CPC THIS WEEK: THE E-NEWSLETTER OF CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH March 13, 2020

HeWasHungryChrististheGod-Man.InHispersonexiststwo,verydistinctnatures;onedivine,theotherhuman.Andinboththesestatementsweshouldaddonefurtherqualifier–perfectlydivine,perfectlyhuman.ThepresenceofboththedivineandhumaninChristiscalledthe“HypostaticUnion”–literally,subsistence.Othersoftenrefertothisasan“individualexistence.”Althoughthisisawell-rooted,well-documentedtheologicaltenet,itis,yet,stillamystery.AlongwiththisweshouldnotethattheincarnationofChrist–thesecondpersonoftheTrinitytakingonflesh–isalwaysamatterofaddition,notsubtraction.NothingwaslostofChrist’sdivinitybyassumingflesh.Ifyou’reinterestedinpursuingthisfurtherIwouldrecommendtoyoutheChalcedonianCreed;here’salink:https://www.monergism.com/definition-council-chalcedon-451-adWhilethereareanumberoftextsthatclearlypointtothehumannatureofJesus,ourpassagetodayexpressesthetruthinavividway.

“Andafterfastingfortydaysandfortynights,Hewashungry.”Matthew4:2

FortyissuchanimportantnumberintheBible–fortydaysfortheflood,fortyyearsinthewilderness,fortydaysonthemountain,fortydaysofGoliath’staunting,anditjustkeepsgoing!Many,however,associatethefortydaysoffastingwith40yearsofIsrael’swanderinginthewilderness.Andwiththatunderstanding,wewitnessChrist’svictoryoverSatan’stestingwhereIsraelhadmiserablyfailed.Andso,itisafterthese40days,thatwereadperhapsoneofthegreatestunderstatementswrittenintheBible–“Hewashungry.”Yes,Jesuswashungry.WithoutdoinginjurytothetextIthinkwecouldsafelysay,veryhungry!LedbytheSpiritintothewilderness,theLordfastsforfortydays.Asareferencepoint,byourcalendarsthatwouldhavebeenthedayafterGroundhogDay!Afterthatlengthoftimethedevil’sfirsttemptationcomesintoplay–“Ifyou’rereallyHim,makesomebread!”Wow!Let’slookatthisabit.AfterChrist’sgloriousbaptismexperience,afterbeingledintothewilderness,afterfastingforfortydays,Jesusgetsavisitor–thedevil;diabolos!TheBreadthatcamedownfromheavenisaskedtomakebread–incredible.AllJesushastodoisconfirmwhatwassaidaboutHimfortydaysagobyturningstonesintobread.ButHedoesn’t–Hedoesn’tsuccumb!HewhowashungrywasalsoHoly.HewhowasfamishedwasalsoFaithful.So,whetherhungryafterfastinginthewilderness,wearyandasleepinaboat,orsorrowfulfollowingafriend’sdeath–Jesuswashuman!Humanlikeus.Whatdoesthismean?Jesusknowsexactlyhowyoufeel.Heknowsyourlimitationsandfrustrations.Heknowsyourtrialsandtemptations.Heknowsyourwearinessandwilderness.Inshort,nooneknowsyoubetterthanJesus.HangontothischildofGod–evenatyourlowestpoint,Hishandsaresecurelyholdingyouup.Inyourdarkesttimeoftrial–whenyou’remosthungry–He’stherenotonlytosustainyoubuttobringyouintothebrightnessofHisgrace!Attimesinthedesert,butneverdeserted!PB

CPC MINISTRY INFORMATION SUNDAY'S SERMON Title: “TheHolySpiritTwo-Step”Text: Galatians 6:1-10 Pastor Bob Clark

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUNDAY SCHOOL – Sunday School is for all ages.PastorBobisteachingRevelationforAdults.Childrenwillremainwiththeirparents.THANKS TO ALL OUR CPC MEMBERS ANDFRIENDS who assisted with the Youth PancakeBreakfastFundraiser.

PULPIT SEARCH COMMITTEE PRAYER – TheLibrary Classroom will be available from 9:00-9:25amonSunday for thosewhowould like toprayfor the PSC, Pastor Clark’s transition, the Pastoralselectionprocess,andpotentialcandidates.KIDS’SERMONNOTESareavailableduringGreetingTimefor1st through2ndgradersat the frontof thechurchbytheexitdoor.CPC PULPIT SEARCH COMMITTEE – At thecongregational meeting, the following individualswere elected to PSC: Mindy Deckard, Lori Fowler,RogerGolden,andBrianTodd;LanceFowlerwillbethe alternate. These PSC members join the SessionappointedmembersofMichaelAllen,AaronFredrick,BillKehlenbrinkandalternateTomDeckard.CIRCLEU–OurquarterlyrotationtoserveatCircleU(19 N. 13th St.) will be Saturday, March 14, from1:30-4pm. Mark your calendar. Bring some friendsand come and help! Contact Pastor Bob if you canmakeitorneedmoreinformation.ROCK SOLID meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 4:15pm at Rock Solid. This month, we meet on March 24. Please see Aaron and Emily Fredrick if you would like to help with this ministry.

