May Day! Answer me quickly, O LORD! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. (Psalm 143:7-8) Friday, Third Week of Easter Lord God, Heavenly Father, You know that because of our human weakness we are not able to stand firm amid so many and great dangers: Grant us strength both in body and soul, that by Your help we may conquer all things, for Jesus Christ, our Lord’s sake. Amen Dear friends, Apparently there is no connection between the May Day that many countries celebrate that welcomes the beginning of spring and the International cry of distress “Mayday Mayday, Mayday!” Today is May 1. In the Northern Hemisphere, this means springtime is in full bloom. But unlike years past, the world is going through a great distress. Many people are battling the challenge of the corona virus and its effects. We are caught in between. Some states are extending the stay-at-home orders in order to prevent sickness and others are relaxing those orders in order to end economic distress. Many are getting restless. We are crying out for relief, yet concerned for our health. Which concern will win the day? Time will tell. According to an article on History.com, the International distress code “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday” was invented by an airport radio officer in London in 1923. Challenged to come up with a word that would be easily understood by pilots and ground staff in case of an emergency, Frederick Mockford coined the word “mayday” because it sounded like “m’aider,” a shortened version of the French term for ” come and help me.” My prayer is that our world-wide distress cry will be turned up towards God, “Come and help us!” Psalm 143 seems to capture the moment, “Answer me quickly, O LORD! My spirit fails! Hide not your face from me, lest I be like those who go down to the pit. Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.” On this first day of May, may it be so. Amen! A servant of the Lord,
Pastor Langdon Reinke P.S. Hope you and your family are healthy and safe. We are in this together. We have help available if there are needs. Please let us know. | 
