holy trinity lutheran church … · 19-07-2020  · holy trinity early childhood center phone:...

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INTERCESSORY PRAYERS are prayers offered for those with special needs, for those who mourn, and for those offering thanks. Please speak to Pastor David or call the office, if you have a request. For Members: Ted Messler, Elsie Warren, Diana Forman, Dot Froese, Nancy Giuffrida, Larry Thomsen, Al Manhan For Friends and Relatives: Bierle Family, Margie Daily, William Ferguson, Arlene Fielding, Graham Fielding, Patricia Martin, Jan Warren, Alana, John, Dawn & Nancy S, Holly, Josephine, Mary, Fireman Ronnie and his family, Ed M, Marie Giamimo, Nancy Kirk, Sarah, Peter Eriksen, Rachael Eriksen, John Szatny, Sarina Vito, Kaylee Lindauer, Debbie Nastri, Jean Buckley, Dennis, Charlie Strecker, Kaylee Wegener, Lindsey Kolb, Rosie D’Errico, Matthew Antone, Lara Mesita, Dienamarie, George Bittle, Earle, Dianne Giorlando, Peter Butte, Florence Dillon, Susan, Gloria Taza, Patrick Flatley, William Anthony Sr., David Spencer, Corinne, Lincoln, Susan Helsinger, Jimmy Gallagher, Lorrie Prager, Billy, Elizabeth & Daniel McCarron, Kenny Brown, Barnet Levinson, Jean Murphy & Family, Bob & Benita Gillespie, Barney Gorman, Susan Lau, Peggie Jancer, Beth, Cooper, Sophia Weissert, Richard Bailey For Service Personnel: Major Ross Fielding, Sgt. Thomas Forman, Sgt. Jesse Gentile, Pr. Terrence Walsh, SPC Christopher Sully For First Responders & Fire Dept. Volunteers: Josh Friedrich- NYPD, Ed McNulty- FDNY, Brendan Combs- Freeport PD, Steve Hajny FDNY, EMT, Matthew Lindner FDNY, Steven Beers FDNY, Joe Muir NYPD, Robert Tucker, Carl Weeks, Bob Jacoby Altar Flowers are available by calling Teri in the church office 516-766-2815. SANCTUARY LAMPS burn in “memory of” through the following dates: Frank Germano (6/2020), Mr. MSV Subrmanian (1/2021), Karen Ahnemann Lynch (4/2021), Sal Chiaffitelli (5/2021), Joseph D. Chiaffitelli (5/2021), Jean Ackermann (5/2021), John Auerbach (5/2021), Christian Gumbrecht (5/2021), Harvey & Doris Wegener (5/2021), Kathleen Diaz (5/2021), Henry & Adolfina Aherns (5/2021), Carol Metz (12/2021), Carroll Donnelly (6/2022), Gladys Chiaffitelli (7/2022), Erich Weissert (12/2022), Harold Buck (10/2023) Sanctuary lamps are available by sending $1 per week to the HT Office. _______________________________________________________________________________ HOLY TRINITY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Phone: (516) 766-9716 www.holytrinityecc.com Mondays & Wednesdays Hours 9 am – 3 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays Hours 9am – 12:30 pm Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 240 Lincoln Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Rev. David Grainson, Pastor Office Phone: 516-766-2815 Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9 AM – 2 PM E-mail: [email protected] / Worldwide Web: www.holytrinitylutheranchurchrvc.com July 18 & 19, 2020 7 th Sunday after Pentecost Music Director: Robert DiPasqaule Music July 18: Deacon John Malone, Abigail Butte, Marsha Volgyi & Zach Pfeil-Schaub Music July 19: Alicia Ledley,