GLOBALMERCYMINISTRYOFFERING–Therewillbe a Global Mercy Ministry offering on Sunday,March 29. This money will go to the Mission’sCommittee to be used in assisting overseasmissionaries.

CPC PRAYER GUIDES and MARCH MEMORYVERSES – Weekly Prayer Request Guides andmonthlymemory verses for CPC family and friendsareavailableforyouattheWelcomeCenter.CHURCH EMAILS – From time to time our churchemail address book inadvertently drops a contact -perhapsthishashappenedtoyou.Aswesearchforapermanent solution,pleasehelpusbydoing this: Ifyouhavenotreceivedageneralemail,prayerupdate,orthechurchE-newsduringthecourseoftheweek,please contact theChurchOffice.Wewill be sure toadd your contact information back into our system.Thanksforyourpatience.FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED – Please seesomeoneintheSoundBoothforassistance.CPC COMMUNICATION – Along with emailcommunication to the congregation, we are using arobotext messaging program to alert members andfriends for emergencies, cancellations, and specialevents. If we do not have your current cell phoneinformation in our Church Directory, would youplease email your number to the Church Office andwewill add it to the contact list. Thank you. Pleasereachouttotheofficeifyouhaveanyquestions.

Save The Date WOMEN’SMINISTRYLUNCHEON-Allthewomenatthe church are invited to a salad luncheon afterSundaySchool,March15.Youngwomenwhoareofhighschoolageareinvitedalso.ItwillbeagreattimeoffellowshipandanopportunitytolookbackonthelastyearsofWomen’sMinistryatCPCandalsocatcha vision for the future! Join us to welcome LoriFowler as she takes the lead forWomen’sMinistry.PleaseRSVPtoKari(977-3660).2020VBS–“PassporttoIndia”VBSwillbeJuly13-17from9amtonoonforagesthree(3)yearsthrough5thgrade.6thgraders–age100canhelp!

38 Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity

and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often

and did not stir up all his wrath. PSALM 78:38 ESV

BIBLE AND BOOK STUDIES TUESDAYMORNINGLADIES’BIBLESTUDY–Thestudyof2Kings in theOldTestament, ledbyPastorBobClark,meets Tuesdays from8:30-10:00am in the church by thefireplace.THURSDAY EVENING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY, R.C.Sproul’s Dust to Glory meets every other Thursday at6pm at the Church Office. For more information, pleasecontactMaureenBradleyortheChurchOfficeforscheduleinformation.SATURDAYMORNINGMEN’SBOOKSTUDY–TheMenofCPC are reading through The Church in Babylon by Dr.Erwin Lutzer. If youwould like to join this group, pleasesee Roger Golden or Pastor Bob for a book and moreinformation. Our next meeting date will be Saturday,March14,at8am.WewilllookatChapter1-4.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

March Anniversaries 18 Bob & Nedra Clark, 1978 31 Tom & Mindy Deckard, 1984 March Birthdays 3 Bob Clark 3 Shirley Morgan 14 Les Hunt 15 Nathaniel Cheek 15 Robert Foust 16 Val Moore 17 Daniel Stults 19 Calvin Pfeil 24 Hudson Stults 24 Charlotte Wood 25 Connor Miller 27 Jensen Davis 31 Nicole Stults

8 There is therefore now

no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life

has set you free in Christ Jesus

from the law of sin and death. ROMANS 8:1-2 ESV

SUNDAY CPC VOLUNTEERS THIS WEEK, MARCH MARCH 15 WorshipNursery:RogerGolden,AshleyHensley,GabrielleToddNurserySundaySchool:TomDeckard,AngieBowen Pre-K/KChildren’sChurch:JaneRobinson,TBANEXT WEEK, MARCH 22 WorshipNursery:ArdenDavis,KimSoots,MadelineStultsNurserySundaySchool:BethAllen,MarkHarrington Pre-K/KChildren’sChurch:LoriStaifer,TBACOFFEE FELLOWSHIP ThisWeek:PatBane,BethAllenNextWeek:MelissaOwens,LauraKehlenbrinkWELCOME/GREETERSThisWeek:Dan&LoriStaifer NextWeek:MarkHarrington,PatJamesDEACON ON DUTYThisWeek:BobFoustNextWeek:JohnGentry

