It is a joy to share some good news. From December 12th through the 25th we had 1,012 visits to the church website and 2,853 pageviews. Wow! God is using new ways to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love. Clearly, the pandemic is not stopping the church from proclaiming the good news that sustains us in a time like this. What a blessing that we have the use of technology to continue to worship, pray, learn and serve in Christ’s living Spirit. No wonder we have already decided to continue virtual worship even when it is safe to re-gather for in-person services in our inspiring sanctuary.

I want to offer sincere appreciation to the Council of Ministries for their willingness to invest in upgraded audio and video equipment in the sanctuary. Of course, it is the generosity of a faithful congregation that empowered this investment. I also tip my hat to the church staff, the technology team, the music team and the Worship and Arts Ministry Team for their devoted service in front of and behind the camera. And finally, special kudos to Michael Kendall, Mark Raker and Jerry Weissinger for technical guidance along the way and hours of work each week that make our ministry of virtual worship possible. Friedens is richly blessed with good souls who share their gifts with glad hearts!

The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)