The early, adrenaline-filled days of the pandemic have settled into dreary, routinized weeks that stretch indeterminately into the future. In the words of Andy Crouch, the initial blizzard has ushered in a winter that may yet become a “little ice age.”
 
Is Coronatide getting easier for you the longer it goes on? It has become more normal, but not (for me at least) any easier. I find myself longing for poise and purpose – greater equanimity and more of a sense that I am doing something to help. At our best, Christians have responded to calamity in precisely this way. The safety of God’s love and the stability of God’s Word prompts us to fearlessly serve God’s world.
 
We have a few upcoming opportunities to grow in our love for God and neighbor:

• Love Beyond Walls is an organization dedicated to serving people currently experiencing homelessness to help restore their dignity and quality of life., They launched Love Sinks In, in response to COVID-19, a campaign focused on providing portable hand-washing stations to the highest trafficked homeless areas across our nation. 

COTC is going to install and maintain a hand-washing station at the intersection of 290 and Cameron. Before we do, however, we need a critical mass of volunteers willing to help refill and sanitize the station. Be encouraged to sign up and serve.
 

• T.S. Elliot said the purpose of literature is to turn blood into ink. His point (I think) is that well-written words are brimming with life. This Sunday I am teaching a Lunch and Learn focused on Scripture. My hope is show how Holy Spirit turns ink into blood – how the pages of the Bible can become fields of activity for the Living God. We’ll plan to meet at 12 pm on Zoom. Hope to see you there!

• COTC is partnering with Christ Church and We Are Blood for (another) mobile drive on May 3rd.  There is a significant need during the pandemic, and we have the ability to bless those in need. Sign up here for a specific appointment.

 
Poise and Purpose. Stability and Service. Nothing beats a good alliteration. I hope you join us this weekend to hear the word and serve the world!
 
Nick