WORSHIP ASSISTANCE

March:Projection/LucindaRoberts;Sound/BrianToddApril:Projection/MadelineSteinfort;Sound/LucindaRoberts

CPC RESPONSE TO COVID-19 Dear Church - It’s been quite a week for all of us! Even as I write this email, things are changing - and will continue to change. But, our hope and trust is in the Sovereign, Lord God Almighty! As God exercises His Sovereign Rule over all that He has made, He asks us to exercise biblical responsibility that works together with His purpose and plan. To that end the Session would like to inform you of our recommendations as we prepare for worship this Sunday - and possibly for weeks to come. If you have any questions please feel free to contact any of the elders with your concerns. To our Omniscient, Omnipresent, and Omnipotent God! PB - for the CPC Session

CPC Coronavirus Information Dear CPC Members and Friends, As you are aware, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been front and center in the media and is on the hearts and minds of all of us in the CPC Family. As a Session we want to reassure everyone that both your spiritual and physical health are our prayerful priority. With that in mind, here are some preventative measures we are taking regarding Worship and Fellowship for the next several weeks. We pray that you find our guidelines helpful as we seek to find the appropriate, balanced response. 1. Worship and Sunday School will meet as

scheduled. 2. We will suspend the use of Name Tags

and Greeters. 3. The Offering will be received during its

usual time. You will be able to place your offering in receptacles at the front of sanctuary during the offering song.

4. Communion will be served from the

front. For those unable to come forward we will bring the communion elements to your seat.

5. CPC Chair Bibles will be collected.

Please bring your personal Bible with you. We will print/project pertinent scriptures for you.

6. We will not include “Greeting Time”

during our worship. However, please be sure to welcome any visitors to our church.

7. We will suspend our Coffee Fellowship

after worship. 8. Hand Sanitizers will be provided

throughout the church facility.

Additionally, here are some steps we would ask you to observe: 1. Whenever possible, please wash your

hands often with soap and water. Health professionals suggest you thoroughly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Parents, we would ask that you remind your children to wash their hands after visiting the restroom.

2. Cover your cough or sneeze with a

tissue and then discard. If one is not available cover your mouth with the inside crook of your arm or sleeve. Parents, please assist your children with this practice. (You might want to consider purchasing individual size packets of tissue and sanitizer to keep with you.)

3. Please limit your personal contact with

other individuals; this may be a good time to extend the “the right elbow of fellowship” with one another.

4. If you are experiencing any signs of

illness, including a fever within the last 24 hours, we ask that you please remain home. Parents, this is especially true of your young ones and infants using the nursery.

5. If you are over 65 and feel as though it

would be best for you to remain at home, we understand your concern and support your decision to do so.

Please remember that symptoms might appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus.

Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you

and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.

3 John 2 TheCPCSession

CHRISTPRESBYTERIANCHURCH! WEEKLYPRAYERLISTWeekofMarch15-23

PERSONAL–CPCMEMBERS&FAMILY/FRIENDS

SamanthaDungan–God’shealingandrecovery;adjustingtotracheotomyandfeedingtube;prayerforNathanandFamily

PulpitSearchCommittee–Fordirectionandclarityastheybegintheprocessofreviewingpotentialcandidates

BillStackhouse–God’sstrengthandcomfortasherecoversatReidHealthfromafall

KurtSteinfort–God’shealingandstrengthduringhisrecoveryfromlungbloodclots;hopefulreturnsoontophysicalactivity

QuentinWilliamson–God’sstrengthasherehabsatForestPark

SarahPfeil–God’sguidingphysiciansregardingherhealthandcarewhileinColorado;healingandrelieffromdailypain

KarenBrauer(CPCMissionary)–God’scomfortandpatienceastheyawaitanappointmenttobiopsydiscoveredtumors

MauritaBall–God’shealingfollowingamini-stroke;thatshewouldgrowstrongerthroughPT

ShirleyMorgan–God’shealingstrengthwhileatForestPark KayLaMar(BruceLaMar’smother)–God’scomfort,peace,andmercyforherinhospicecare

DebbieGentry–ForGod’sguidingdoctor'sgiftofhealingandsurgicalskillinupcomingprocedure.Forpeaceofmindandreturntomorenormalactivities.

