Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. - Philippians 1:1 –2 (ESV)

You have seen the memes. You probably have talked about it or at least you have felt it. 2020 is weird. It's the oddest collision of circumstances I can remember in my lifetime. A virus, confinement, endless cancellations and re-arrangements, unrest, political conflicts, disconnection and disunity, financial instability, etc. It will be a year to remember (although we'd like to forget).

It might feel like it's so unique that we are on our own to sort it out, but what if there was help to deal with the craziness? What if there was a book written while in lockdown? What if there was a book that addresses the conflicts and divisions we face? What if there was a book that called us not only to survive but see the gospel advance in a time like this?

This week we are going to begin studying the book of Philippians. This is an encouraging letter written by Paul while in prison. He wanted the church at Philippi to share his joy. Yep - joy in prison. He wanted them to struggle for unity and he wanted them to do all of this as citizens of a greater kingdom.

I'm excited to jump into this book that I believe can help us navigate this odd and awkward time. Take a few minutes to read through Acts 16 and the first chapter of Philippians.