Connected in Christ Volume 10
Connected in Christ Vol. 9
Connected in Christ Vol. 8
Connected in Christ Volume 7
Connected in Christ Volume 6
Connected in Christ Volume 5
March 23, 2020
Greetings in the name of Jesus!
In Acts 2:42, Luke describes the early Church, writing, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.”
With Gov. Pritzker’s “stay at home” order going into effect Saturday, March 21, is Acts 2:42 a verse that can apply in our time and to our church family as well?
By the grace of God, I am glad to say, “YES!” Here is how God is unfolding His work and Word in our midst:
WORD AND WORSHIP: Thanks to the expertise of our tech coordinator, Steve, we are streaming and recording regular worship services. You can watch Lenten and weekend services on our Facebook page, via our church website (www.zionmarengo.net), or by listening at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays to 94.3 FM here in Marengo. We remain devoted to the Word of our Lord Jesus, especially during critical times like these! Invite a friend or neighbor to have a virtual “watch party” with you!
What about Holy Week? We are already considering our options and look forward to sharing more information as this time grows closer.
PRAYER: We have a number of dedicated folks who are calling others in our congregation to connect for a time of conversation and prayer. If you would like to be included in this group, or know of someone we should contact, please email me (pastor.ripke@zionmarengo.net). In addition to that, set aside time in your daily life for prayer. Set a time (say, 1:00 p.m.) and plan to spend time in prayer for our nation and world, and especially those who are ill and those who care for them.
FELLOWSHIP: In order to provide encouragement and strengthen our sense of fellowship, we will continue to send out the weekly “Prayer Page” as well as current updates through Facebook, our church website, and an email update, “Connected in Christ.” Send me an email if you’d like to be added to the email lists.
BREAKING OF BREAD: We are aware that many in our church and community will find themselves in need in coming days. We are looking for people who might be interested in serving as shoppers for members who are unable to leave their homes during this time. We are also setting aside 10% of all offerings received during the current crisis to meet needs in our Marengo community as they arise. Offerings may be given online (go to www.zionmarengo.net and click “GIVE ONLINE”), mailed to the church, or call our church office to arrange for a drop-off time.
Zion’s pastors continue to be available to meet your spiritual care needs: Pastor Ripke (779-901-9568) and Pastor Galligar (812-350-7820). We are here to help wherever we can!
While these are unique times, so too have Christians throughout generations faced challenges. By the grace of our Lord Jesus, we will continue in these days to devote ourselves to God’s Word, to fellowship, to breaking of bread, and to prayer.
In Him,
Pastor Ripke
Connected in Christ Volume 4
Connected in Christ Volume 3
Connected in Christ Volume 2
Connected in Christ Volume 1