16 Therefore do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths. 17 These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. 18 Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, dwelling on visions, puffed up without cause by a human way of thinking, 19 and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows with a growth that is from God. 20 If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the universe, why do you live as if you still belonged to the world? Why do you submit to regulations, 21 “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch”? 22 All these regulations refer to things that perish with use; they are simply human commands and teachings. 23 These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-imposed piety, humility, and severe treatment of the body, but they are of no value in checking self-indulgence.
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As worshippers of the living God, a key aspect of worship is reflecting His generous heart. There will be temptations to drop off in our giving during this period when we are not meeting in person. Remember what an amazingly powerful declaration to the spiritual world it is for all of us to remain at peace, united and outward looking, especially in these challenging times.
It is critical that we maintain our ministry capabilities during this season. We encourage all of our church family to continue with your generous tithes and offerings. If your financial circumstances change, we know you’ll seek the Lord’s guidance. For those who are able, please consider giving to the Fellowship Fund, over and above your normal tithes and offerings. We as a parish, as has been our practice, want to be able to stand practically with those of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are experiencing material need.