A NOTE FROM EARL...

The year 2020 began with Larson Hall alive with conversation as the seminar sponsored by Earl Palmer Ministries was about to begin. The title for the event was “A Morning with Stories of the Marvelous: the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.”  With aroma of home made cinnamon rolls filling the room, tables set with coffee and volunteers serving food to add to our hostess, Kate Littlefield’s menu the 300 participants settled in. It was my joy to invite us all to imagine the world of Narnia and the Golden Lion named Aslan in the battle between good and evil with the surprising final victory of Good.

Three weeks later, such events were no longer possible! The contagion of COVID-19 had begun. The pandemic raged world-wide. In an attempt to slow down the rising cases and deaths, the prevention strategy of social isolation was put into place and in-person events were cancelled. The need for gatherings in hospitable settings and opportunities to dialogue with one another – to stretch our hearts and minds spiritually – could not have been greater. The question of how to create fellowship in the midst of distancing called for a new way to be together. And the use of technology through the internet with on-line streaming and zoom meetings took hold.

The simple act of “Postings to the Friends of EPM” began with the first mailing. As the months passed the postings sent at intervals took different forms, but the same message – to have hope. And it turned out to surprise us with meaningful feedback from the readers who expressed appreciation for thoughts that served to help keep all of us centered in the gospel and found to be relevant and healing especially in this time of great stress. We learned that even when we could not meet in person we were connected by the message that we were not alone. This shift in patterns of living in protective “shelter in place” has continued on into 2021.

We have collected all the postings from this period and included them on this website under Media/Postings or simply Postings for your repeated readings should you wish; a reminder that caring for one another and coming alongside is an essential need, possible with words communicated through technology that has come of age especially when side-by-side occasions are not available. While we wait for the time when physical distance is no longer necessary and gatherings are permitted we invite you to find ways to be together. In closing, I claim for all of us the blessing that the Lord gave to Moses in the days of isolation in the wilderness:

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26