May 1, 2020

Dear Cathedral Family,

But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.
Psalm 77:11 (NLT)

It’s hard to believe that we are already in the month of May. Seems like just yesterday (wait, make that forever ago) that we were in the month of March, planning our spring and summer church activities. Then everything came to a screeching halt almost overnight. As you well know, none of this took God by surprise. Us, yes! God, no!! And as we continue through this, our anchor holds firm in a Kingdom that is not shaken at all.

I’m so grateful that we’re able to stay connected and do church online, but can I be honest with you? It’s really hard for me to not see your faces and interact with you in person, but I trust that God is doing a mighty work during this season. I look forward to seeing the fruit!

Dean and I are spending time praying, privately and together, and reaching out to check on people. Many of you have expressed how you’re starting to feel the strain – the emotional weariness, the mental fatigue, and the frustration of wondering when things will change. It’s like you had a full “reserve tank” going into this season, and now you’re close to running on empty.

How do we get recharged and refilled in a season like this? Spending time in God’s presence always refuels me; it could be reading the Bible, praying, just being quiet and listening for His voice, spending time worshiping with music, or taking a walk and enjoying being outdoors with Dean. I love to see how creative God is in communicating with me.

And I’m keeping a close check on where my thoughts go! Could I encourage you do a thought check? Where are your thoughts these days? Perhaps it would serve you well to pause and take a few moments to remember what’s good – about God, about your family, about how God has seen you through in the past.

That’s one of the reasons I’m excited about this Sunday. Pastor Eddie Tilley has a wonderful word about the power of remembering. I can’t wait for us to worship together and for you to experience what God has for us!

In the meantime, please be kind to yourself and others. Give a little extra grace. Keep checking on your friends and neighbors. Your phone call, text, card or surprise gift at the door could make all the difference. If you or someone you know is in need of food or financial assistance in this season, please help us get them connected to our Lowcountry Hope Center. We have resources available. No one has to fight alone.

See you Sunday at 11am on Facebook or Livestream for church online.

We will get through this!
 

Mike Lewis
Cathedral

April 24, 2020

Dear Cathedral Family,

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” - Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV)

I’ve been spending a lot of time lately in Psalm 91. Reading it, letting it read me, and asking the Holy Spirit for insight into how this incredible passage of God’s Word applies to our situation right now. It’s bringing me so much hope and encouragement.  

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Speaking of HOPE, I just want to take a moment to express my appreciation for Bill Storey and the outstanding team at the Lowcountry Hope Center. These folks are doing an incredible job ministering to our community, being the hands and feet of Jesus, during this coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Thank you, thank you, thank you, to everyone who has stepped up during this season to volunteer or to give. You are helping us make a tremendous difference!  

If you or someone you know is in need of food or financial assistance in this season, please help us get them connected.  There’s no need to struggle alone; help is here!  

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During this season when so much is out of our control, what resources do we have at our disposal to help us respond well? What are some of the tools in our arsenal to help us in this struggle? Because, as you well know, The Struggle is Real. Sometimes we miss out on what’s available to us, simply because we don’t know.  

If you missed last Sunday’s message, I’d encourage you to take some time to watch it. Slow down and really let the Lord minister to you. Take time and BREATHE! Perhaps you and your family could take communion together again. It really was a moving time together.  

This Sunday, we’ll be talking about some of the most powerful resources we have as followers of Christ. Because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross, we have free access to God’s presence, no mediator needed. God has an open door policy with us, yet I wonder how often we take Him up on that invitation.  

Before Jesus went to the cross, He promised the disciples, and all the disciples to come (that’s us!), a Gift, a Comforter, a Guide, a Teacher, a Leader – the Holy Spirit. If you want to read some amazing stories, check out the book of Acts to see what happened when the disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit! And the truth is - that same power and authority is given to all believers! To us!  

I can’t wait to be with you on Sunday as we worship and study the Word of God together! Join us on Facebook or Livestream.  

We will get through this!