From the Pen of the Bishop

I am writing to you brothers and sisters about this issue of the Coronavirus and what Governor has just issued as protective measures for all of us to abide by for the next thirty days. As believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, we know that scripture tells us that these kind of events are to happen and are going to take place even more as the time of Christ’s coming again draws nearer.  Therefore, we know that God is sovereign and that the mystery of His unfolding plan for humanity and His church will prevail. This is a great time for us as a church and as individuals who are God’s people to draw close to Him in Jesus, and know his love more deeply than ever before.  The scripture reminds us, that God’s perfect love removes all fear.   It is not a time for fear but of trust in the midst of crisis,, by putting down or growing our spiritual roots deep in the love of Christ Jesus. Psalm 46:1-5 encourages us with these words, “God is are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.   Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.  There is a river whose streams make glad in the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. (the church) God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at the break of day. Another great statement of encouragement is Psalm 112:6-8, “Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.  They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.  Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foe.

I encourage each of you to cut these verses off the page and put them on the refrigerator or some place where you can be reminded of the faithfulness of our Lord and His promise to never leave us or forsake us. Now it’s true that the virus has taken may lives and will probably take many more till this crises is over, so in keeping with the Governors thirty day mandate of staying home and business closure, I and Bishop Pete have decided that we will say a closed Mass each Sunday at 11am.  It will be taped as usual and you will be able to view it on the churches web page at your convenience. The church web page is;   www.stbarnabascclv.com Of course our normal expenses will continue, so on the churchs web page you will also find a Donation section in which Pay Pal is available so you can continue to place your tithes and offerings for the time being. There is no better time than now to be thankful for the cross and the gift of grace and salvation that Christ Jesus pours out upon us and the indwelling Holy Spirit as the seal of eternal life to come.   Let us be good and faithful disciples of Jesus, and be prayerful people full of mercy and hope for a hurting world that needs the love of Jesus and an end of this virus. I bless each and every one of you in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen Bishop Bob