Pastor's Points - June
Dear Church Family,
In the middle of the pandemic that we are in, I hear over and over again statements like, “things will never be the same”, or “we are going to have to adjust to a new normal”. I personally do not think any of us know for sure what things are going to be like moving forward. Things may or may not go back to how things used to be. We may or may not need to adjust to a new normal. But no matter what, I know that there are some things that are never going to change. And it is in these things that do not change that I hope in as it relates to our future.
We will still worship a never changing God.
We will still follow a never changing God.
We will still pray to a never changing God.
We will still preach from God’s never changing Word.
We will still study from God’s never changing Word.
We will still proclaim from God’s never changing Word.
We will still have the same mission, which is to preach that Gospel, and make disciples. No matter how much some things change, these things will remain the same. Covid-19 will not change any of these things. God does not change, His Word does not change, and His mission for us does not change! But there are some things that will change. And we will be better for these changes.
Our appreciation for gathering as a church has grown.
People are excited to be able to come back for corporate worship together. Yes, we have found a way to continue in this different time, but corporate worship is still preferred by most.
Our love for our brothers and sisters has grown.
Absence really does make the heart grow fonder. I know this is true for me and I pray it is for you as well. I love you all and cannot wait to see each one of you soon.
Our ministry footprint has grown.
God has blessed us with our new property in the middle of a pandemic. It seems odd to me to have conversations with some pastors who are wondering how they can begin to have services again, while at the same time thanking God for providing for us and our future with this property. The God who led us to this land will be the one to lead us through how we will pay for and develop this land for His glory.
Our ministry reach and capability have grown.
We now have more physical space to use for ministry. Our childcare summer camp is meeting at North Campus starting June 1st which means some 60 kids or so will be ministered to each day at our new North Campus. Plus, other ministry opportunities are being planned as well already.
But also, the ministry reach of our church is being extended through our new video streaming capabilities of our Sunday morning services. What we need to do is just walk humbly with our God during this time and thank Him that He is the God of the pandemic, and He is the God on the other side of the pandemic as well.
In a very real sense, the more things change the more they stay the same. We were a gospel centered church before the pandemic, and we will be one after it is over. Some things may change but some things never will, and I am just fine with that!
I love you and I love being your pastor!!
Pastor Alan