Remain in Him

Our big group meeting this past Thursday! The Lord is still moving!

So much is up in the air right now. So much uncertainty and fear. No one expected for life to look this way this year and for all the changes that were to come. As we have been forced to slowdown and readjust to these new realities, God has been gently reminding me that He is the one who is in control and sustains us. It was never me. It was never you. It was never our government. We are not sovereign over this virus but God is. He is in charge in the midst of this chaos and He is moving.

We started a new sermon series recently where we are breaking down and pushing back on worldly wisdom that we and even the church has bought into. Things like "you do you" and "do what makes you happy." I spoke on self-care/loving yourself and the ways we try to sustain ourselves outside of God's care. We are told to put ourselves first. That we are the only ones who can look out for ourselves. This leads to things like hoarding toilet paper out of fear and keeping others at an arms distance never really letting them in. God tells us that He is really the one to sustain and He calls us to live sacrificially putting others first. He calls us to lean on Him for life and rest. He calls us to let go and trust.

Leader Meeting!


My church small group! 

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 
John 15:5-8

If there was ever a time to learn what it means to rest in and remain in God now is the time. This virus has shown how little control we have. The control we think we have is an illusion. But we have a Lord who deeply loves us. A God who is continuously faithful and good. He is in control and he is using this time of uncertainty to shape us to be more like Him. My prayer is that we would take this time to learn to rest in God's presence. That we would come to see how dependent we are on him and learn to trust in Him. 

Core! (Not everyone is pictured)


In the midst of all of this God is still moving! I am so thankful for technology. We have been able to continue ministry because of it! We have even had some new people to our cores! People are starting to have more time so they are able to attend when they couldn't before. Our students have also been live streaming worship and prayer on our Facebook page throughout the week to encourage each other. I have been so encouraged by the ways our students have stayed engaged and involved even though it has all gone virtual. They weren't involved because of convenience. Jesus has moved and they have caught the vision. Praise God!

Thank you again for partnering with me in ministry through prayer and financial support. I am so thankful for each of you! Praying for you and your family's safety!

Many Blessings,
Emily Umstead





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