Friends-
In light of the current COVID19 crisis, and after MUCH thought, prayer, and consideration, the board of our Caledonia Church has decided to suspend worship services and all other activities (Wednesday Bible study, propose youth overnight, etc.) until further notice.  As you can imagine, this has not been an easy decision to arrive at, and you should thank your board members for faithfully wrestling with it.  We, the board, will continue to monitor the situation and will reconvene us as a congregation when we believe it is prudent and safe.

This does not mean no worship!  I would encourage all of you to expand worship, prayer, song, and scripture reading in your homes.  The web is full of great messages, music, and teachings.  If you need suggestions, let me know.  I welcome your questions, your calls, your texts, your emails.  I want us to be together as a congregation as much as this interruption allows.   Certainly, let us pray for one another, for our church, for our nation, and for the world.  If you have particular prayer requests, let me know.

And this does not mean no work!  We need to be Jesus to the world now more than ever.  Your neighbors, friends, co-workers, and fellow students may very much need your help.  Ask God.  He'll let you know.

It DOES mean waiting... waiting until God says it is time for us to get together again.  And in that time, let's keep our eyes, ears, and hearts on him

Know that you are dear to me and it is hard for me to not see you face to face.  Know also, that God is in charge of all of this, and that he can use this, and these days for great good if we will let him!
Gary

Friends-
Folklore tells us that if March comes in like a lamb, it will go out like a lion.  And if it comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb.  I'm not sure where this comes from.  Maybe it's because March launches spring, and weather tends to be pretty topsy-turvy this time of year.  I'm really not sure.

But it makes me think of Jesus.

In the Bible, he is referred to both as the Lamb of God, and the Lion of Judah.  He is both gentle and approachable, and fierce and powerful.  He is the lamb that takes away the sin of the world, and the lion who conquers evil and chases it away.  And we need him in both of these manifestations, don't we?

As we enter Lent, we recall his passion, his struggle, and his sacrifice, as he went to the cross to atone, not for his sins, but for ours.  And while at the time, that looked like a complete defeat, upon his resurrection, it proved to be complete victory.

And while we still live in a world weary with evil, we have the confidence that as the Great Lion of God, he will come again to put all things right, and usher in the new age, where tears will be no more.

Looks like March will be coming in like a lamb this year.  So look out on the 31st!  But better still, "...look to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:2). Neither weather nor circumstances matter, if our eyes and our hearts are on him.

Have a great month!
Gary

Calendar
Sundays - Every Sunday: Worship Service at 10:30 am.
                 3/1 - Communion Sunday
                 3/29 - Coin Collection Sunday and making lunches for Miss Carly's after church.

Tuesdays - 3/3 - Church Board Meeting - 7 PM - Fellowship Room - New night for this month. 

Wednesdays - Every Wednesday - Bible Study - 6 PM - Fellowship Room - Everyone welcome. 

Thursdays - 3/26 - Community Dinner - 5:30 PM - Poplar Grove Church - Come to eat and/or serve.

Saturdays - 3/8 - Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour tonight!  Spring ahead 1 hour!

Other News:
Lenten Reading - February 26 was the first day of Lent.  Rediscover Jesus by Matthew Kelly has 40 short chapters, so it makes the perfect choice for devotional reading during Lent.  Skip Sundays and you will finish the book the day before Easter. 

Thanks - Thanks to everyone who helped in some way with Margaret Lamont's memorial service.  It was a lovely tribute to our dear Margaret. 

Coin Collection Sunday - Just a reminder that we collect coins on a quarterly basis for our benevolence fund.  March 29 is the next Sunday to  bring your coins!  Thank you for your generosity!

Miss Carly's Collection Bin - Nikki offers her thanks and love to all who helped make lunches on February 16.  It was a huge success and was accomplished in less than 2 hours. She is planning again to make lunches on March 29 after church. Check the bin in the fellowship room to see what is needed.  Non perishables can be brought any time, perishables can be brought on the 29th or earlier if you put in the refrigerator.  She is looking for help to make the lunches as well.   Talk to Nikki if you have questions. 

Refreshments - Be sure to stay after church and enjoy fellowship, coffee, and surprise treats every week!  Potluck style every Sunday.  Thanks to those who have been recently bringing food!

Communion - We offer communion to all believers.  You can choose a gluten-free option for the bread and we use grape juice for our cup.

Looking Ahead -
Maundy Thursday - Thursday, April 9 - We will gather for a soup supper at 5:30 PM.  This will be followed by a 7 PM Communion worship service.  Sign up sheet will be out later in March.

Easter Sunday - Sunday, April 12 is Easter!  Great time to invite friends and family!