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Page 1: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church … · 19-07-2020  · HOLY TRINITY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Phone: (516) 766-9716 Mondays & Wednesdays Hours 9 am – 3 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS are prayers offered for those with special needs, for those who mourn, and for those offering thanks. Please speak to Pastor David or call the office, if you have a request. For Members: Ted Messler, Elsie Warren, Diana Forman, Dot Froese, Nancy Giuffrida, Larry Thomsen, Al Manhan For Friends and Relatives: Bierle Family, Margie Daily, William Ferguson, Arlene Fielding, Graham Fielding, Patricia Martin, Jan Warren, Alana, John, Dawn & Nancy S, Holly, Josephine, Mary, Fireman Ronnie and his family, Ed M, Marie Giamimo, Nancy Kirk, Sarah, Peter Eriksen, Rachael Eriksen, John Szatny, Sarina Vito, Kaylee Lindauer, Debbie Nastri, Jean Buckley, Dennis, Charlie Strecker, Kaylee Wegener, Lindsey Kolb, Rosie D’Errico, Matthew Antone, Lara Mesita, Dienamarie, George Bittle, Earle, Dianne Giorlando, Peter Butte, Florence Dillon, Susan, Gloria Taza, Patrick Flatley, William Anthony Sr., David Spencer, Corinne, Lincoln, Susan Helsinger, Jimmy Gallagher, Lorrie Prager, Billy, Elizabeth & Daniel McCarron, Kenny Brown, Barnet Levinson, Jean Murphy & Family, Bob & Benita Gillespie, Barney Gorman, Susan Lau, Peggie Jancer, Beth, Cooper, Sophia Weissert, Richard Bailey For Service Personnel: Major Ross Fielding, Sgt. Thomas Forman, Sgt. Jesse Gentile, Pr. Terrence Walsh, SPC Christopher Sully For First Responders & Fire Dept. Volunteers: Josh Friedrich- NYPD, Ed McNulty- FDNY, Brendan Combs- Freeport PD, Steve Hajny – FDNY, EMT, Matthew Lindner – FDNY, Steven Beers – FDNY, Joe Muir – NYPD, Robert Tucker, Carl Weeks, Bob Jacoby

Altar Flowers are available by calling Teri in the church office 516-766-2815.

SANCTUARY LAMPS burn in “memory of” through the following dates: Frank Germano (6/2020), Mr. MSV Subrmanian (1/2021), Karen Ahnemann Lynch (4/2021), Sal Chiaffitelli (5/2021), Joseph D. Chiaffitelli (5/2021), Jean Ackermann (5/2021), John Auerbach (5/2021), Christian Gumbrecht (5/2021), Harvey & Doris Wegener (5/2021), Kathleen Diaz (5/2021), Henry & Adolfina Aherns (5/2021), Carol Metz (12/2021), Carroll Donnelly (6/2022), Gladys Chiaffitelli (7/2022), Erich Weissert (12/2022), Harold Buck (10/2023) Sanctuary lamps are available by sending $1 per week to the HT Office. _______________________________________________________________________________

HOLY TRINITY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Phone: (516) 766-9716 www.holytrinityecc.com

Mondays & Wednesdays Hours 9 am – 3 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays Hours 9am – 12:30 pm

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

240 Lincoln Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Rev. David Grainson, Pastor Office Phone: 516-766-2815

Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9 AM – 2 PM E-mail: [email protected] / Worldwide Web: www.holytrinitylutheranchurchrvc.com

July 18 & 19, 2020 – 7th Sunday after Pentecost Music Director: Robert DiPasqaule

Music July 18: Deacon John Malone, Abigail Butte, Marsha Volgyi & Zach Pfeil-Schaub Music July 19: Alicia Ledley,

Page 2: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church … · 19-07-2020  · HOLY TRINITY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Phone: (516) 766-9716 Mondays & Wednesdays Hours 9 am – 3 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

Confession and Forgiveness All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister begins.

Blessed be the holy Trinity, ☩ one God,

whose steadfast love is everlasting,

whose faithfulness endures from generation to generation.

Amen. Trusting in the mercy of God, let us confess our sin.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Reconciling God,

we confess that we do not trust your abundance,

and we deny your presence in our lives.

We place our hope in ourselves

and rely on our own efforts.

We fail to believe that you provide enough for all.

We abuse your good creation for our own benefit.

We fear difference and do not welcome others

as you have welcomed us.

We sin in thought, word, and deed.

By your grace, forgive us;

through your love, renew us;

and in your Spirit, lead us;

so that we may live and serve you in newness of life. Amen. Beloved of God,

by the radical abundance of divine mercy

we have peace with God through ☩ Christ Jesus,

through whom we have obtained grace upon grace.

Our sins are forgiven.

Let us live now in hope.

For hope does not disappoint,

because God’s love has been poured into our hearts

through the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Opening Hymn

Greeting

BABY CLOTHING NEEDED

COVID-19 has affected our community in ways we could not even image. Fellowship opportunities like our annual Baby Shower had to be cancelled. Unfortunately, this was not only true for Holy Trinity’s event, but for the many Nassau county churches that support LSS – New LIFE Center’s Layette program. Every week new mothers with infants and toddlers, who are financially disadvantaged, have a place to turn to for infant formula, baby food, clothing, diapers and other necessities.

