To our First Church of God Family:
I hope this letter finds you well. Don't grow weary in doing good. In Romans we read, "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-38) We may be separated for a season, but this too will pass and we are certainly not going to be separated for eternity!
Many of you are already aware of the Governor's daily briefings and the need for us to shelter in place continues. Local health officials continue to ask for all of us to do our part to stop the spread of this pandemic. As a result of these announcements, we are continuing in this season of ministry at First Church of God.
Thank you for your continued patience and support as we write a new book about providing ministry opportunities during a pandemic and how to function as a church family. Our weekly services are available on Sunday morning and they stay available as we are trying to encourage and have a shared experience of Worship and The Word at firstchurchconnect.com. We continue to minister and are trying to stay connected in Children's ministry, Student ministry and Adult ministries to resource folks and give opportunity during this season. Each Sunday morning, we also send out a Sunday Morning Bulletin with links to the different ministries so you can stay connected. Please keep checking out Facebook and Instagram for updates and encouragements. We have also launched our Helps Ministry in this difficult season to minister by helping with deliveries, calling, and prayer.
Pray! Please pray for our first responders, our medical community, and all those serving in essential businesses around us - pray for protection, direction and God's presence in their lives. Pray for our leaders and those in authority. Pray for an end of this virus, pray for those who have it and for the families who have lost loved ones.
As Helen Keller stated, "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." I have seen this alive in our church since the day I arrived and am so thankful for how you always look for ways to help. In the meantime, stay healthy, stay safe, and stay positive. Keep on trusting and loving God and let us love one another.
I miss you guys! Nothing can replace seeing you in the lobby, in a service or bumping into you out and about. I have taken for granted just how so many of you come so eagerly to reach up to God and reach out to others. Ya' know, I always said we are better together. Man, that is the truth. Psalm 29:11 says, "May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!"
Keep Lookin' Up!
Pastor Johnny McCallister