I have to be honest, I was a little bummed out on Sunday night. I was really looking forward to our next in-person outdoor worship service. I watched the hourly weather report and checked the radar a number of times. But as we moved into Sunday afternoon it was increasingly clear that the weather service was right. It was going to rain. I was disappointed to not get to see everyone, but I was grateful for the rain. The truth is we needed it. I could almost hear my lawn, flowers and garden rejoicing!
Outdoor in-person worship this Sunday evening. 6:30 ice cream, 7;00 pm worship at our Plaistow location.
The rain wasn't exactly what I was hoping for, but it was exactly what was needed. Life is like that sometimes. We may have a plan that seems good, but God sees the bigger picture. He knows what is really best. So in those moments when my plan does not seem to be coming together in the way I had hoped, I am learning to trust God. And even when MY plan isn't THE plan, I'm learning to look for the good that God is up to.
I've also come to discover that sometimes when my plan doesn't work out, God is not always saying no. Sometimes he's saying not yet. Not today. So last Sunday was not to be the day for our outdoor service, but we will try again this Sunday. If you are able to join us, we invite you to come for ice cream at 6:30 p.m. followed by worship around 7:00 p.m. Bring a chair or a blanket and join us at our Rock Church Plaistow location. It's a big field, so feel free to bring a friend. Of course we will still offer the 9:00 a.m. live stream for those for whom that is the better option. And the message for both the livestream and the in-person service will be the same.
On another note, I want to share with you a financial update. All in all, we have been staying on track financially during this Covid crisis. I am grateful beyond words for all who have continued to share generously to keep the work of Rock Church moving forward. It is not uncommon during the summer months for us to see a modest decline in giving, even in a normal year. Over the past couple of weeks, the combination of the start of summer and Covid has begun to set us back in our giving. So I would simply ask us to all do what we can to continue to be faithful in supporting the work of Christ through our church over the summer months. As you probably know, you can give online at rockgiving.org or you can mail a check to Rock Church P.O box 435 Sandown NH 03873. With your help we will continue to serve our community, to share the gospel and to lift up the light of Christ for our region.
God bless,
Pastor Steve