First Christian Church | Pittsfield

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Thrive in Christ

03.24.20 | Michael's Corner | by Michael Ten Eyck

    Dear Church Family,

    The phrase, “May you live in interesting times…” keeps going through my mind of late.  Certainly, these are very interesting times, indeed. Ironically, the phrase is often referred to as the “Chinese Curse,” even though no Chinese author can be attributed to the adage.  
    Certainly greater words for the day are found from the prophet Isaiah:
    Isa 26:1 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.   -ESV
    I have been pondering the question as to how we can keep our mind stayed on the Prince of Peace in the midst of the resounding, unrelenting clatter of voices that seem to focus on calling out our doom  (hyper sensationalized media and social media).
    I believe we must cling to the FACT that the church has thrived in the midst of trials, tribulations, famine, and pestilence.  Please know that these days are given to us to thrive in Christ. To borrow lyrics from a recent praise song by Casting Crowns: “It's time for us to more than just survive, we were made to thrive…”
    In considering how we as a church can assist in helping us thrive, we will be doing several things during this time of uncertainty: 

    --I will be doing a live stream event on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 am.  It will be posted. I will be entertaining questions I receive in texts, emails, and calls, as well as giving a quick devotion, time of prayer, and update on the church business.  Please reach out with any questions you may have or what you would like to hear. I would hope to keep these sessions to around 30 minutes or so. 

    --We will continue to live stream Sunday’s services and post them on our website ASAP.  They can also be found on our Youtube page. Please subscribe and you will receive notifications of live events.  

    --We will continue to publish community services such as food to those in need, and our Christian Education team will try to keep in contact with their kids as best they can. 

    --I am available by phone for prayer, encouragement, or even if you just need to talk to someone.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out!  

    We will get through this, there is no doubt, but I want to do more than get through this time.  I want our church family to THRIVE in the midst of tough times.   

    Loving you all,
    Michael