Zechariah 10:1 (NIV)
Among all of the perils that confront us, in some places such as California, we are in dire need of rain. In Zechariah 10:1, we are commanded to ask God for rain before the rainy season (springtime), for God is the source of rain that both people and plants of the field need. The gift of rain in those days was an important expression of God’s gracious rule over Israel. All God needs to do is speak, and we shall have rain. Jeremiah 10:13 states: “When he uttereth his voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the vapours to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures” (KJV). My beloved, as believers, we need to implore God for rain, especially in California! Jesus said: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it” (John 14:13-14 – KJV).
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.
Let’s Grow Together: Although we are still allegedly amid a pandemic, this cannot encumber the growth of God’s church because Jesus said, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Mt. 16:17). Our Virtual Audience is growing, especially those viewing via Facebook. Since we have limited seating capacity for in-person worship due to our Church Safety Protocol, let’s share with many how they can worship with us via live streaming (YouTube and Facebook) and podcasts.
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. Regarding each of the following activities, visit our website at sjmbc.org if you need more information. 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.
- The Lord’s Supper (Online) at 7 p.m. To participate, each believer will need bread or a cracker and grape juice (or something similar).
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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).
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- Grocery Giveaway at 12:00 p.m. (North Campus and South Campus)
- Church Leadership Council (Online) at 6:30 p.m.
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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.
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