Greetings Pilgrim Family,
Governor Tim Walz this week extended the Stay at Home Order in Minnesota until Monday, May 18th. In addition, he also announced to get more Minnesotans back safely to work while the order remains in effect, that retail businesses and other non-critical business will resume operations with curbside pick-up. Pilgrim, it is imperative that we do all that we can to see to it we still are safe and healthy regardless of what government and others are doing. Let us adhere to the Say at Home Order as well as practice the health and social precautions and recommendations by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). As a church, we will do what is best for Pilgrim and the overall health and wellbeing of its membership.
As we go through this pandemic together let us take time to do the following: 1) call and check-in with one another. 2) Pray for and with one another. 3) Continue in your Bible Reading / Devotional Program in your Bible App on your phone. 4) Wear your mask in public and go for a walk / get your exercise daily.
I ask that we remember the many families who lost their loved ones this week and due to the emergency restrictions are unable to say goodbye and mourn with their families. At the moment, I am aware of nine (9) families who have lost loved ones in the last 30 days, the latest being Elise Johnson who lost her brother, Steven McBrayer, and Pat Durand’s brother, Christopher Durand, Jr. Pilgrim, we can not shrug our shoulders at such a great loss. Therefore, the church will hold a Memorial Service upon regathering as a body as soon as reasonably possible. The purpose and intent of this Memorial Service is not to replace anything the family has planned but to help the Pilgrim church family heal from such great loss. As I said earlier, I know of 9 families, however, if any of you have lost loved ones from March 19 – until we regather as a body please inform your Deacon and supply the following information:
- a) Your name b) The name of the deceased c) Your relationship to the deceased d) the date of their birth and the date of their passing. e) a picture of the deceased. Your provision of this information would help so we can best plan for this service.
While we continue to set up some sense of normalcy during this pandemic, Pilgrim will have Bible Study on Wednesday evening at 7 pm by conference call to include persons who do not have internet access. So as long as you have a phone, you can join us for our Wednesday evening bible study at 7 pm. If you would like to be a part of our conference call Bible Study, please call (832) 831-2424 ID #204481. The Pilgrim Prayer Line is now open, you can pray with Min. Patrick and / or Min. Stephanie Burrage at (832) 831-2424 ID # 204481. The Pilgrim Prayer Line is available Sunday morning 10-11 am.
Pilgrim, I have a question for you, are we maximizing our witness during this pandemic? Are we making the presence of Christ known in the community during this pandemic? What are you willing to support actively and personally to be a witness during this time? I am looking for some Drive-through missionaries. If you are interested, please call (763) 607-3930.
In closing, Pilgrim, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your gracious and faithful giving. Please continue to invite your family, friends, and FaceBook family to join you in watching the Pilgrim Broadcast. God is doing great things through this virtual mode of worship. Again, thank you for your faithful prayers, support, and encouragement. Blessings on you all.
Sincerely,
Charles L. Gill
Reverend Charles L. Gill, D.Min.