Finding God in the Pandemic #6
Ascension of the Lord Sunday May 21, 2020 Acts 1: 1-11 Some months ago, before most of us had experienced virtual church, I was the guest preacher at a church in Kentucky. One of the hymns that day was, "Amazing Grace". "Let's sing the first, second and fifth stanzas", the Minister of Music told the congregation. It wasn't the minister's fault. He didn't know me. He knew nothing about my life story. But my spirit sank. The third stanza is a powerful word of grace to me. However, it wasn't important enough for the church to sing the third stanza that morning. "Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come. 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home." It was about five in the afternoon. The year was 1983. Everybody in the church office at First Baptist, Augusta had gone home. A knock on my door. I opened the door. "My name is Tracy Chewning." A kind smile crossed his fac