“Peace be with you.”
These are the words Jesus used as he began to greet his disciples following his resurrection on that first Easter morning. They are words I invite us to continue to receive in the weeks ahead as we live in the reality of another “stay at home” order. While this is not the post Easter news we had hoped for may we find hope in the truth that the spirit of the risen Christ continues to move through closed doors to enter our homes and fill our lives. I pray we can receive the peace that Jesus continues to extend to us in the difficult times of life.
I was drawn to another promise this week that comes from Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. Paul reminds the church of the gracious provisions that come from God through our relationships with each other and through the work of the Spirit and then he writes:
19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Philippians 4)
This Wednesday I was privilege to spend time Lloyd Oakey. I am thankful that Lloyd has accepted our invitation to come and share in ministry with us as our supply interim pastor. I look forward to team ministry with him. His coming to us is one way that God is working to meet our needs. Welcome to East Zorra Lloyd and Margaret!
I invited Lloyd to share a few words of introduction in our letter this week.
“It is with excitement that I accept the position of supply pastor at East Zorra. East Zorra has a great reputation as a congregation determined to follow Jesus and has been faithful many years in making disciples and extending God’s love. I am sure I will learn many things, and I hope to be a blessing while serving the Lord here.
I have held credentials with MCEC for fifteen years. I was a pastor in New Hamburg for eighteen years with another denomination, before being called to Calvary Mennonite Church, Ayr, where I served thirteen years. Just recently, I completed an eighteen month role as supply pastor at Zion Mennonite Fellowship, Elmira.
My wife Margaret is my faithful partner in ministry. We have been married almost 44 years. We have five children (three girls, two boys), and eight grandchildren (six girls, two boys). Our children are located in south central Ontario except for the oldest who is in Calgary Alberta. Margaret was an Administrative Assistant at the MCEC office for about 13 years.
Becoming a Christ follower, starts a person on a wonderful path of adventure with God. While we don’t know what is around the corner, the Word is a ‘light to our feet’, and we ‘need not fear’, for God is with us! God has plans for us which include a ‘hope and a future’! Jeremiah 29:11”
Next Sunday April 18 we are planning for an Installation Service and time of blessing as Lloyd serves in his pastor role with us.
“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.” (Philippians 4.23)
Pastor Ray