HarrisonFamily–God’sprotectionandcomfort;theyarestillinquarantineinChinaduetothespreadoftheCoronavirus;theyhavenotbeenabletoreturnhometotheUSA

OpalStackhouse–God’scomfort,strength,andhealingfollowingtreatmentforcancer;recoveryfromflu-likesymptoms

Chris/LeanneHarrington–ForfinalpreparationsastheyreturntotheirministryinJapan

MINISTRY/MISSIONS

CPCPulpitSearchCommittee–Guidance,direction,andunityastheybeginthesearchprocessCPCReachingRichmond–BoysandGirlsClubsofWayneCountyCPCMinistryoftheWeek–MissionsCPCMissionaryoftheMonth–RicheyGoodrichPCAIndianaChurches–CrossroadsCommCh(Fishers)–ScottDeanChurchesinAmerica–UnityandboldnessinourBiblicaltestimonyinthefaceofculturalchangeandoppositionRichmondChurchCommunity–FortheproclamationofGod’sTruth;forgrowingsenseofonenessinministriestoRichmond

CPCFAMILIESOFTHEWEEK:

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

PatJames

Brad&LisaKeesling

Bill&LauraKehlenbrink

Bruce&JudyLaMar

MicheleLuker

ColleenMartin

MarciaMcIntosh

PREGNANCIES BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES

MarchMarchJuly

MorganHarringtonJoyAllenHaley(Owens)Bascom

3/15NathanielCheek3/15RobertFoust3/16ValMoore3/17DanielStults

3/19CalvinPfeil3/24HudsonStults3/24CharlotteWood3/25ConnorMiller

Bob&NedraClark-3/18/78Tom&MindyDeckard-3/31/84

NATIONAL/LOCAL

PresidentTrump/Nat–Faith,Godlywisdomindifficultsituations;PatienceandCivilitywithlegislativeissues;Iran;2020campaigns,governmentdirectionregardingapproachtoCoronavirusGovernorHolcomb/State–GodlywisdominleadershipoverStateissues;abortionlegislation;CoronavirusMayorDaveSnow/City–FortheMayor’snewterm;workingwithcommoncouncil;socio-economicissues

! THE CHURCH IN THE WORLD !

icommittopray.com

This sweet girl continues to deal with major health complications as a result of the church bombing in 2013.

Mar. 5, 2020 | Pakistan Bombing Victim Suffers Ongoing Health Issues

A young victim of the Peshawar church bombing is experiencing new medical issues as a result of her injuries. Mehak was just 4 years old when she was severely injured in the Sept. 22, 2013, bombing that killed her father. She has undergone multiple surgeries since the bombing to address her various injuries, and she recently began experiencing unexplained seizures. After several hospital visits, doctors have determined that she has small blood clots in her brain. Continue to pray for her complete healing. https://www.icommittopray.com/request/1998/mehak/ Pakistan Overview: Pakistani churches include believers from diverse faith backgrounds, including both traditional and evangelical denominations. All Pakistani Christians face difficulty, discrimination and persecution because of their Christian identity. Some evangelicals take great risks to witness to Muslims, baptize converts and gather them into churches, and many Christians are working tirelessly to equip, encourage and educate Christian youth. Some Christians are bold in evangelizing and distributing God’s Word in radical Muslim neighborhoods and cities, some which are home to extremist groups like the Taliban. Many Christians belong to the lower castes of society and are forced to work long hours, focusing on providing for their family. This makes Bible study and other Christian activities difficult.

Major Religions: The majority of Pakistanis are Sunni Muslim, but there are also sizable Sufi Muslim and Hindu populations, as well as an oppressed Christian minority.

Persecutor: Pakistanis of Christian heritage are widely persecuted by society. Family members, radical Islamist groups and the government also persecute Christians.

What it means to follow Christ in Pakistan: Because of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, Christians are at constant risk of being falsely accused of blaspheming Islam, the Quran or Muhammad, and they receive harsh punishments when convicted. Street evangelism is legal under Pakistani law, and several bold evangelists take advantage of the opportunity to share the gospel publicly. Many Christians live together in closed neighborhoods known as colonies, which provides a measure of security. Still, several large-scale attacks have occurred in these colonies recently, including during Christmas 2017 and Easter 2018. In general, Christians are trapped in a cycle of poor education and poverty. Many are employed as indentured servants in brick kilns or tree nurseries, as street sweepers and as sewage workers. A few Christians have been imprisoned for long periods, while many others cycle in and out of prison charged under the country’s blasphemy laws.

Access to Bibles: Bibles can be legally printed and distributed in Pakistan. However, some Muslim groups oppose the Bible. Those living in rural, tribal and mountainous areas have little access to God’s Word.

Prayer Requests: Pray for evangelists, who face persecution from time to time.

Pray that Prime Minister Imran Khan will come to saving faith in Christ.

Pray for front-line workers who seek to strengthen Pakistani Christians.

Pray that pastors will remain faithful despite continuous oppression and persecution.

Pray that Bibles distributed throughout the country will be read and applied to believers’ lives.