Currently, the clothing supply for sizes Newborn to 24-months is at an all time low.

So how can WE make a difference? Stores are reopening and vendors are slashing prices on items that have been on their shelves for almost 3 months. The volunteers at the center tell us they need:

Lightweight Stretchies (Newborn to 12 months)

ONESIES (Any size - Long Sleeve - White preferred)

Seasonal outfits (summer or winter weight)

Solid Color Pants or Shorts (Newborn to 24 months)

White socks and booties

Pacifiers, Bibs and Burp clothes

If you want to help this worthy outreach ministry, donations of the items listed above can be left in the Narthex Giving Garden or call Wendy Wolber @ (516) 536-3529 and she will pick up your donations. If you are not in a position to shop but wish to make a monetary donation, you can put your check in the offering plate or mail it to the church and Wendy Wolber and Lynn Butte will shop for you. Kindly write LSS layette in the memo section of your check.

Page 3: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church … · 19-07-2020  · HOLY TRINITY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Phone: (516) 766-9716 Mondays & Wednesdays Hours 9 am – 3 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

SIP and PAINT EVENT RECAP Fun and Fellowship CAN make a difference

You might remember that our Social Ministry Committee sponsored a wonderful “SIP and PAINT” event on February 28. Not only was a fun time had by the over 45 women that attended, but we were able to raise almost $1,000 in the process.

It was decided that the recipient of these funds would be a local outreach called Bethany House. They are a nonprofit agency, founded in 1978 that provides safe, supportive emergency housing for homeless women and their children. Families remain anywhere from 2 weeks to 12 months. They currently house over 85 people daily in their 5 homes located in Baldwin, Bellmore and Roosevelt.

COVID-19 caused a delay in being able to shop with area stores closed for almost 3 months. But we are happy to report that recently some of our committee members filled 3 shopping carts with much need items. The trunk was packed with staples like toilet paper, diapers, feminine products, soap and shampoo. We were also able to purchase nightgowns, pillows and sheets. But our greatest joy came with the reception we received when the items were delivered. What started out 4 months ago as an evening of fun and fellowship resulted in many smiles and words of great appreciation and thanks. It was truly a “Making CHRIST known” moment! Thank you to all that participated in this event and helped make this possible.

Kyrie – words will be spoken

In peace, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For the peace from above, and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For the peace of the whole world, for the well- being of the church of God, and for all the unity of all,

let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy.

For this holy house, and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord. Lord

have mercy.

Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. Amen

Hymn of Praise (Setting Four) – words will be spoken

Glory to God in the highest, and peace to God’s people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, almighty

God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus

Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have

mercy on us: you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the

Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in

the glory of God the Father. Amen.

Opening Prayer

First Reading: Isaiah 44:6-8

6Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel,

and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts:

I am the first and I am the last;

besides me there is no god.

7Who is like me? Let them proclaim it,

let them declare and set it forth before me.

Who has announced from of old the things to come?

Let them tell us what is yet to be.

8Do not fear, or be afraid;

have I not told you from of old and declared it?

You are my witnesses!

Is there any god besides me?

There is no other rock; I know not one.

Page 4: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church … · 19-07-2020  · HOLY TRINITY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Phone: (516) 766-9716 Mondays & Wednesdays Hours 9 am – 3 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

Psalm 86:11-17

11Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk | in your truth;

give me an undivided heart to re- | vere your name.

12I will thank you, O Lord my God, with | all my heart,

and glorify your name for- | evermore. R 13For great is your | love toward me;

you have delivered me from the | pit of death.

14The arrogant rise up against me, O God, and a band of violent people | seeks my life;

they have not set you be- | fore their eyes. 15But you, O Lord, are gracious and full | of compassion,

slow to anger, and full of kind- | ness and truth.

16Turn to me and have mer- | cy on me;

give your strength to your servant, and save the child | of your handmaid.

17Show me a sign of your favor, so that those who hate me may see it and be | put to shame;

because you, LORD, have helped me and com- | forted me. R

Second Reading: Romans 8:12-25

12So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh—13for if

you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the

body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15For you did not

receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we

cry, “Abba! Father!” 16it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of

God, 17and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ—if, in fact, we suffer with

him so that we may also be glorified with him.

