Inspection Time

Dear Bethlehem Parking Authority,

Thank you kindly for the subtle reminder that, for the good of all, it is time to take my cute little Ford Fiesta in for an inspection. In fact, it’s ever so slightly past time to do so. Had it not been for your thoughtful note placed beneath my windshield wiper, I might have continued to tool along unwittingly, not even recognizing I had sped beyond the timeframe agreed upon a year ago when the certified mechanic put the safety and emissions stickers in place. Fining me a mere $20 is just the encouragement I needed to arrange an appointment and come back into compliance. (I must confess, though, that I did not receive the second ticket quite as enthusiastically as the first.)

Your irksome nudge has caused me to consider other areas of my life that could use a look under the hood. For example, I checked my credit card statement for automatic renewals on subscriptions I no longer need and cancelled a few. And I forced myself to schedule a couple of overdo medical screenings. So again, thank you.

Now that I have been attending to the temporal concerns of vehicles and finances, and the physical concerns of the body, it only makes sense that I would also see the need for a spiritual check-up. Just as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania insists it is imperative to examine my car’s steering/suspension/brakes/horn and other automotive systems and to fix what isn’t passable, so too does scripture have a directive:

Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it.

2 Corinthians 13: 5-7 (The Message)

And so, I’m assessing. I’m putting myself up on the lift and evaluating what it is I might be taking for granted. I’m putting those items on the diagnostic report and recommending a more diligent application of gratitude. And I’m surveying the ways Jesus lives in me, loves me, challenges me, works through me. In the areas where I sputter, where the engine just doesn’t purr, I’m tightening the connections with the adjustable wrenches of prayer and devotion. I’m repairing and maintaining and polishing up the fenders of my soul.

Once again, Bethlehem Parking Authority, thank you for bringing all of this to my attention. May it be well with you.

Most Sincerely,

Christine Johnson (a.k.a. Pastor Chris)

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Join us in the parking lot of College Hill Moravian Church every Sunday morning where you may praise God from the safe bubble of your own vehicle. The service, broadcast from the church sanctuary and transmitted through your car’s radio, begins at 10:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 40 minutes. Attendants are on hand to make sure you have worship materials, receive your offerings, and help you find the best place to park. Smile and wave and worship!

Virtual Fellowship Time on Zoom – Sundays at 11:30 a.m.

This casual online gathering has taken root over the last few months and become a wonderful way to keep connected. Whether you’ve become a “regular” at these gatherings, or you’re thinking about dropping by for the very first time, please use the Zoom link and password provided below, or join by phone if you do not use a device with a screen.

And if Zoom is new to you and you’d like to be coached on how to get started, please email me at  moravianpastorchris@gmail.com  or call me at 484-894-9077.

To join by computer, tablet or smart phone, please go to:https://zoom.us/j/99831347702?pwd=Vk1VWDk0RkdlUXJacWtCRGEvNFpnZz09

Passcode: 789162

To join by phone (no video), dial:

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

Meeting ID: 998 3134 7702  

Zoom Prayers–Sundays at 6:30 p.m.

We are also continuing to offer Zoom Prayers on Sunday evenings at 6:30. We come together to share simply in intercessory prayer on behalf of our congregation, community, and world. We usually conclude by 7:00 p.m. All are welcome! 

To join by computer, tablet, or smart phone, please go to: https://zoom.us/j/91961743369?pwd=S3FYVG1NSFBrb1BoaTl0dnV5ZmNFUT09

Passcode: 073131

To join by phone (no video), dial:

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

  Meeting ID: 919 6174 3369