Pray for creative ways to distribute Bibles in the most restricted areas.

Pray for those still recovering from church attacks in Peshawar and Quetta.

Pray that God will comfort the widows and orphans of martyred Christians. https://www.persecution.com/globalprayerguide/pakistan/?_source_code=WBPGGPG20B

MISSION TO THE WORLD

A Foundation of Friendship: Short-Term Mission Teams Build Bridges

in Canada’s First Nations Reserves Maskwacîs, a First Nations community in Alberta, Canada, is home to four Cree bands: Louis Bull, Montana, Samson, and Ermineskin. As with many First Nations reserves in Canada (and Native American Reservations in the U.S.), the community has more than its fair share of challenges – the tragic result of centuries of deception, neglect and abuse by the federal government and sometimes even the church. MTW has had a ministry presence here since 2002, when former MTW missionary and pastor Marcus Toole was called to pastor the Hobbema Fellowship Church on the Maskwacîs Reserve and minister to the Cree people. In the years that followed, MTW began sending teams from across the United States and Canada for short-term ministry – hosting conferences on topics like parenting or grief and organizing summer “camps” or Kids Clubs for the community’s children. Bert Gibson pastured Crestwood Presbyterian Church (PCA) in nearby Edmonton from 1997-2015, and through Marcus became involved in supporting the ministry in Maskwacîs for many years. When Marcus left the field, Bert helped keep the short-term mission trips going and is actively ministering in the Montana and Samson band communities. As he neared “retirement,” he sensed a call to keep the Cree ministry going. Bert and his wife, Carole, began attending several churches on the Reserve, and started tutoring local kids to help improve their reading and math skills. The Gibson discovered that illiteracy was a hindrance to discipleship and wanted to do their part to change that. The Weight of History Doing ministry in a community with so many challenges is daunting, and one of the biggest hurdles to overcome is the stigma attached to “institutional” Christianity itself and the painful history associated with it. To understand how communities like Maskwacîs got where got where they are now, one has to understand the complexity of the

relational distrust that developed from broken promises and neglect. “Invaders is what we were,” said Bert. “The white European community came and took the land away from them and killed their main food supply – the buffalo – and then corralled the people, confined them to a reserve not allowing them freedom to move about. The Church as a “foreign” (non-indigenous) institution was associated with the government. So you can imagine how that might present a barrier for them hearing the gospel.” The oppression against First Nations people didn’t end there. In the early 20th century, the Canadian Government’s Department of Indian Affairs created and funded a system of residential schools for First Nations children. The schools, which the government recruited the church to operate, were often located far away from the children’s home communities, intentionally removing them from their own culture in an effort to assimilate them into Canadian culture. Kids as young as 6 years old were forcibly taken from their homes. Churchmen cut their hair, put them in western clothing, and forced them to speak only English or French. “Kill the Indian, save the man,” they said. Over the next hundred years, more than a third of First Nations children were put in these residential schools. Many, it was later discovered, were physically and sexually abused. Thousands died in the schools, neglected, abused, and then buried in mass graves. Canada’s 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Report called the system “cultural genocide.” “This just went on and on,” said Gibson. “They closed the last school in 1996, so we’re talking about multiple generations of people who associate Christianity with abuse, distrust, and harm.” Real Reconciliation In 2008, Canada launched the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, an effort to document the history and lasting impact of these schools on First Nations communities. “They went throughout the country into these communities, and many of the people who experienced these schools were given the opportunity to stand up and give their story,” said Bert. “All this was collected, and then the Commission came up with a list of recommendations on how it thinks reconciliation can take place. Wow! That concept is so central to the gospel.” The Commission’s work has been an incredibly valuable and productive step for Canada. And yet, Gibson added, the secular government’s primary means of reconciliation involves money and investment. This is needed, to be

sure. Many reserves are isolated and underdeveloped, lacking even clean drinking water. Yet deep reconciliation takes more than cutting a few checks. That’s where short-term teams come in. “What these summer teams do is real reconciliation,” one First Nations pastor told Bert. “How’s that?” he asked. “Real reconciliation is about becoming friends,” he answered. “When we’re reconciled to God, we become His friends. Even better, we become part of his family. That’s what real reconciliation is about – we’re no longer alienated, but we’ve been brought together in a harmonious relationship where we’re friends.” The way this Cree pastor sees it, Christians coming in from outside Maskwacîs, even if just for a week, demonstrates love, care, and concern. Just hanging out and having a good time with kids at a Kids Club, sharing and explaining the gospel, can make all the difference in the world. “They don’t see us as adversaries or coming as as some kind of big brother,” said Bert. “We’re just people coming in to hang out. They are a relational people. So it means a lot to just … spend time, to demonstrate that you like them, really care about them and will engage with them on a personal level. So when we have people come from all over – from Georgia or Nova Scotia or Houston or New York City or wherever – that’s making a statement.” Short-term teams putting on Kids Clubs (a version of vacation Bible school) or leading gospel-centered classes on parenting and grief may not seem like much, but they’re vital steps toward building a foundation of friendship and trust. “The big challenge is discipling people and getting them to where they can feed themselves from the Scriptures and sustain that kind of movement in their own community,” said Bert. “I won’t ever see that in my lifetime, but somebody’s got to be there to light the match. I hope I’m one of those match lighters.” https://www.mtw.org/stories/details/0225-a-foundation-of-friendship