18I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to

be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of

God; 20for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who

subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain

the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22We know that the whole creation has been groaning

in labor pains until now; 23and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the

Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in hope we

were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? 25But if we hope for

what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

Gospel: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-40

24[Jesus] put before [the crowds] another parable: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to

someone who sowed good seed in his field;25

but while everybody was asleep, an enemy came and

sowed weeds among the wheat, and then went away. 26

So when the plants came up and bore grain,

then the weeds appeared as well. 27

And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Master,

did you not sow good seed in your field? Where, then, did these weeds come from?’ 28

He answered,

‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather

July 2020

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 28 29 30 1 2 3 4

Independenc

e Day

(observed)

Independenc

e Day

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 9 am

Worship

7 pm

Outdoor

Worship

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 am

Worship

7 pm Prayer

Meeting in

Parsonage

Backyard

7 pm

Outdoor

Worship

(rain date)

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 9 am

Worship

7 pm Prayer

Meeting in

Parsonage

Backyard

(rain date)

26 27 28 29 30 31 1 9 am

Worship

© Calendarpedia® www.calendarpedia.com Data provided 'as is' without warranty

- Peasant Food & Prayer will resume in the fall.

- Most LIVE events are available via Sarajean Grainson’s FB Page and YouTube

Page 5: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church … · 19-07-2020  · HOLY TRINITY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Phone: (516) 766-9716 Mondays & Wednesdays Hours 9 am – 3 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

Current Gathering Restrictions for Indoor Worship For everyone’s health & safety please follow these guidelines from

the ELCA and CDC

Masks: required at all times

Distancing: Physical distancing of at least 6ft (every other

pew)

Singing: No singing by worshipers

Materials: Print bulletins at home to avoid sharing

touched materials

Sign of Peace: Gestures rather than physical touching

Entrance & Exit: Use main entrance for entry; any exit

for dismissal

Clustering: Please do not gather after worship

Thank you!

them?’ 29But he replied, ‘No; for in gathering the weeds you would uproot the wheat along with

them. 30Let both of them grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers,

Collect the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’ ”

36Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples approached him, saying,

“Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37He answered, “The one who sows the good

seed is the Son of Man; 38the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom; the

weeds are the children of the evil one, 39and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the

end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40Just as the weeds are collected and burned up with fire, so

will it be at the end of the age.

Hymn of the Day

Apostle’s Creed

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayer of Intercession

Sign of Peace

Offertory Prayer

Holy, Holy, Holy

Thanksgiving at the Table

Page 6: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church … · 19-07-2020  · HOLY TRINITY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Phone: (516) 766-9716 Mondays & Wednesdays Hours 9 am – 3 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil For thine is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Lamb of God

Communion

Communion Hymn

Post Communion Canticle

Prayer after Communion

Closing Blessing

Closing Hymn

Dismissal

_______________________________________________________________

Readings for next week on July 26, 2020

First Reading: 1 Kings 3:5-12 Psalm: Psalm 119:129-136 Second Reading: Romans 8:26-39 Gospel: Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

GIVING GARDEN: Lutheran Social Services has informed us that the inventory of the following items is low-pasta sauce, jelly, canned vegetables, canned fish

and meat, chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, canned or dried. Your support of this mission is greatly appreciated.

**Please call the church office before you come to drop off anything at the church to be sure someone is there to let you in. Schedules are very uncertain at this time**

___________________________________________________________________

New Officers on Council

Congratulations to Lynn Butte our newest Council President and Danielle Goodwin our new Vice President.

We also thank Carol Cola and Diana Hetzel for agreeing to continue their roles as Treasurer and Secretary respectively for another year.

The council voted all four into office at the annual organizational meeting on June 24th.

They will be installed at some point after our annual congregational meeting hopefully in September.

We also want to send a huge THANK YOU to Bill Anthony our outgoing President and Sandy McNulty our outgoing Vice President for their amazing work this past year in these posts.

They have worked very hard for the good of all of us at Holy Trinity.

