We are currently in the message series: Seven Paths leading to darkness, Seven Paths leading to light. 

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-14, Psalm 91

My Crestview family and friends, on behalf of the leadership and staff of Crestview Church, God’s grace and peace be on you, in the name of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit.  God has been preparing us for this worldwide event of COVID-19 for some time now.  I took a look at the past four years of messages we have experienced together and find God’s leading throughout.  I also find an amazing link between our current Text of the Quarter from Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 and our current worldwide experience with COVID-19.  I will unpack that connection in this Sunday’s March 22nd message, to be posted on Sunday.  I will also speak to what I believe is a good way to help others at this time.  Many of you have asked me this question, “What can I do, what are we doing as a church?”  My friends, the answer to this question is simple and I’ll unpack it more in Sunday’s message: The best thing you can do is ‘Be content and do good.’ (Eccl 3:12).  The good you can do right now is 1) nurture and care for your family, 2) Connect with your immediate neighbors and partner in meeting each other’s needs (God put you physically in your neighborhood for this reason!) 3) Partner with organizations that already exist and are equipped, streamlined, and prepared to meet the needs of our more vulnerable in our society (EFAA and Bridge House for example) 4) Pray for our leaders and everyone on the supply chain of meeting needs for our nation and people as they are doing the heavy lifting for all of us.  

Here is the first video reflection/meditation posted yesterday:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ia07AyZh4vo   

In addition, linked below is our Lenten devotional we began togeher on Ash Wednesday.  You can jump in anytime!  With all this time at home for many, let’s do this together.  Takes about 10-15 minutes each day to complete.  See attached PDF. 

Now that the decision has been made to discontinue gathering together for our worship services, we will enter a new phase of communication together.  Our elders, deacons, and staff are here for you.  If they haven’t already contacted you, they soon will.  I am available for conversation, prayer, and connection anytime – give me a call.  Let’s facetime – its been awesome to connect while hearing each others voices and seeing each other’s faces.  Keep it up!  

Sunday will also reflect on the nature of suffering and its role for the follower of Jesus.  The profound truth is this: God’s response to suffering isn’t simply to ignore it or wipe it away.  Rather, he enters into it.  That is the pathway that Jesus calls us to as Jesus followers, to enter into the suffering of others. Bringing presence, hope, faith, and love.  To walk alongside.    

Resting in God (Psalm 91) – our refuge and strength, 

Pastor Mark

View Lenten Devotional Booklet Here