God’s Word
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
James 1:22
One of the greatest challenges for believers is to be “doers of the word.” People can easily talk, but walking what we talk about is more arduous. To be “doers of the word,” we have to study and hear the word, for we cannot do what we do not know. (We know by studying and hearing.)
St. John is so blessed to have many opportunities to study and hear God’s word. For example, our Church School (which convenes Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.) provides an excellent opportunity to study and hear God’s word. If you are not participating weekly in our Church School, gratify God, and do yourself a favor by logging on via our website (sjmbc.org).
Worship Celebrations
We thank God for the opportunity to worship Him corporately every Sunday (9 a.m. at the North Campus and 11 a.m. at the South Campus). Each Worship Celebration is Spirit-filled and about 1 hour and 15 minutes; nonetheless, we encourage everyone to arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to be seated safely and comfortably. Moreover, our 11:00 a.m. Worship Celebrations are live-streamed (YouTube and Facebook), and a podcast of our Worship Celebrations is available each Sunday at 2 p.m. or thereafter via our website (sjmbc.org).
Church Safety Protocol
The safety of everyone is essential whenever we assemble together. Temperatures are checked, hand sanitizing is urged, social distancing is applied regarding where people shall sit and walk, wearing masks is strongly encouraged, utilization of restrooms is restricted to 2-4 people at a time (depending on the size of the restroom), and congregating before and after Services is prohibited.
The Lord’s Supper
We are scheduled to partake in The Lord’s Supper online this Sunday (August 1st) at 7 p.m. To participate, each believer will need some bread or a cracker, and each believer will need some grape juice (or something similar). For more information, you may visit our website (sjmbc.org).
Pastor Edification Month
Unfortunately, last year we were not able to celebrate Pastor Edification Month due to the pandemic. Nonetheless, if God is willing, August is Pastor Edification Month, and we will be celebrating the Pastor’s 27th Anniversary. In each Worship Celebration throughout the month of August, a parishioner will encourage the pastor with a one-minute edification. To be safe, we will not have the traditional afternoon Appreciation Celebration in which a guest pastor and congregation are invited; however, everyone can give a special love offering to the pastor beginning this Sunday (in person, mail, or online). If you appreciate the 27 years (especially these last 18 months) that the pastor has served St. John, demonstrate it at some point in the month of August.
Administration Building New Hours Of Operation
Our Administration Building is now open Mondays through Thursdays (no longer Fridays) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. My staff and I are committed to assisting and serving you to the best of our ability. In case you are unaware, the address is 3707 Bissell Avenue (Richmond, CA 94805), and the number is (510) 233-1779.
It’s Blessing Time!
We thank those of you who have been supporting St. John financially. With everything that we have done and are doing, your financial contributions are needed. We currently give in person during Sunday Morning Worship Celebrations, by mailing or dropping off our Tithes and Offerings at our Administration Building or South Campus, or by giving online through our website (sjmbc.org). If you are financially able but not supporting St. John financially, allow God to bless you with more by giving today your Tithes and Offerings.
May God bless and sustain each of us.
Your Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor