I hope this finds you well, and in relative good spirits despite the circumstances we find ourselves in.
Earlier this week we were advised by both the Methodist Church and Government not to gather as congregations and any other groups until further notice.
We are aware that this may cause anxiety and isolation for some of us but please let’s try by all means to keep in touch one way or the other. Let’s try to do whatever we can to keep an eye and care for each other.
As most of you know I live away from my family and in times of crisis, it is difficult for us to pray together. So we devised a plan whereby we each light a candle and all of us pray together at the same time wherever we are. It might be something we may want to try…..or not. But it keeps us together and united in spirit.
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord”
Romans 8: 38 – 39 NRSV
O God,
When the darkness seems unbroken,
I shall hold on to these words,
For they hold the eternal truth.
There is nothing that can break us away from your love,
Nothing that will stop you loving us,
And nothing that will turn you away from us.
That changes life,
And makes everything worthwhile.
Even as we are separated yet united in You
Help us to live for each other, and to love
One another, in both deed and word.
O God!
How I thank you for Christ.
He changes my life and
Makes everything worthwhile.
All praise to you, Compassionate,
Loving , gracious God.
AMEN
Therefore, sisters and brothers, as a result of knowing that we are loved by God, even under these circumstances, let us begin to live differently, to love differently, marked as a community of people of joy, love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and self control.
Peace be with you,
Revd Farai Mapamula