Hi Family,
I can’t express my gratitude enough to each of you who takes the time to read my newsletter every week. Through this, I connect with you and help you stay engaged in the happenings of OUR church. There is a special blessing in us being on one accord!
THE BIG GIVEAWAY HAS SERVED OVER 2,000 PEOPLE – THAT’S IMPACT
I don’t want you to think that we aren't having worship just because we aren’t gathering on Sundays. Quite the opposite is true! Over the last 6 months, we’ve been holding different types of church services. We’ve given away over $500,000 of household goods, personal care items, toys, and furniture valued to over 2,000 families! Just last Saturday alone, we got the privilege to serve 456 people! I’m most proud of the diversity of people served at this outreach. It looked like heaven will.
I did an impromptu teaching on this yesterday on Facebook Live; you can catch the replay here.
RESTORATION IS COMING – ADDRESSING THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM
I know many of us are anxious to get back to gathering in person, so I want to address some obvious questions that may have run across your mind in the last few weeks.
Why are we streaming sermon replays on Sunday?
We can’t stream live or create any new content if we want to because everything was damaged in the flood. I’m talking about cameras, speakers, computers…everything we would use is gone. We’re actively working with the State and our insurance companies to get everything replaced as soon as possible. Pastor Shawn is live hosting, and his team is working hard to get us up and running ASAP. Hang in there, saints!
Why are we restreaming the NOW series from September 2020?
This series is prophetic and speaks to where we are now in 2021. It’s important to not always be in a rush to hear something new but to instead hold close to the Word of the Lord that was already spoken and apply it to the current circumstance. He gave it then, for NOW!
When will we host local prayer services as indicated in the recent survey?
We are working to get prayer sites up and running so that we can gather on Sunday mornings in various locations. These services will be hybrid, meaning they will also be live-streamed, so our online campus is with us at the main site.
I’m feeling disconnected or am in a spiritually dry season; what should I do?
I know this journey has been long and you miss being around like-minded believers within an in-person context.
Remember, our mission is to become disciples of Jesus. Disciples need to be with spiritual family both on and offline. Here’s a prescription from heaven:
Join a small group! We’re now literally worldwide, but small groups are how we maintain our closeness and disciple each other. You can get all the information you need about what kind of groups are being offered, when they occur, and how to register by clicking here.
Start serving on a team. I know you’re busy, but we all are! If you carve out a few hours a week, you will find strength in serving others. Serving is part of your discipleship journey. As you work on the needs of others, God works on yours! This is why King David says he never saw the righteous forsaken, nor their seed beg bread. Right now, we have roles to fill on every team. I want you to consider joining the outreach team and serve at The Big Giveaway. If you’re interested in volunteering, click here. You’ll meet volunteers who aren’t even Impact partners but see the value in serving the world with us. This is your chance to plugin!
Connect with a prayer partner in our online service chat. Yes, just invite someone in the chat during service to be your prayer partner. Prayer partners make the best friends. Remember, if you are praying together, you are staying together!
YOUR NEXT STEPS
That was a lot, so here’s a recap of the next steps that I want you to take this week:
Pray, pray, pray!
Thank you for choosing me to be your pastor. I don’t take that responsibility lightly and count it an honor to serve you. I’m praying for you, and I’m trusting God with you for whatever it is you need.
Blessings & Love,
Bishop Salter | Senior Pastor