To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
It has been a rapidly changing week, from low risk, low concern...to where we are at today. The health people have shared with me that one of their primary concerns is people staying calm, even as we take pre-cations. That is something we can help with as a church, in the midst of so much we don't know. We know Him who holds the future, so fix your eyes on Him, rest in His Sovereign Grace, and live for His glory. As we cast our anxieties on Him, we will have a PEACE THAT TRANSCENDS UNDERSTANDING.
We are gathering even as we are scattered and not allowed to meet as a big group. The new provincial rules are no gatherings over 50, and these also might change as the province seeks to protect those who are vulnerable. In light of this, and out of our deep desire to be not only citizens of heaven, but the best citizens on earth we are stopping most assembling that comes close to this. Most ministries have been shut down for Spring Break, and you can check with your ministry head for specifics in the near future, but this week, everything in the church building is cancelled. We will livestream Sunday again, and the Joy Scheltens memorial service will be live-streamed as well. This means that if you are not specifically invited (by the family) we would ask that you tune in. We will be following our provinces rules of no more than 50 and top out at 43 to give us a little buffer and respect those serving, so please come online, and if you would like to minister to the family send a card, email, or phone call, and express your love to this precious family. Joy first came to Cloverdale Baptist Church in 1949, and it is a privilege to help her valued family take the next step in the midst of the current situation. We will lock our doors when we hit the 43 number, and ask that you respect the church and family with your love and online support.
So many of you have responded so graciously in missing the gathering and rejoicing in being able to still in our scattered way enjoy intimacy with God and His people. THANK YOU!
THE OFFICE IS STILL OPEN: 9-4, Tuesday - Friday If you would like to drop off your giving (giving online is best, but if you can't...), or if you have an appointment you are welcome. We are trying to limit contact, even as we increase care.
I think you will have extra time together in your homes in the coming weeks, so what should you do with your time? Three suggestions: 1. Read God's Word and good books; 2. Encourage people in your sphere of influence; 3. Build your family time into something more precious than it was. You might have other ideas, and if this thing stretches very far into the future, will let you know, but for now, there are three things to chew up your time in a way that will leave you changed in a positive way when this virus moves on.
We will do our very best to keep our information current and look for creative ways to minister to you, so please check our website, tune into our live service, and I will keep the emails and video feeds coming. It is difficult to stay connected when we can't gather, so please do stay connected, and use your phone to offer God's love to others around you. If you know of needs, especially of those who are vulnerable step up and meet them, or if you can't communicate to the office and we will do our best to co-ordinate ministry to those in need. We also welcome ideas in how best to serve our church and world at at time like this (Esther 4:14).
James talks about learning to say, IF IT BE GOD'S WILL, and I think this is a great reminder to us of trusting in Him, and knowing that He is the One who decides. We are not at the mercy of a little virus, or the response of people around us, we are in the Sovereign care of a LOVING and GOOD God, who is ALL POWERFUL. Trust in Him, rest in His grace, and remember...HE IS FOR YOU! Romans 8:32. Sparrowology is a good new word to learn and rest in (Matthew 10:29-31).
I really believe that God has displayed His love towards us by preparing us with Romans 8 saturation, so encourage you to keep it up, and as an overflow of His love for you PASS IT ON!
Sunday Is Coming: In the PROVIDENCE of God,
Title: CONFIDENT IN CRISIS
Text: Romans 8:28-29
How could we pick better verses or a better title for a sermon, and God picked it for us long before we arrived here...
What are ways you can rest in God's Sovereignty when the world is in crisis mode?
Be Practical
Read Romans 8:28-29 a few times out loud, and write a letter to God summarizing His Word back to Him and expressing your confidence in His love and power.
Oh that we would believe this, rest in it, and LIVE IT!
Huge thank you to those who are serving at this time and helping us to stay online and actively care for the spiritual wellbeing of God's people...THANK YOU!
Resting In His Sovereign Grace,
Pastor Rob
Psalm 46:2