22 March 2020
Dear Damariscotta Baptist Church Family,
Another Sunday when we are worshipping from home. I pray that everyone is healthy and doing okay.
This advice was passed along to me so I am forwarding it on to you.
SOME ADVICE FROM MARTIN LUTHER:
When Martin Luther was dealing with The Black Death, he wrote these wise words that can help inform the way we approach things happening in our world right now…
“I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God.”
Luther’s Works Volume 43 pg 132 the letter “Whether one may flee from a Deadly Plague” written to Rev. Dr. John Hess.
Luther’s experience ought to help shape our response to this pandemic. The first thing that should be noted is Luther’s call to prayer.
We need to be praying:
for each other
for God to direct our response to this pandemic
(We ought not to respond in fear but love,)
for God’s Spirit to move among our secular leaders and communities
opening them to the saving power of the Gospel
for our Christian witness to our neighbors.
for those infected by the coronavirus in China and around the world
with gratitude for those who care for those infected and their protection
from this disease
with gratitude for health specialists and authorities who are combating
the spread of infection
for government officials and leaders to have the wisdom necessary
to make necessary and informed decisions out of care for the public good, particularly the most vulnerable
for all who at this time are feeling anxious
Luther then reminds us to abide by the counsel of our government and civic leaders. We ought to do what is asked of us not for our benefit but for the benefit of our neighbor. We ought to keep abreast of the latest developments and act accordingly. Here are several websites that will help keep you up to date:
Center for Disease Control Resources
Maine Center for Disease Control Website:
National Center for Disease Control Website:
Maine Governor Mills Updates
Luther would remind us that death is a reality of life and for the believer in Christ Jesus, nothing to be feared. By His resurrection, Christ has set us free from death. However, we are not to act presumptuously. We are to take proper action and leave the ultimate decision in the rightful hands of God. This is no time to act rashly or imprudently. It is a time to share our hope in Christ.
Finally, Luther reminds us that we are our neighbor’s keeper. We have an obligation to make sure they are cared for and not left in need. So we need to check in with those around us and if need be, serve according to their need.
There may be times when we feel hopeless, however, we need to encourage each other in the truth that we have a hope that is greater than that which is in the world. In order to make sure this happens within our church family I am asking you to take on the task of checking in with each other at least once a week. I have adapted the Phone Tree List.
I think I have included everyone, if you notice that someone is not on the list, please let me know. In the meantime, I am working on creating an on-line connection, or service over the phone for next week. It is nice to have teenagers at home who will be able to assist me in the technology aspect. Be looking for information on how to access our community worship next Sunday. If you find yourself in need of anything, please do not hesitate to call me.
Joyfully,
Pastor Marilee 🙂
So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
Hebrews 10: 22-25 “The Message”
DBC PHONE TREE – “To Keep in Touch”
DAN HUPP
Gail Simone
Quinn Martin
Marvin Look
MaryAnn Look
Julie Crider
David Hatch
GAIL SIMONE
Art & Pat Conley
Jody Dearing
Carol Miller
Steve St. Cyr
Don & Ann Walenta
QUINN MARTIN
Ira & Kristen Michaud
Ali Winslow
Rosalie Campbell
Joe Griffin
MARVIN LOOK
Fred Sewall
Bruce & Charlotte Dunifer
Polly Steele
Marjorie Redonnett
MARYANN LOOK
Reita Sewall
Val Fossett
Linda Simmons
Lynne Dodge
JULIE CRIDER
Donna Craig
Karol Clark
Emily Krah
Greta Bickford
Beverly Rines
DONNA CRAIG
Shirley Main
Marcia Cowan
Cheryl Plummer
Poppy Truchon
Mary Ellen Ricker
MARILEE HARRIS
Becky Butler
Brenda Goth
John & Jolienne Shaw
Vicky Fleury
Cyndy Lewis & Newt Blakesley
Theo Barstow
Joyce Johnston
Bertha Foote
Paulette Chapman
