We're certainly in a strange time. That's an understatement I realize, but in some ways I have to keep reminding myself of that fact. Things just aren't normal and what was familiar and taken for granted previously, just aren't there right now. In some cases, we're not sure if they will return, but in every case we have no idea when any might.

During these uncertain times, we still have a certain HOPE in our Lord Jesus Christ. We're about to enter Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday and culminating with the celebration of Easter on April 12th. Well, we'll try to celebrate this year, but it sure won't be what we're used to.

None-the-less, Jesus is our constant HOPE in this season. On Sunday, April 5th, we'll wave palms branches, or maybe this year simply hang them on our front door or put them in a window for our neighbors to see. On Thursday, we'll remember that night that Jesus was betrayed, but we'll also remember is deep love for his friends as he washed their feet. On Friday, we see even more profoundly how much he loves all of us as he willingly goes to his death on a cross. This is referred to as his passion.

Jesus is passionate about YOU! It was his love for you that took him from the palm waving cheering of the crowds, through their cries for his death, and all the way to his crucifixion. It is that powerful love that also raised him from the grave, but we'll get to that next week. For now, I invite you to bring your palms and your passions to Jesus and make the journey with him through this next week.

May God Bless You!

Pastor Mark

These are unusual times for all of us, but we are still going to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While the service may be a little different given that we won't be together in person, I pray that God's Word of mercy and grace will reach you and minister to you deeply.

To view the worship service, please see our Facebook page Christ Lutheran Church Hilo, HI and even if you don't have a Facebook page yourself, you should be able to watch, at least after-the-fact, if not live.

May God's grace in Christ strengthen you in mind, body and spirit and may His Holy Spirit guide you as you love your neighbor .

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Grace and Peace to you in Christ Jesus!

We are in a new season as there has now been a case of the virus identified on our island of Hawaii and given the reality that the majority of our congregation is in the higher risk age group being over 60, we will take the next 15 days and suspend our worship and other gatherings. This is effective immediately and will remain in affect through April 1st when we will evaluate whether it's safe to resume our schedule.

As things continue to unfold, we will add updates here and on our Facebook page: Christ Lutheran Church Hilo, HI

We are working on being able to provide an online worship service at 5:15pm on Wednesdays through April 1st and also on Sunday mornings. These will most likely be on the Facebook page as well.

Please check on each other and pray for all of us as we do our part to help reduce the risk of this virus spreading, especially to those who are most vulnerable. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Your Servant in Christ, Pastor Mark

Dear Friends,

These are unique times that create opportunities for us to live out our faith in Christ while using knowledge and wisdom that He supplies through the medical community. We are loved by our Heavenly Father and He has not ceased watching over us or walking with us. We cling to His promises and continue to trust in His protection.

As I write this blog, there are NO identified cases of this virus on our island! That's the good news. Unfortunately, things are changing rapidly and we need to be prepared for if/when the virus spreads to our community. We also can be doing what we can to reduce the risks for ourselves and for those around us, especially those most vulnerable to contracting a virus like this. Christ has instructed us to love our neighbor, as we love ourselves, which means we are to care for others. We cannot, nor would I expect us to, ignore the potential harm COVID 19 can cause.

Again, this is a time in which we EXERCISE OUR FAITH in God through Christ our Lord! We also exercise our faith as GOOD STEWARDS of the gifts God has entrusted to us, not the least of which is our health and life itself. We exercise our faith as we LOVE and CARE for our neighbors, both by protecting them from exposure and by assisting them when they have needs which we can meet. We exercise our faith as we PRAY, trusting in the Lord's promise to hear and act on our behalf. We exercise our faith as we gather for WORSHIP, whether in person or via online methods.

While some churches have either chosen to, or been forced to cancel worship services and other gatherings, for now we are keeping our worship schedule intact, BUT PLEASE, if you are sick or not feeling well in any way, stay home! Likewise if you have any underlying health issues, it's probably best for you stay at home for now.

Here at Christ Lutheran, as we gather, I am asking that we greet one another warmly, but not with physical contact; no hand shaking or other touching. Prior to Communion I always cleanse my hands with sanitizer before handling the elements. I would encourage those who usually prefer the Common Cup, to consider taking the individual cups during this time. After each service, I will be available to greet and talk with folks on the lanai, but will not be at the door to greet you on your way out, in order to not put anyone in an awkward position of feeling the need to shake hands or hug me. This is for your protection, not mine.

Given the fluid nature of things, please check back for notices about changes. The Board of Elders and Church Council and working closely with me and I am receiving council from our District as we navigate how to best faithful carry out our mission of helping people Experience Christ's Love, especially during these challenging times.

May the peace of God which passes all human understanding, guard and keep your minds in Christ!

Pastor Mark

(More pictures at the end of this article)

Today, I received several pictures from our Christ Lutheran crew that are now all gathered in Minneapolis for the start of the National Youth Gathering tomorrow. We have six youth and four adults from our church attending. Please keep these folks in your prayers as these gathering provide a great time of inspiration and growth in the faith for our youth, and the adults.

Also remember that this Sunday, July 14th those of us in Hilo who have our own, will be wearing our NYG T-Shirts for worship as we stand in solidarity with our team in Minnesota.

Check back often as I plan on updating as I receive pictures and news from the gathering.