Tuscarora and COVID-19 - God's Grace is Sufficient

Dear friend,

Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year – both in the world and on the Tuscarora grounds. Nature wakes up from the long winter as the daffodils and magnolia trees bloom. This year is different and the Tuscarora family isn't here to see to see God’s creation come alive around the grounds. Church buildings were empty on Easter Sunday and people celebrated around screens in their homes. God has told us through His word, "My grace is sufficient for you, because my power is made perfect in your weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). Has there ever been a time in recent memory when we felt such a sense of weakness? I am thankful for this reminder that while our strength is inadequate, whether it is against coronavirus or other things, God's grace is sufficient.

We have made some difficult decisions regarding this spring at Tuscarora which have included cancelling the Annual Golf Classic, the Spring Midweek Retreat, and the Mother Daughter Retreat. We were so excited about the new day camp option for Junior Week, but have made the decision to postpone a day camp option until next year in order to keep each camper as safe and healthy as we can. At this time we have tentatively reschedule Spring Work Week for June 1-5 and we are cautiously optimistic that new volunteers may join us for a week of joyful hard work to clean up the Tuscarora grounds after the fall and winter. If you find yourself able to volunteer this year due to an adjustment to your circumstances we would love to have you join us – for more information please visit tuscarora.org/volunteer or call to register. We are hopeful and continue to pray that summer looks as normal as possible. We are planning to responsibly hold our programs and welcome groups for a time of retreat. We plan to follow the guidance provided by government and health officials, and we thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to evaluate.

We are continuing to think creatively about how we can serve during this time. We are welcoming guests who are first responders and medical professionals in need of quarantine facilities free of charge. We are using the kitchen as we partner with Rustica Artisan Catering and Upper Mount Bethel Township to provide free meals for community members. We hope you were able to watch the live Facebook concert “Songs of Hope” – if you missed it you can still enjoy by visiting this link. It is a blessing for Tuscarora to continue to carry out its mission of quality Christian hospitality though we cannot welcome guests in the traditional way. We are thankful for this opportunity to serve in Christ's name in these uncertain days.

Please continue to pray for Tuscarora. No one can know what life will look after this pandemic and we will need to rethink certain aspects of how we gather – from sharing rooms, to serving meals, and joining together in worship. One thing I am certain of is that God's power is made perfect in our weakness and we are committed to serving the Christian community. Thank you for your outpouring of support over the last few weeks whether it be through prayers, encouraging messages, or financial gifts.

 Sincerely in Christ,

Brian Abrahamsen
Executive Director