Psalm 113:1-3 (KJV)
1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.
3 From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.
We should glorify God who has safely navigated us into 2021 notwithstanding all that we encountered in 2020. In order to be assured of a blessed, happy, safe and prosperous new year, our lives must be in alignment with God’s will. Even though we are not able to assemble together, God still desires for us to be diligent about Kingdom Business.
SELF EXAMINATION
As we begin this new year, we should examine ourselves to ensure that we are on the right road. Doing the following faithfully amid this pandemic will enhance our favor with God:
- Hearing & Sharing The Sunday Podcast Messages (every week)
- The Lord’s Supper (every 1st Sunday at 8 am and/or 1:30 pm)
- Grocery Giveaway Ministry (doing the work and/or financially supporting the work)
- Praying Three Times A Day (1st prayer between 12-6 am)
- Prayer Partners (pray together at least once a week)
- Prayer Meetings (every Wednesday at 12 pm and/or 6:30 pm)
- Bible Study (every Wednesday at 7 pm)
- Sunday School (every Sunday)
- Daily Bread (3 Old Testament chapters and 1 New Testament chapter daily)
- Tithes & Offerings (obediently, lovingly and faithfully)
SPECIAL PRAYER
Our nation is in need of much prayer. I was truly bothered yesterday by the insurrection that occurred at the U.S. Capitol, and this is embarrassing for us as a country since we have been a global model of democracy. Furthermore, the United States is leading all countries regarding Covid-19. For example, in California, Governor Newsom says that Covid-19 is a deadly disease, and he predicts that we will see worse days very soon. Concerning this Coronavirus, we have at least two St. John members (that I am aware of) who are ill and suffering because of this virus; consequently, because of everything that is going on, we must pray! James 5:16 reads: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
HELPING OTHERS
I am so pleased to inform you that St. John has truly helped a lot of people, especially amid this pandemic. For example, every Tuesday at noon, we distribute free groceries to people at both our South Campus and North Campus. Last month, we blessed many children (whose parents are incarcerated) with Christmas gift cards. To keep from boasting, I will refrain from discussing ways St. John has helped others in need; however, be pleased that you are a member of a church that is compassionate in regards to those less fortunate.
FAMILY LIFE CENTER
Our plans are scheduled to be reviewed by the Richmond Planning Department on January 27th at 6:00 pm. Once we receive their approval and the building permit, we plan to begin the construction of our Family Life Center. As I have often stated, even if you do not see how this will benefit you personally, please be unselfish in your thinking. Support this project which has the potential to be a great blessing to a lot of people, mainly our young people.
THANK YOU
I would like to express my gratitude to those of us who have been giving faithfully, especially in the last ten months, and I encourage each of us who have done so to continue. I also would like to express my gratitude to people who were not giving but gave as a result of my special appeal to you last month because our finances increased in December. To those of you who were not giving but are now giving, prioritize your finances to enable you to continue. However, to those of you who are still not giving yet able, I encourage you to be a good Christian and parishioner of St. John by supporting your church financially. God’s will for all of us (whom He knows are able) is to give our Tithes and Offerings consistently in 2021 because if we do so, God promised to bless us abundantly (Mal. 3:10). We currently contribute by mailing or dropping off our Tithes and Offerings to our St. John South Campus (662 South 52nd Street—Richmond, CA 94804) or by giving online through our website (sjmbc.org).
May God bless and sustain each of us in this new year.
Your Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor