Wow! What an amazing weekend we had a Rock Church. For the first time in months, we were able to worship together in person and it was awesome. Approximately 350 people gathered in the big field next to our Plaistow building and countless more came together online for a great worship celebration.
It's not that we haven't been worshipping. We absolutely have. Through our live stream hundreds of people gather every week in their homes to engage in online worship. Some have taken us camping with them. Others have had us on the road with them as they traveled. The technology that makes all of that possible has proven to be a wonderful gift during this Covid crisis.
Even if you are away from home, you can worship with us online every Sunday!
But for those who were able to gather in person on Sunday we also got to experience the gift of community in a way that many of us have been missing. Personally, I'm involved in several weekly zoom life groups and have been blessed to experience community in that way. But there is something special about getting to see so many people in person.
So whether it is connecting through an online life group, through social media or coming together in some way in person, I am continually reminded of what a precious gift “community” really is. I am convinced that God has created us for relationship. In whatever form or fashion it takes, community is a gift. And looking back, I know realized how often I have taken it for granted. I hope that one of the things we take from time of “social distancing” is a true appreciation for the gift of community. I hope we never take for granted the gift of being able to spend time with people we love, shake hands and hug, be together with family, friends and our church family.
After the outdoor service on Sunday, the question many seemed to be asking was “when can we do this again?” The short answer is “soon!” My hope is to do a variety of special in-person services throughout the summer. They won’t all be the same. They will likely be in different styles and in different locations. So I would encourage you to watch carefully for future announcements so you don’t miss out.
But this Sunday we will gather online for a very special service that I am particularly excited about. As a part of this new series that I am jokingly calling “How to survive a zombie apocalypse” I include in the message an interview with Evan Sorensen. Evan is a licensed therapist with his own practice, as well as a seminary graduate. Evan brings a clinical understanding of mental health combined with a deeply rooted Christian faith into a conversation of that I know you will find both fascinating and helpful. So I look forward to us all being together this Sunday at 9:00 am on line at this link.
God bless,
Pastor Steve
I also want to remind us that this Saturday we have a special event we are calling “The Love Offering.” Over the course of the day, we will read through the entire New Testament aloud. The day will be broken into 20 minute reading blocks allowing many people to be a part of this expression of love to God. If you would like to participate or would just like more information, click on this link.