3 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory,

and the lifter of my head. PSALM 3:3 ESV

OUR MISSIONARY FAMILY Our plan was to fly the next day back to Vienna, but it was interrupted by a sharp abdominal pain – so sharp it caused me to faint. We were in Boston visiting with our daughter Elyssa. After we confirmed that it wasn’t appendicitis, we postponed our departure to give me time to rest and recover. The day after we returned, I saw a gastro-specialist. He treated me for diverticulitis, while setting up a blood test and a CT scan. The blood results came back fine. However, the CT scan revealed two “soft tissue masses” in my abdominal cavity. So he scheduled a MRI, followed by a biopsy. The MRI revealed the tumors to be grape-like clusters. They did a low-invasive biopsy through the intestinal wall to ascertain what they are made of. From the 4 samples taken, there was only scar tissue, no living cells. Without living cells, the lab technician can’t test whether the mass is benign or malignant. So now I have another biopsy scheduled for next week (27 Feb.). I’m told that it’ll be done with a bigger needle, this time into the lower ‘grapes’. Dear Praying Friends,

In the midst of all the above, before the CT scan, I was writing a quick text to update my family. I was just about to send the text, “Tomorrow I will have a CT scan; I won’t worry until I get the results,” when God stopped me with a question.

Oh, so you’re making a plan for when to start worrying? The situation is what it is, whether you know about it or not. But when you do know, then you will begin to worry? What can worry do for you? It won’t add a day to your life, an inch to your height or a hair to your head. Actually, severe continuous worry will often make the condition or situation worse.

Since that moment, worry, which is my default mode, has not plagued me. I decided not to allow it to be my companion and not to listen to the imaginary scenarios. I give the Holy Spirit all the credit!

Here’s a German word that was easy to learn, because we sing a song at church with it in the title. Zwischenzeit! Let that roll off your tongue. If you want to try, it’s pronounced “svish-en-site”, and means “the time in between”. We sing about this in the context for our Savior’s return.

Like you, I have experienced Zwischenzeit many times throughout my life. It’s that period of waiting between point A to point B. Like the countless times I sat in Lucan traffic during school runs, driving lessons, and navigating heavily congested roads in our patch of Dublin. Time seemed to come to a standstill.

As young parents we experienced Zwischenzeit through 2 years of hospital visits and surgery, casts and a leg brace for our first-born, waiting for her hip to be fully formed. Those were days of waiting with the

unknown, when I thought God was not very interested. I doubted that she’d ever be healed. It was taking soooooo long! Today she walks, runs and dances without a bother.

How does one live during the Zwischenzeit? Tapping our fingers or trying to make something happen? Trusting God by being still, or getting up and taking action?

“Keep calm & carry on.” That’s the phrase of a motivational poster designed by the British government in 1939, in preparation for WWII. Over 2 million copies were printed, though they were rarely publicly displayed. Other slogans were chosen instead. These copies were put in “cold storage”. Then in April 1940, they were pulped as part of a wider Paper Salvage campaign. The little known poster was rediscovered in 2000. It became an evocation of British stoicism: self-discipline, fortitude, and remaining calm in adversity. The poster has now become recognized around the world.

Perhaps it’s an overused cliché, but I really like it. To me, it’s more than a phrase reflecting Victorian stoicism. It reminds me of the greater comfort we have from Jesus, when He said,

“In this world you will have troubles, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.”

As one who trusts in God as our Sovereign King, Savior and loving Papa, I believe that faith in Him is what enables us to carry on. This “carrying on” means waiting, trusting, praying, which outwardly appears passive. It looks different in different circumstances. But always, Jesus calls us to trust in God’s goodness and mercy, regardless of the outcome. As Christ stumbled to the cross, He trusted His Father. Likewise, we trust that what looks incongruous with how things ‘ought to be’, God is able to weave His good purpose in, in such a way that we may not understand on this side of heaven.

