And Ministry Continues

Thursday, April 02, 2020

Brian Pritchard put it well when he said, "The church is not empty; the church is deployed". Isn't that the way that Jesus meant the church to be? Jesus used words like "go" and "sent" not come and sit. Tremendous kingdom work is being accomplished. People are sharing videos of themselves performing gospel music on facebook; keep it up! We had some extra hand sanitizer that we shared with small business trades people who are still working but couldn't find any in the stores for their employees. We fed 118 people in Kingston last Sunday and we will be feeding 200 this coming Saturday and Sunday. There is a missions meeting tonight over ZOOM. One Connection Group meets weekly over zoom while another continues their study through email. People are taking leadership roles in their Connection Groups that they would not have taken before covid-19. The board has been working frantically making sure that everyone in the congregation is cared for because we want you to be loved and cared for so that you can be a witness for Christ to your friends, neighbours and family. Our Sunday Morning youtube service is getting about 150 hits which translates to 200 - 300 people. We haven't had attendance like that in years. People are putting phones beside their TV's so that folks without the internet can listen to the service. The Free Methodist Church in Canada hosted a nation-wide prayer meeting on Sunday Night through facebook live. It was awesome. We are working on something similar for Pine Grove - stay tuned. We are hearing reports that the gathering restrictions may be in place for many more weeks. When I heard this, I'll be honest, I was discouraged. At the same time I am excited beyond the comprehensible because my "... God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever." (Ephesians 3:20-21). My high school motto was "carpe diem" Latin for "seize the day". Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to seize the day for Christ - not just one day but every day. God's got this!!

Posted by pastor @ 08:17 am

Comments

Heather Cross 7 months ago

Inspiring words Pastor Dan, thank you. I just learned another new virtual skill! I hit the GIVE button at the top of the Pine Grove Webpage and following the prompts, I managed to set up an account using my credit card with Tithe-ly. Then I selected "General Fund" and caught up with my envelope donations to the church. There was the option to cover the administration fee which I selected and the amount was minimal. Far less than what it would have cost for gas to drive it to the church and I believe less that the three postage stamps if I had mailed it in each week. I went in a second time to see if I could access the account I had established easily. It too hard to figure out my way back in. Having just read in your Blog about the Rustle Street meal program, I selected the Missions tab and made a small contribution for that ministry. I am thankful for this technology. Trying to catch up on my tithe and offerings several weeks from now might have seemed onerous but keeping up as the weeks pass will make it much less so. I am so blessed to have my pensions coming uninterrupted and sufficient to meet my needs.

Heather Cross 7 months ago

Oh dear! Typo in my comment about Tithe-ly... should have said, "It was not too hard to figure out my way back in." Couple of other typos but they are obvious. My apologies readers.

Heather Cross 7 months ago

Wow, what a wonderful morning of sharing. I found myself smiling back at everyone as they helped to make today's service so very special. And it was so good to see the faces of so many members of the Church family. I must admit I was running late for church this morning and I forgot my Bible! Then I realized I could pause Pastor Dan. He kindly waited for me to go and get my Bible. thank you Pastor. God Bless, Heather

Sue Davies 7 months ago

He certainly does have this pastor Dan! I too, will ask the Holy Spirit to show me how to seize the day for Him! I pray that he gives us insight on how we can be more loving, kind, generous, faithful, joyful stewards for Him! Thank you pastor Dan for your messages of encouragement and hope. We appreciate you!