The name of this monthly column, “HORIZONS” comes out of the name of our newsletter itself, “The Sentinel.” A sentinel’s job is to stand and keep watch, looking out over the horizons, watching for signs of the Holy Spirit and of the coming Kingdom of God.

Part of our work as people of faith is that same work of a sentinel to look to the far horizons, to keep watch and perceive what’s really happening even before it’s totally apparent. Sometimes, try as hard as we might, we can’t clearly make it out. And sometimes, looking at what’s coming or already upon us, it’s the sentinel’s job to cry out a warning if threat is imminent.

So, sentinels–take in the news, stay safer-at-home and shelter-in-love. THANK YOU for all you’re doing to keep everyone safe and to care for our health care and service providers. Please continue to wash up. Stay healthy. Live smart. Stay in love with God!

Also strive to look beyond. Be strategically serious about what’s happening in the world, and also remember the promises of God. For God said: “…surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

Here at First UMC, we will move forward heeding the guidance of our bishop as well as the Guidelines for Re-Opening Churches published by the California Department of Public Health and Cal/OSHA.

In the midst of it all, we continue to be a loving, compassionate, and faithful congregation. We continue to worship, pray, learn, fellowship, play, enjoy music, and reach out to those in need–on-line and through phone calls and caring notes, and through our prayers for one another.

Carry on, sentinels. Be the church! And let’s “See What Love Can Do…”