In terms of health, today I walk in the land of the unknown. I must wait and rely on the diagnosis of others. The medical team doesn’t know yet what the nature of the grapes are. They are still investigating into what God already knows. Ask the Lord to give the medical team wisdom to know what to do. Pray that my mind will remain in the custody of Christ when I find out the news, whatever it may be. Of course it would be a relief to learn that these grapes are benign and can be removed. Ask God to restore my body to good health.

In the Zwischenzeit, I seek to trust Jesus, keep calm and carry on.

Thanks for praying for us, Karen

Pray for the Brauers

*For a clear diagnosis. For our faith to be strengthened, as we keep our eyes on Jesus in the midst of the unknown. It’s hard for us to make plans, to carry on, with the uncertainty of what medical treatment may be needed. On the other hand, I’m working on 3 different paintings right now, which has been fun.

*This spring Eric has the opportunity to preach three times, once in February, April and May. Ask God to bless his prep., and through him our faith community at New City Wien.

*Eric & I are currently mentoring two church leading couples, one in Frankfurt-Germany and the other here in Vienna. Ask Jesus to bless these weekly times we share with each couple. Pray that our hearts would be sensitive to His lead[ing] us during these sessions.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Month of March Every Friday in March

Fairtrade Friday “purchase with purpose” O’Onda Gallery & Gifts

534 East Main St., Richmond, IN 47374 765.935.9717 Fridays:10am–5:30pm

Every Friday, O’Onda does a special SALE while focusing on fairtrade by selecting from the amazing works from artists around the world, including focusing on their country. The artists & artisans are from village where your purchase of their work provides the means to take care of their families, communities, health care, education and/or business skills. https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/fairtrade-

friday-purchase-purpose Every Saturday – until April 25, 2020

Richmond’s Winter Farmers Market

Richmond Senior Community Center 1600 South 2nd Street, Richmond, IN 47374 765.983.7425 Saturdays:10am-1pm

Find local products each week from 100% certified local farmers & vendors! Produce, meat, eggs, honey, baked goods, jams and jellies, candies, soaps, jewelry, fine art and so much more! Every Saturday till April 25, 2020. https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/richmonds-

winter-farmers-market

Saturday - Sunday, March 14 - 15

Richmond Civic Theatre: Charlotte’s Web 1003 East Main Street, Richmond, IN 47374

765.962.8011 March14-15

Saturday, 7pm; Sunday 2pm. Charlotte, the spider, determined to save the life of Wilbur, the pig, starts her campaign with a “miracle” message in her web: “Some pig!” It is the beginning of a beautiful, entertaining, and wise story about friendship. $11/person https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/charlottes-

web Saturday, March 14

Hayes Arboretum: Handprint Flowers 801 Elks Road, Richmond, IN 47374

765.962.3745 March14:10am–4pm

Are you ready for the spring flowers? So are we! Create your own “hand-made” flower bouquet to take home. This activity is self-led and family-friendly, so stop by the Nature Center anytime 10-4pm. Free and open to all!

https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/handprint-flowers

Dancing With The Stars of Wayne County Forest Hills Country Club

2169 South 23rd Street, Richmond, IN 47374 765.966.6080 March14:6-10pm

On Saturday, March 14, 2020 from 6-10pm, Birth-to-Five will host Dancing with the Stars of Wayne County. This is our annual fundraising event in support of Birth-to-Five’s Parents As Teachers and Healthy Families programs. The event is held at the beautiful Forest Hills Country Club in Richmond. $65 Event Tickets include: Dinner & Dessert; Performances by RHS Devilettes, Nostalgia in Tap, Rog & Amy Greenawalt – National Champion Ballroom Dancers, Dance Competition with our local Stars, and open dancing. Cash bar available, as well as Silent Auction items to bid on. Event hosts: Rick and Hoover from G1010.3. Participating dancers: Josh & Tracy Amyx, Sean & Nicole Andreas, Mark & Megan Broeker, Eric & Melissa Vance, Megan Imhoff, Nick Dunlap & Brandi Farmer, Al Diamond & Paige Jennings, Michelle Miller & Marc Wissenberger, and the Dixon Dance Tap Trio. Dinner menu: Tossed salad, Chicken, Sugar snap peas, Duchess potatoes, New York Style cheesecake or Chocolate cake.

https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/dancing-stars-wayne-county

Wednesday, March 18

Toddler Time: Animal Homes Cope Environmental Center

1730 Airport Rd, Centerville, IN 47330 765.855.3188 March18:10-11am

Join us monthly where kids can explore the outdoors of CEC through a story, hands-on activities, crafts, and a hike. Children must be accompanied by an adult and Toddler Time meets rain or shine so be sure to dress for the weather! Event takes place at CEC’s Prairiewood Entrance on 1730 Airport Rd., Centerville, Indiana and cost $3 per toddler for pre-registration or $5 per toddler for day-of registration. Sign up here: https://forms.gle/c38mRKn7Z6DNsEiM7

https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/toddler-time-animal-homes

