Gather:
How is our world technologically different from our world 30 years ago?
How is our world technologically different from Jesus’ time?
If you were around in Jesus’ time, how would you communicate with other people?
Hear:
Hebrews 10:19-25
19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to Godwith a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Wonder:
How do verses 22-23 give focus to who we are and what we need to do?
Imagine having no contact with any other Christians. Would it be difficult to continually follow Jesus in this world with no encouragement and support?
How might we encourage and support others?
I’m sure the author of Hebrews never envisioned online services, zoom meetings, or the ability to talk on a cell phone when they encouraged the church to not give up meeting together. At that time, the call to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” could not have been accomplished effectively without meeting together in-person! Now, we have many options when it comes to staying in contact and encouraging one another.
For the next several weeks or months, we want to encourage you, if you feel more comfortable worshiping online, to please continue to do so and we will continue to do our best to grow our online ministry to reach people for Jesus in a way that we never have before. If you feel comfortable worshiping in person, we look forward to seeing you Sunday!
We realize that for some we are relaunching too late and for others we are relaunching too early. Please continue to be patient with us and know that we are making decisions prayerfully and thoughtfully with the greater good at the forefront of our minds as we press forward in faith. In all of these things we ask you to continue to pray for our church, community, country, and world, as we seek to be faithful to God’s Story and our gospel mission and love those who are loved by God.
Sunday Schedule:
9:30 am Spanish Service in our Sanctuary (In-Person and broadcasted live on Youtube)
9:30 am High-Risk English Service in our GYM (In-Person for people over age 55 or with underlying conditions that put them at greater risk to the Covid-19 Coronavirus)
11:00 am English Service in our Sanctuary (In-Person and broadcasted live on Youtube)
In each of these in-person services we will be practicing strict social distancing protocols and asking participants to wear masks for the wellbeing of the others who are in attendance. See you Sunday, in-person or online!
Bless:
Thank you for the ability to continue meeting digitally through the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for the ability to come together in-person for worship this Sunday, and may we draw near to You with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. May we encourage one another and spur one another on to good deeds.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen!