In life and in death, we belong to god

Dear FPCSA Family & Friends,

I hope and pray this finds you all well.  We’re all hunkering down in our separate homes.  It all seems very much like a Twilight Zone episode. 

But the phrase from The Heidelberg Catechism continually comes to my mind: “In life and in death, we belong to God.”  We belong to God.  We belong.  Jesus said, “I know My own, and My own know Me.” (John 10:14)  He will not leave us or foresake us.  He holds us in the palm of His hand.  He protects us under His wings.  He leads us in green pastures and walks beside us in the valley of the shadow.  He is our refuge and help in times of trouble.  We have nothing to fear.  Scripture reminds us over and over and over again to trust God.  I encourage you to rest in that knowledge.

In the meantime, let’s stay connected.  I’ve started calling members, and will continue to do so, just to check up on you all.  Everyone seems to be doing well.  We’ve delivered some groceries to a few people.  Please do not hesitate to ask if you need anything.  This is a blessing both to the receiver and to the deliverer.

We do have one request.  Terrie Park (a very regular attender) is looking for an iPad or television set.  She’s feeling very isolated and has no connection to the outside world.  Please contact me if you have something she might be able to use.

From my home office, I’m doing facebook live “sermons” on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. and devotionals on Wednesdays around 5:00 p.m. on our church Facebook page.  You can follow the link: https://www.facebook.com/FPCSantaAna.  This Sunday, I’ll be back on our series “Through the Eyes of Peter” with the sermon that had been scheduled for last Sunday: “70 x 7.”  I’ll also be doing a Prayer of the People.  Please reply to this email or text me or private message me on facebook with any prayer requests.

We are committed to caring for our people, so we are maintaining pay for our program and support.  Your continued support is very much appreciated.  We are working with each other to come up with creative ways to stay connected.  For example, Miss Sandra is working with our office manager, Genesis, to create a private group on facebook for our Children’s Ministry.  Keep on the lookout for that.  Also, we’re going to ask our soloists to start recording solos at home to include in our worship time online.  We may be looking at doing worship on Zoom, so that we can have a little more interaction.  I’ll keep you posted on that.

I’ll continue to be working from home in the days ahead and will try to come into the office on Thursdays to send the weekly e-News.  Please, please, please, don’t hesitate to contact me if you need anything or even if you’re simply bored.  I’m bored, too.  Let’s be bored together!    You can reach me on my cell phone: (714) 788-1920.  Or try me at WhatsApp and we can video-chat.

In church family news, former member, Dale Post, died on March 7^th.  Recently, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and he lived only a short time after the diagnosis.  Please pray for his wife, Arlene, as well as their daughters, Lisa and Jody, and the entire family.  When I receive news of a memorial service, I will pass the information on to you all.

A final note: I’ve spoken to Beth (Park) Schmidt in regard to her mother, our dear friend and church member, Jeanne Park.  Jeanne died in Reno, NV on February 24^th of this year.  Beth said the family had a small memorial for Jeanne in Reno and they will be taking the ashes of both Bob and Jeanne back to their hometown in Iowa, as was their wish.  For those who want to send a note to the family , you can do so to Beth Schmidt at 5107 SW Nebraska St. Portland, OR 97221.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Let’s hold on tight and we’ll get through this storm together.  I can’t wait for us to be able to meet together again in fellowship and in worship.

Be safe.  Be still and know that God is God.  And be at peace.

In Christ’s love & service,

Lance Allen, Pastor