Pastor Tia Pelz at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Fremont
March 19, 2020
As we all know, COVID-19 has caused major disruptions in the lives of our loved ones, communities, nation and world. The ELCA faith communities in the Tri-City recognize that these fast-unfolding events are creating concern and uncertainty for all of us. As such, during this time of social distancing and sheltering at home we want you to know that we are standing with you. Each week you will be sent a devotion from the clergy in hope of providing comfort, strength and hope. The first is from Pastor Tia Pelz at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Fremont.
Dear Saints of the Church,
How is your spirit today? What were your first thoughts when you woke up this morning?
I am writing to you from my bedroom, which turned into my office I also share with my husband now. While I am typing these lines, I hear my daughter saying: “ Don’t get it,” and my husband patiently explaining to her over and over again how to calculate. Suddenly, she screams: “Now I know!” For the last couple of minutes, she has been trying to teach her younger brother what she just understood. There is joy in this chaos as we all try to adjust to our new tasks and roles as parents, teachers, companions, friends.
There is also anxiety and fear rising. I find myself worrying about the future and thinking way too far ahead. I ask myself, how I can pastor you through this crisis so that it will strengthen our faith and our community.
One bible verse has been coming to my mind again and again. “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline!” (1 Timotheus 1,7)
A spirit of power and love and self-discipline. That’s quite a spirit. Let’s start with the spirit of self-discipline. How do you structure your day? How do you withstand the impulse “to just go outside and meet some people”. And most importantly: Do you rely on God? Or on toilet paper and canned food?
The spirit of love: How do you stay connected with your loved ones who don’t live with you. How do you stay connected with your congregation without seeing each other on a Sunday? How do you care for the marginalized, the unhoused, the unemployed neighbors and friends?
The spirit of power: Which powers do you rely on? Do you use your time to strengthen your relationship with God? Or do you try to find the last toilet paper in the city? Or are you as addicted to the News as I am right now? Checking your phone all the time, listening to the radio non-stop. As much as I have tried, I haven’t been able to calm down and relax yet mentally and spiritually. How about you?
If you long for some spiritual practice and just don’t know how to start, here is my adapted version of Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer for you. God bless you! Your Pastor Tia.
Morning Prayer
In the morning when you get up, make the sign of the holy cross and say:
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Then, kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed.
The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth;
And in Jesus Christ his only Son our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried.
He descended to the dead.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven,
and sits at the right hand of God the Father.
he shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Personal prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.
If you choose, you may also say this little prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Then start joyfully into your day, singing a hymn, humming a song or simply full of gratitude to be alive.
Evening Prayer
In the evening when you go to bed, make the sign of the holy cross and say:
In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Personal prayers may be offered for ourselves and others.
Then kneeling or standing, repeat the Lord’s Prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
If you choose, you may also say this little prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Then go to sleep at once and in good cheer. (Don’t watch any News before the next morning.)