UPMC Tragedy, Gather25 and Lent
Dear brothers and sisters of the suffering and resurrected Lord Jesus Christ,
On this Monday after the UPMC Memorial Hospital tragedy, where Officer Duarte died in the line of duty and five others were injured, our hearts grieve and our minds search for answers. As we walk through the aftermath, here are a few things to remember.
This is awful. A place of healing was converted into a place of horror.
This affects all of us. Even if you were not directly impacted on Saturday, you likely know somebody who was.
This will linger. Traumatic events are not “just another day” and affect us in ongoing and unpredictable ways.
This is not the end of the story. We follow a Savior who turns darkness into light.
If you are suffering…
God is not far away. Psalm 34:18 says, “the Lord is near the brokenhearted.”
God is not inattentive. Psalm 22:24 says, “[the Lord] has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help.”
God is not unmoved. John 11:35 says, “Jesus wept.”
God is not finished. Revelation 21:4 promises a future with “no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
You can trust him with your broken heart and distressed mind and grieving soul.
If you know someone who is suffering…
You are in the place to represent God’s presence, attention, grief and hope. Romans 12:9-21 describes sincere love within the body of Christ. We are called to be “patient in affliction” and to “mourn with those who mourn” and to “overcome evil with good.” That looks like the following:
Reach out. Send a card or text or meal. Be available and represent God’s presence.
Listen up. Grief and trauma need to be processed not analyzed. Allow your friend an “open mic” to share what feelings they are experiencing and thoughts they are thinking.
Weep along. As Jesus wept with his friends (John 11), feel the grief of your loved ones and neighbors. Be openhearted; don’t rush them through this.
Point to Jesus. Eternal healing and hope is found in Him. When appropriate, share how Jesus has helped you in your pain and grief.
Need support?
If you’re in a small group, please reach out to another member or your leader. If you’re not connected in a group, please call the office at 717-764-4888 and ask to speak to a pastor. You don’t need to suffer alone.
We also partner with New Beginnings Therapy Services who provide a safe space to process. If you’re interested, call 717-542-5043.
I am grateful for each of you and praying for you.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Josh
PS: If you missed yesterday’s services, you can find them here (Stillmeadow Lane) and here (York City).
PPS: It’s not too late to jump into the reading plan. We’re in Deuteronomy this week. Check out our reading page here.
The Main Announcements
Gather25
Lent Devotionals
Gather 25 is this Friday!
Feb 28-Mar 1, we’ll be praying, praising and experiencing God together in a global event hosted at Stillmeadow. Join in by praying now and planning to participate. More info HERE!
Lenten Devotionals
This year’s Lenten Devotionals go with our Bible reading plan and each one features an aspect of GodStory and OurStory. Some of the devotionals have a word of testimony that I am sure will bless and encourage you. You can sign up to receive them daily in your email (click here to sign up), or you can pick them up on March 2 at our welcome desks.
Grow with us in our new Spring Courses
We were made to grow in maturity in our relationship with God and others. And we realize that no one matures alone, so we have intentional ways to cultivate growth together. Check out these opportunities…
NEW Spring Courses
We are all on a discipleship pathway here in Stillmeadow and we have many intermittent courses that help equip each of us in spiritual formation. Get more information on these Spring courses at stillnaz.com/courses.
Serve with us on the Family Ministry Team or in Welcoming a Refugee Family
You have been gifted and we’d be honored to serve with you. We’d love to have you partner with us. Click the “Serve” button below for more opportunities.
Kids and Youth Ministry
Serve with our Kids or Youth Ministries! For information contact Patsy at pmoses@stillnaz.com or Pastor Tabitha at pastortabitha@stillnaz.com.
Welcoming a Refugee Family
We have an opportunity to welcome and serve a family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. If you are interested, please reach out to Pastor Josh (pastorjosh@stillnaz.com).
Pray with us through our Missions Focus
You can find a guide to prayer and submit a prayer request at www.stillnaz.com/prayerrequest.
Let us pray for the requests on our Missions Card.
Give with us to support Alabaster offering and EJAM (Pretzel Sandwiches)
Give to the Alabaster Offering
This special offering goes to building projects around the world. Fill an alabaster box, or click the give button below and select Alabaster or check Alabaster on your giving envelope.
East Jamaica Team is Hosting a Pretzel Sandwich Fundraiser
From February 16 to March 9 the team will be taking orders for Pretzel Sandwiches in the Café area. Questions or orders? Contact Missy Hull at 717 818 1677
Thank you from Good News Prison Ministry
Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene,
I want to personally thank you for supporting me and the mission at Good News Global. Your financial support has enabled 231 chaplains in GNG to minister to the incarcerated. Last year more than 41,700 plus people accepted Christ as their Savior in the prisons we are in. Thank you so much for your continued support!
Chaplain Michael Irvin
Congratulations to…
CJ and Amanda Wilkinson — for the arrival of their son David Cassius on January 26
Jon and Jessica Garza — For the arrival of their daughter Elena Grace on January 28.
Condolences to…
The Coble Family. Tom Coble passed away Sunday, February 16.
Darla Dunn and family (Wes and Seth). Darla’s sister Bea passed away on Tuesday, Feb 4.