From The Pastor’s Desk: “LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED”

“LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED”

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth,
give I unto you.  Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
(John 14:27)

Jesus uttered these words which were a common benediction form that the Jews utilized in those days.  In its context, Jesus reassured his disciples of his peace as his earthly departure was imminent, and he distinguished his peace from anything that the world offers.  Jesus further encouraged his disciples by commanding them to be not heart-troubled or afraid.  Although Jesus spoke these words to his disciples, they resonate with us and apply to us today.  Our Lord does not want us to be troubled or afraid about anything; therefore, whatever we are faced with that could cause us to be troubled or afraid, let us encourage ourselves in the Lord and enjoy Jesus’ peace that prevails despite the perils of this world.       

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 still mandatory, 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.

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. 

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.

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