Friday, March 20 - 21

Centerville’s 62nd Annual Spring Stamp Show Friends Fellowship Community Room

2030 Chester Blvd. (RT. 27), Richmond, IN 47374 765.340.3155 March20:11am-5pm;March21:10am–3pm

Stamp dealers, buying and selling, kids table, U.S. Post on site. Several door prize drawings per day (Winners must be present.) Free Admission & Parking Friday, January 20 from 11am – 5pm; Saturday, Jan. 21 from 10am-3pm.

https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/centervilles-62nd-annual-spring-stamp-show-0 Friday, March 21

Hayes Arboretum: Birds in Our Local World

801 Elks Road, Richmond, IN 47374 765.962.3745 March21:9-11am

Join Bill Buskirk, Emeritus Professor of Biology at Earlham College, for his expertise in birds near and far. Seating is limited. Admission: Members: $3, Non-Members: $5, Children 12 and under are free. https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/birds-

our-local-world

15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you,

and you shall glorify me.” PSALM 50:15 ESV

Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church Event: Solid Brass Quintet

Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church 1004 North “A” Street Richmond, IN 47374

March21:7pm

An extraordinary event awaits you at the stunning Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church. The Gothic exterior awaits your arrival for the journey within the Reid Church. There you will find timeless treasures from the stained glass windows designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and Tiffany Studios, New York to the organ that has three manuals, 5 divisions, 42 ranks and 2630 pipes. Free admission – subject to change. Donations: As the church is no longer supported by a congregation, donations toward the preservation are greatly appreciated. A donation box is located in the South “A” Street stairway.

https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/reid-memorial-presbyterian-church-event-solid-brass-quintet Saturday, March 22

Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church Event:

John Allegar Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church

1004 North “A” Street Richmond, IN 47374 March22:4pm

An extraordinary event awaits you at the stunning Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church. Enjoy John Allegar, the Organist and Assistant Director of Music & Fine Arts from Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, performing within the Reid Church on the stunning organ. The Gothic exterior awaits your arrival for the journey within the Reid Church. There you will find timeless treasures from the stained glass windows designed by Louis Comfort Tiffany and Tiffany Studios, New York to the organ that has three manuals, 5 divisions, 42 ranks and 2630 pipes. Free admission – subject to change. Donations: As the church is no longer supported by a congregation, donations toward the preservation are greatly appreciated. A donation box is located in the South “A” Street stairway.

https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/reid-memorial-presbyterian-church-event-john-allegar

Saturday, March 28

Hayes Arboretum: Native American Hike

801 Elks Road, Richmond, IN 47374 765.962.3745 March28:10-11:30am

Did you know that Hayes Arboretum is home to twoNativeAmericanmounds?GobackintimetotheAdena

Culture as we hike to the mound, talk about thearchaeologicaldigs,andthrowatlatl.Members:$3,Non-Members:$5,Children12andunderarefree. https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/birds-

our-local-world

Earlham College Presents: Yumi Kurosawa Earlham College Goddard Auditorium, Carpenter Hall

801 National Rd. West, Richmond, IN 47374 765.983.1771 March28:7:30pm

An inventive, seemingly cosmopolitan composer mesmerizing audiences on the 20-string koto. You will not want to miss the international touring event. Admission: $10/adults, $5/students & seniors.

https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/earlham-college-presents-yumi-kurosawa

Sunday, March 29

Richmond Symphony Orchestra: The Recital Series

Bethany Theological Seminary, Nicarry Chapel 615 National Road West, Richmond, IN 47374

765.966.5181 March29:4-5pm

The Recital Series, a free collaborative concert series sponsored by RSO and Bethany Theological Seminary, features musicians from RSO in smaller ensembles. Open to the public and free for all.

https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/richmond-symphony-orchestra-recital-series

Saturday, April 4

Richmond Symphony Orchestra:

Strings Around the World Civic Hall Performing Arts

380 Hub Etchison Parkway, Richmond, IN 47374 765.966.5181 April4:7:30-9:30pm

The RSO’s 63rd season concludes with an all-string concert featuring a rich variety of music from America, Australia, Vienna and London. Our concertmaster, Mari Lunde, will play the lovely Rondo in A by Schubert. Further highlights will include Englishman Gustav Holst’s Brook Green Suite and American Arthur Foote’s Suite for Strings. Admission: $20, $25 for box seats. Kids under 18 are free.

https://visitrichmond.org/visitors/events-festivals/richmond-symphony-orchestra-strings-around-

world