“GOD LOVES YOU!”
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
(John 3:16)
Jesus spoke these words in the context of his discussion with Nicodemus which the Apostle John (the writer of the fourth Gospel) uniquely recorded. John 3:16 is one of the most popular and indelible verses in the Bible, and based on this Scripture, you should know that “God Loves You!” God’s love for you is so immeasurable that He permitted Jesus, His only begotten Son, to sacrifice His life for you to have everlasting life by believing in Him to prevent you from perishing. Thus, as you pilgrim through this day, encourage yourself in the Lord with this message that “God Loves You!” Even if others who encompass you do not love you, “God Loves You!”
WHAT’S HAPPENING THAT YOU SHOULD KNOW?
Church Safety Protocol: We currently have two Worship Celebrations (each is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) every Sunday: 9 a.m. at the North Campus and 11 a.m. at the South Campus. We encourage everyone to arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to be seated safely and comfortably. Temperatures are checked, hand sanitizing is urged, social distancing is applied regarding where people shall sit and walk, wearing masks are 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.
Our Virtual Audience: Because many of you are unable or uncomfortable regarding in-person worship (which I understand), our church has invested thousands of dollars in equipment in order for you to view our Worship Celebrations via live streaming (YouTube and Facebook) or hear our Worship Celebrations via podcast. To those of you who benefit from our live streaming or podcast, gratify God by supporting your church financially with your Tithes and Offerings. Some might feel that they are not obligated to support St. John if they are not present physically, but this is not true. As you enjoy the privileges of St. John, be a blessing to your church financially. Moreover, gratify God by sharing with others our Worship Celebrations via live streaming or podcast. (I am asking everyone to do this.) Our virtual audience is growing weekly which implies that more people are hearing about our Worship Celebrations and enjoying them. If you inspire others to join us via live streaming or podcast, you are contributing to the growth of St. John. For more information, you may visit our website (sjmbc.org).
Next Week’s Activities: I strongly encourage everyone to maintain a connection with God and one another, and I strongly encourage everyone to participate in St. John activities that benefit you. What’s forthcoming?
Sunday:
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- Worship Celebrations at 9:00 a.m. (North Campus) and 11:00 a.m. (South Campus)
- Online Church School at 2 p.m.
Monday:
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- Preparation For Grocery Giveaway at 10:00 a.m. (South Campus): More volunteers are needed on Mondays, so please sign-up through our website (sjmbc.org).
- Online Women Missionary Ministry Meeting at 6 p.m.
Tuesday:
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- Grocery Giveaway at 12:00 p.m. (North Campus and South Campus)
- Online Trustee Ministry Meeting at 6 p.m.
- Online Deacon Ministry Meeting at 7 p.m.
Wednesday:
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- Online Prayer at 12:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
- Online Church School at 7:00 p.m.
78th Church Anniversary: October Is Church Anniversary Month which means that we will be celebrating 78 years that God has used St. John to be a “Kingdom Building Church.” In each of the morning Worship Celebrations (9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.), we anticipate a mighty movement of God through preaching and singing. Also, in each of these Worship Celebrations, a designated parishioner will share a one-minute presentation about the significance and value of St. John. Because of the pandemic, we will not have a Church Revival or an afternoon Worship Celebration on the 4th Sunday of October at 3:30 p.m. as we have done for many years in the past. However, everyone is encouraged to give a special offering (in addition to our regular Tithes and Offerings) of $78.00 or more. If everyone gives this special Church Anniversary Offering, this will be a financial blessing to our church since we are currently operating with about 80% of the normal income prior to the pandemic and since we are still endeavoring to construct and complete our Family Life Center being debt-free.
Congratulations: Bro. Alvin Parker and Mother Mary Parker are celebrating today (September 23, 2021) their 65th Wedding Anniversary. May God bless the two of them to live joyfully and peacefully together in Christ for many more years.
Tithes And Offerings: We thank God for those of us 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