My apologies for being so late in posting this. There has been so much going on. First, let me say that I hope and pray all of you are doing well. As I write this, I (Jonathan Kimball, the advisor) am on self-quarantine with my son, Sam. Neither of us are sick, but he traveled back to Rolla through some places with outbreaks. While it would be nice to be out and about, there’s really no place to go.
Obviously, there will not be any Common Call meetings for the remainder of the semester, since campus is effectively closed. Our ministry needs to keep moving, though. I have updated the flyer that we assembled. Once I’m out of quarantine, I’ll make copies to take to the sheriff. Those of you with access, please review it.
Many churches are providing some sort of online worship or reflection. I don’t know about the others in our group, but Rev. Lou Ellen Hartley from First Presby has posted a reflection. I believe she will continue to do so.
In case you didn’t know, I also have a personal blog, https://faith.jonathankimball.com/. My most recent post is directly relevant. Also, Bill Cottingham, a member of First Presby, highlighted a favorite psalm of his that is also directly relevant.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields[d] with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
Psalm 46
the God of Jacob is our fortress.