of your life. I know this to be true for me! If you would like to watch the study, click here. If you would like to simply listen to the study, you can find the audio file by clicking here. (Also, if you would like to automatically receive all the audio files of our sermons, just subscribe to our Mt. Carmel podcast by searching “Mt. Carmel Luray” in any podcast search engine.)
Yesterday evening, the three pastors led in a Bible study called “Root to Fruit.” I would strongly encourage you to take the time to either watch or listen to the study. The truth is transformational to what we are experiencing right now—and could change the rest of your life. I know this to be true for me! If you would like to watch the study, click here. If you would like to simply listen to the study, you can find the audio file by clicking here. (Also, if you would like to automatically receive all the audio files of our sermons, just subscribe to our Mt. Carmel podcast by searching “Mt. Carmel Luray” in any podcast search engine.)
YOUTH GROUP MESSAGE
Pastor Micah also included a 10-minute message to the youth group yesterday. You can access that video here.
Pastor Micah also included a 10-minute message to the youth group yesterday. You can access that video here.
KIDS GOSPEL PROJECT LESSON
This morning, Kyle and Jamie Seal prepared the Gospel Project lesson on Moses that would have been taught in the Mt. Carmel Kids’ Ministry last night. You can watch the video and download the activity sheets for your kids here.
This morning, Kyle and Jamie Seal prepared the Gospel Project lesson on Moses that would have been taught in the Mt. Carmel Kids’ Ministry last night. You can watch the video and download the activity sheets for your kids here.
ONLINE SMALL GROUPS
Finally, we are working diligently to provide an opportunity each day next week for you to connect with a small group. I realize that some of you are in regular communication with others in the church, but we simply want to make it possible for everyone to share. I hope to release a schedule either tomorrow or Saturday of some online small group opportunities. My prayer is that we continue to grow in the Gospel in community—wherever we are!
Finally, we are working diligently to provide an opportunity each day next week for you to connect with a small group. I realize that some of you are in regular communication with others in the church, but we simply want to make it possible for everyone to share. I hope to release a schedule either tomorrow or Saturday of some online small group opportunities. My prayer is that we continue to grow in the Gospel in community—wherever we are!
Have a very blessed evening! I love you all!
Your servant,
Pastor Brian