Page 7: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church … · 19-07-2020  · HOLY TRINITY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Phone: (516) 766-9716 Mondays & Wednesdays Hours 9 am – 3 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

GIFT CARDS FUNDRAISER

TO SUPPORT THE

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT FUND

ShopWithScrip allows families to raise money for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

by using gift cards to pay for everyday purchases and by purchasing gift cards

for family members, teachers, coaches, bus drivers etc. Save the trip to the

store by ordering your gift cards at Holy Trinity. By using ShopWithScrip, Holy

Trinity receives money back from each gift card purchased.

Order forms can be found in the HT Café. Your order form can be placed in the

collection plate or given to Lynn Butte. If you have any questions regarding this

fundraiser or placing an order, please contact Lynn Butte at 516-238-1035, by

text or calling or by email at [email protected].

__________________________________________________________________________

Monthly Financials

June 2020 (corrected)

*Weekly Offerings & Tithe.ly include holidays

Expenses $20,208

*Weekly Offerings $13,621

Vanco Offerings $1,925

*Tithe.ly Offerings $3,138

Total Offerings $18,684

Under $1,524 History 2020

Total Offerings May $12,250

Total Offerings April $24,828

Total Offerings March $15,303

Total Offerings February $13,589

Total Offerings January $15,604

Know anyone that might want to rent our Parish Hall?

Perfect for showers, baptism celebrations, etc.

Call the HT Office for more information at 516-766-2815.

________________________________________________

The next prayer meeting will be in August. The date will be announced. Deacon Grace

__________________________________________________

Giving through Vanco or Tithe.ly?

Please take a green card from the back of the church and put it in the collection basket when

it comes around.

And thank you for your consistent giving!

Page 8: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church … · 19-07-2020  · HOLY TRINITY EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Phone: (516) 766-9716 Mondays & Wednesdays Hours 9 am – 3 pm Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

Support Holy Trinity withTithe.ly.

It’s a quick and easy way to support what is happening here at Holy Trinity.

The ELCA and our congregation have partnered with Tithe.ly to help people easily and consistently give to HT.

Tithe.ly was begun by a pastor to assist churches with stewardship and to facilitate giving.

There is now a "donate" button on the opening page of the Holy Trinity website. It will bring you to a one-page document that will allow you to give a one-time offering or to set up weekly giving. Or you

can use this link: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/266952 Tithe.ly even has a mobile app that will allow you to give on your phone.

One of the many advantages to Tithe.ly is that it’s incredibly easy to use and it gives you complete control over your giving. Please consider covering the transaction fee especially for altar flowers and

fundraisers. Thank you!

Holy Trinity is completely dependent on weekly giving to allow us to continue the work we do.

_________________________________________________________

Periodically in the bulletin there will be a section in which anyone can write a

question regarding faith that they would like to know more about, tear it off,

and drop it in the collection plate.

My hope is that we can learn more about our faith together. - Pr David

ASK THE PASTOR - PLEASE TEAR OFF, FILL OUT & SEND TO OFFICE

Name (optional):_____________________________________

My question

is:_________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Q - Since God is the creator of all things, why did God create this terrible corona

virus that is killing millions?

-Al

A- While indeed God is the creator of all things, that does not mean that God

intentionally creates deadly viruses specifically to destroy life. Jesus calls God the

God of the living not of the dead. The book of Genesis in the story of creation shows

that God's original desire for the world God created was peace and life.

In the normal course of existence it happens that terrible things occur: disease,

natural disasters, war, tragic accidents, and our inhumanity to each other.

Some occur because of choices people make. Others happen as a part of nature.

There has always been disease throughout history. And God or the gods have always

been blamed as causing them and punishing humanity for some wrong.

However, this is not the loving father that Jesus shows us in the Gospels. The “Abba”

of Jesus is a God of mercy, compassion, and love; a God who lifts up the oppressed

and the sick, and not one who inflicts pain and suffering.

If we truly understand and believe in the message of Jesus, we cannot see any illness

from cancer, to HIV/AIDS, to Covid as being created by God to hurt God's children.

Even though creation was created and is sustained by God, seeing God as the source

of Covid is roughly equivalent to saying that since God created fire, all forest fires are

God's fault, or because God created water, everyone who drowns was killed by God.

We live in a broken and imperfect world that is clearly not as God intended it to be

from the beginning. This is due mostly to the actions and choices we make. But there

are some things that happen that are simply tragic and sometimes inexplicable.

But what our faith as Christians tells us is that God meets us in the middle of these

times to bring us strength and hope and to walk right next to us in the pain that life

brings.

- Pr David