January Priority #1
“But if you RETURN TO ME and obey My commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name.”- Nehemiah 1:9
As we begin 2021, I believe the Holy Spirit is calling us to return to the highest priority of loving God (Matthew 22:37), seeking the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33), and being together as a church body (Ephesians 2:21-22). King David said it best in Psalm 133:1, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” Over the last nine months God has showed us grace and given us wisdom in continuing to preach the Good News, to reach/love those in our community, and to worship together on Sundays.
In light of the current realities which include a surge in virus cases, reports from those we trust who work in local hospitals and the tremendous strain it has caused these amazing frontline laborers, hearing from fellow pastors who themselves and/or their team have contracted COVID-19, to prioritizing the care for our volunteers and those who attend our gatherings, to the colder winter weather, we have made the tough decision to move to ONLINE ONLY SERVICES in the month of January. As difficult as this decision is and as much as we want to see you face to face every week, we believe it is the wisest and best in serving people and loving our community.
It has been amazing to see how our surrendering and trusting in God as we MODIFIED how we do church has resulted in a MULTIPLYING our reach to more people and our MISSION beyond a physical, fixed location. As we have become more creative and focused, we know the key is not just to watch or attend a service, but to GATHER and CONTRIBUTE, to GROW and CONNECT.
This January I want to invite you to a complete and focused return as we continue to do life together as a church family. Here are two steps to get the most out of your faith and make the most of this challenging season:
1) Please keep joining us for our ONLINE Sunday services. We want to encourage you to engage the CHAT feature that is available on Facebook and YouTube. This allows for times to connect with others, share Scripture, respond to the message, receive prayer, and even talk to others before and after the services. If you are having trouble connecting online or do not know how to access the “chat feature” please email us at info@tofoursquare.org.
2) You can also join us during the week for our weekly Zoom Prayer Meeting (Tuesdays at 7:14 pm) and our new SUNDAY SERMON RECAP GROUP (Online) on Wednesdays which begins January 13th at 7 pm. You can find more information and how to attend these meetings on our website at tofoursquare.org.
Let’s make 2021 a time of RETURNING to the One who gives life and calls us to do life as One. Ephesians 4:4-6, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”