March 13, 2020

Since I last wrote you, the elders of Columbia Presbyterian Church have decided that all activities including worship are canceled until further notice. This proactive decision to close our facility and all related activities is the only way we can guarantee that our church is doing what is right and most compassionate for this health emergency. However, we are working on holding a live online service this Sunday morning at 11 a.m. There will be more information tomorrow about how to watch this service.

Once again, if you show any signs of illness or if you are in the high-risk category, please stay home and contact your medical provider. If you are ill and are unable to travel to pick up basic supplies, please contact the church and we will make arrangements to have food and/or medicine delivered to you. Also, if you are aware of any of our neighbors who may be in need during this crisis, particularly the elderly, let us know and we will do everything we can to assist them.

Our offerings and tithes of time, talent and treasure are appreciated and necessary for congregational vitality and on-going presence of grace. Members and friends may continue to give joyfully and generously by mailing a check to the church (711 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30030). One of the many blessings of our tithes is the gift of Christ’s Church, which sustains and fosters us in the here and now.

I also want to you know that I am available for your spiritual needs during this turbulent time. Please don’t hesitate to call on me if you need your pastor.

These words from the Psalmist (Psalm 46) have often comforted me. I hope they will comfort you as well.

God is 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 heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the LORD has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Peace of Christ be with you,

Tom