Greetings to each of you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Although we are truly blessed, we are also living in perilous and unprecedented times. We are told that we are amidst a pandemic that has affected the entire world. As your pastor, I encourage each of us to be as safe as possible and to do all that we can to maintain good health. 3 John 1:2 reads as follows: “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.”
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, and we encourage everyone to arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to be seated safely and comfortably. In case you are not aware, 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).
Moreover, 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 now mandatory (Contra Costa County requires people to wear masks for indoor gatherings), 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.
Furthermore, our Administration Building is open Mondays through Thursdays (closed Fridays through Sundays until further notice) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The address is 3707 Bissell Avenue (Richmond, CA 94805), and the number is (510) 233-1779.
In addition, last Sunday, we began celebrating the Pastor’s 27th Anniversary. We have designated August as Pastor Edification month. In each Worship Celebration throughout this month, 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 (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 this month.
Last but not least, we thank those of you who have been supporting St. John financially. 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