I then moved my focus to the woods of an undeveloped area in our neighborhood. My friends and I found scrap plywood, gathered my dads tool belt, and found a grouping of trees. We sawed, we hammered, we created. We even had battles with other kids doing the same and competed for space and supplies. It was epic.

                The space changed, the tools even changed, but the message and quest stayed the same; Adventure. Today, we are in a time of constant change. The way we were doing things changed on us, our routines changed on us, the tools changed on us. We wanted to do worship a certain way, we got used to doing it in a certain way, but then a pandemic yelled at us and said, "Are you going to make that higher than my fence?"

                Conditions and safety required us to do things differently. My dad could have told the neighbor we aren't changing and risked the good relationship we had with our neighbor, I could have abandoned my quest, but I chose to adapt. Likewise, we could have said we are going to do worship the same way and risk the lives of others and greater spread of the virus throughout our community, we could have said I am going to do nothing, or we could adapt.

                I am grateful that we did not abandon our mission, that we did not abandon our call, but we adapted. We chose to be good neighbors, we chose to do no harm, we chose to listen to science, we chose to follow our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and we continued worship. Yes, that worship was in a different form, but the message remained the same. Jesus is Lord and there is no place he is not and he offers life to all.

                My prayer has been that you continued to worship. That you didn't let circumstances dictate your joy, that you didn't let style dictate your focus, that you didn't allow frustration to rule your engagement, but that you allowed the Joy of the Lord to be your strength, that you connected with other Christians, that you took responsibility not just for your faith, and your discipleship development, but your mission to share the good news of Jesus Christ!

                Through this pandemic we have learned and are continuing to learn new technology and ways to communicate in this 21st century in this time of Covid-19. We went from almost zero online presence to having live-streaming events, to online pre-school, a YouTube channel with children, youth, and adult Christian content. We are continuing to learn how to increase our presence online and spread the good news of Jesus Christ to a wider audience than before.

                We are still adapting to change, there is still adventure to be had. We need to be like the Israelites who created a worship space that was mobile, that could move when the fire of God changed direction, that we can move when God says go this way and that. So let us be in prayer to discern Jesus' next steps for us.

                We are slowly making a new step. We have been in prayer and discernment about when we think we can return to in person worship safely and how to do so. While I believe it is safer at home, and that if you fall into a certain susceptibility to this virus, it is better to stay home. But we also believe that with the number of cases dropping, and with only a few desiring to return at this date, we can open the doors for in person worship this weekend (Sept 6). Please look below for details of our return and what to expect.

                Our call is to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to alert people to the universal reign of God through Jesus Christ. We are blessed that we have technology that allows us to do that in most settings. I am thankful for your faithful witness to the love of God toward one another, and my work is to continue to find ways for us to do no harm, to do all the good we can, and to help us spread the name and work of Jesus to all we meet. Let us discover where this adventure will take us!

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Cory Britt

Contact Rev. Rachel Lever at rlever@stpeters-umc.org or 561-793-5712 ext 21

FALL CLASSES FOR ADULTS

St. Peter's Child Enrichment Center (CEC) opens on Monday. Palm Beach County Schools begin virtual classes the same day. What about us ... the adults of the church? Isn't this a great time to take advantage of opportunities for learning and growing? Check out the two options below. Then register for a class by replying to this email.

SURPRISE THE WORLD! BOOK STUDY

Begins Tuesday, September 8, 6:00 PM

For months, Rev. Cory Britt has been encouraging every St. Peter's member and regular attendee to read the book Surprise the World! At the end of each worship service, he mentions BELLS. Do you know what he is referring to? If not, you are invited to join a small group to study the book, Surprise the World! The study is seven weeks long.

Cindy Johnson participated in a small group in the spring. She was very touched by the message of the book, and she is excited about leading a new Zoom group. To register for the group, reply to this email or contact Rachel Lever, 793-5712 x 21.

The book is an easy read. You may purchase it on Amazon for $4.19. We also have a few copies at the church, which you can buy for $5.00.

FORGIVENESS: Finding Peace Through Letting Go

Begins Monday, September 14, 11:00 AM

Jennifer Cisney Ellers, a Christian author, says, "This book offers clear guidance for believers struggling with the practical application of our Biblical imperative to forgive. It is a must-read for both Christian counselors and every person who has something or someone to forgive"

This study is four weeks long. The book is an easy read, and the cost is $5.00. To register for the group, reply to this email or contact Rachel Lever, 793-5712 x 21. Linda Nelson and Rachel Lever will lead the study.