Hi Family,
I can’t say enough how proud I am of your spiritual maturity and response to this pandemic. I’m sure, like me, you were concerned about the 30-day shelter-in-place extension here in NJ. I know you’re battling cabin fever and dealing with navigating how the school year will end. We’re all being affected. In Lady Terri and I’s household, we are trying to figure out how we will celebrate our daughter graduating college and our 8th grader graduating middle school. Lady Terri and I were also set to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary on July 15th with a bucket list trip to the beautiful island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, but it’s now canceled.
These days are different. Yet, I see the grace of God all around us. God has been and will continue to be good. Your ability to find health, wellness and success will depend on your adaptability. The first-century Church thrived under social restrictions because they were able to pivot and shift on a dime - they were Spirit-led. They saw the power of God and miraculous provision, time, and time again. We are doing the same, and we will see the same. Stay the course, God’s got this!
Unprecedented Growth
We are one church in many houses. Now with our shift in focus toward encouragement and worship, we are one church, worshipping in many houses. And the number of our houses growing! We are averaging 4,000 attendees in our online service, including 200-250 each week, who join us in the chatroom (our new church hallway before, during, and after service). We have seen over 8,000 unique visitors to our website since March 15th and have had over 21,000 page views! We now have family joining us from the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, and all over America. Some of you are now able to worship with your family and friends around the globe. God is smiling upon us, and it feels good. Thank you for your continued focus on sharing the Gospel within your sphere of influence. People need hope now more than ever.
T.G.I.F. Comedy Break
I bet you didn’t know I had jokes! Last Friday with Mike Goodwin was a blast. If you missed it or want to share it with friends and family, you can watch the replay here. This Friday, I’m hosting Chicc The Comedian. We will have a good time filled with many laughs and help you flow into the weekend with joy. In May, we want to encourage you as much as possible. So be sure to save the date and time in your calendar, then share the Facebook live link with all of your friends.
Get Plugged In
Teens
We have hundreds of teens that need ministry. I’m so proud that our teens have been meeting in Zoom groups on Fridays with Pastor Tyanna Legrand. Tyanna is a highly respected youth career counselor within many school systems who has a heart for young people. So, get your kids off the couch and onto Zoom this Friday at 6:30pm. I sense they need human connection and this is their chance to meet new Christian friends.
Small Groups
Tonight you can join a small group at 7pm – more people do so every week. This is a great way to meet new people and to also find support and encouragement. Compelling stories unfold every week, and yours is next. I’d love to know you were in attendance.
PARENT PLUS
Also, think about getting homeschooling tips in the Parent Plus webinar hosted by our Children’s Pastor and noted educator, Pastor Nancy Salter. She will share ways you can make your homeschooling experience better since you will have to do so through the end of the school year.
ENTREPRENEURS
If you’re an entrepreneur, join me today at 2pm for the Diversity & Business Summit Dialogue Series. Registration is free, and you will certainly grow your business leadership by being a part of the conversation. Click here to register.
YOUR CONNECTION POINTS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 7TH:
DAILY
31-Day Prayer Focus – Daily stay aligned with what God is doing in our house and use these to bring your family together. Click here for the focus.
Song of the Day: We’ll be worshipping on one accord to the same song every day! You can follow along on our Facebook page or download our Spotify playlist.
Hope Today Daily Devotional – Check in with my Facebook page every day for a devotional. Like and share – people will be thankful for daily good news.
THURSDAY, MAY 7TH
Small Groups- 7:00pm
Webinar: Parenting Plus Homeschooling Can Be FUN!
8:00PM
CLICK HERE TO ATTEND
FRIDAY, MAY 8TH
T.G.I.F. Comedy Break-12:00pm
Impact Teens Virtual Meetup- 6:30pm
SUNDAY, MAY 10TH
Online Service- 8:30am & 10:30am
iKids Zoom Party-1:00pm
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13TH
Noonday Prayer-12:00pm
Dial: (712) 775-7035 | Access Code: 827217#
Family Prayer Call-6:00pm
Dial: (712) 775-7035 | Access Code: 827217#
WE LOVE YOU
Lady Terri and I love you dearly. We know that you may have some rough days. It’s okay to not feel okay sometimes, but you don’t have to be alone. You have a family. You have options. On those days, call our prayer call center and get help. Likewise, if you need food, housing, or anything else, send your request to our care team, and we will resource you. No matter how long this lasts, we will always love you and be your family. Don’t be shy or ashamed to lean on your family when you need it most.
Please continue to stay safe. We are still ONE CHURCH, in MANY HOUSES!
Blessings,
Bishop De’Andre Salter
Senior Pastor | Impact Church