Wednesday May 6^th  2020
A Weekday Emailer from
Matt Matthews
 
To Members and Friends of 
First Presbyterian Church
Champaign, Illinois
 
Dear Friends,
 
Concert TONIGHT at 7:00 featuring our very own Jean Rene Balekita. Get the link at FirstPres.Live. ‘See’ you there!
 
* * *
 
I have said before that this pandemic puts us all—everyone around the world—in the same boat. I was dead wrong. 
 
We are not in the same boat. We are in the same storm, yes, but not the same boat. Some families are enjoying family time together, zooming with grandparents, catching up on projects at home. The stress of unemployment is tearing some families apart. The economic safety nets aren’t catching everyone. The ‘boat’ I’m in with my family at my house is different from the boat friends in frail health are paddling. And our boats are different than those in a refugee camp or a village in South Sudan. 
 
I fear I’ve sometimes been smug equating my inconveniences with those of others. Some of you have lost loved ones. I apologize for my insensitivity. 
 
Yes, under these shelter in place orders I have truly enjoyed my family and writing letters to you (beloved flock). I have taken a close look at spring on long walks. We’ve cooked good meals, played music and ping pong, and have watched movies. My pantry and heart have been full. 
 
Not so for others in other boats. 
 
My prayer of lament this morning goes something like this: Bless us all, LORD, but bless everybody else first. I’m fine. I’m thankful. And I’d be glad, for once, to stand in the back of the line.
 
* * *  
 
Grace Ashenfelter shares this bit of history with us. It’s floating around Facebook. Younger members of our flock have nothing to compare this Covid-19 pandemic to. Our older friends, have lived through a lot. This doesn’t reduce our pain, but it places it in the bigger picture of the last 120 years.
 
Imagine you were born in 1900. On your 14th birthday, World War I starts, and ends on your 18th birthday. 19-22 million people perish in that war. 
 
Later in the year, a Spanish Flu epidemic hits the planet and runs until your 20th birthday. 50 million people die from it in those two years. 
 
On your 29th birthday, the Great Depression begins. Unemployment hits 25%, the World GDP drops 27%. That runs until you are 33. 
 
When you turn 39, World War II starts. On your 41st birthday, the United States is fully engaged in WWII. Between your 39th and 45th birthday. 75 million people perish in the war. 
 
Smallpox was epidemic until you were in your 40’s, as it killed 300 million people during your lifetime.  
 
At 50, the Korean War starts. 5 million perish. 
 
From your birth until you are 55 you dealt with the fear of Polio epidemics each summer. 
 
At 55 the Vietnam War begins and doesn’t end for 20 years. 4 million people perish in that conflict. During the Cold War, you lived each day with the fear of nuclear annihilation. 
 
On your 62nd birthday you have the Cuban Missile Crisis. When you turn 75, the Vietnam War finally ends. 
 
What wisdom do our older neighbors have to share with us about living through hard times?
 
News:
 
Wednesday Night Concert with Jean Rene Balekita. Join us at 7:00 p.m. Tune in to the link you will find at FirstPres.live. See you tonight for an hour of celebration in song.
 
Good Word:
 
A psalm of personal lament and hope: Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
 
¹   In you, O LORD, I seek refuge; 
          do not let me ever be put to shame; 
          in your righteousness deliver me. 
²   Incline your ear to me; 
          rescue me speedily. 
     Be a rock of refuge for me, 
          a strong fortress to save me.
³   You are indeed my rock and my fortress; 
          for your name’s sake lead me and guide me, 
⁴   take me out of the net that is hidden for me, 
          for you are my refuge. 
⁵   Into your hand I commit my spirit; 
          you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God
¹⁵  My times are in your hand; 
          deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. 
¹⁶  Let your face shine upon your servant; 
          save me in your steadfast love.  
 
Let us pray:
Bless the boats we are in as we weather this storm, Holy God. And even on this rough sea, might you find a way through our hands to bless others. AMEN. 
 
Much love to you all.
 
PEACE,
 
Matt Matthews
Cell: 864.386.9138
Matt@FirstPres.Church