Dear First Pres,
We did it! We had our first ever online-only worship service, and so many of you found your way to the YouTube page to watch. Huge thanks goes out to our tech crew who was working behind the scenes to make it happen: Allan Knepper, Jordan Purvis, & Diana Marr. And, huge thanks goes out to y’all, who made a priority of joining your church in worship. Yes, it was different, and maybe a bit awkward. It was for me, too. But there is still something powerful about us having that shared experience. And I’ve heard from many that the Holy Spirit worked, even in the awkward circumstances, to encourage their hearts. Praise God!
If for some reason you struggled to find the live stream, remember to search “First Pres Fresno” on YouTube.com. Then, don’t click on one of the videos; click on “First Pres Fresno” channel. It’ll have our church logo there. Clicking on that will take you to the right place. And, if you’re there on Sunday morning at 10, you’ll see the live stream appear. And, if you’re still struggling, don’t be afraid to ask someone for help.
As we’re settling into a new “shelter in place” normal, I want you to know that your church is buzzing. Even though we’re not gathering on campus, there is all kinds of stuff happening. People are calling and connecting. People are writing notes of encouragement. People are sewing masks. People are gathering online for prayer or discipleship groups. People are helping out their neighbors. FPC Fresno is not on hiatus, we’re just redeployed.
And here are some updates that are important for you to know:
Prayer: Two things in the area of prayer. First, if you’d like to receive prayer. Please check out the information on the “Need Prayer?” page of our website. Your church would love to support you in prayer, so let us know how we can do that. Second, if you’d like to join in prayer for our church, there is a network of conference call prayer gatherings happening on Sunday mornings at 9. Please see the information below for how to get connected with that.
Education Hour: Of course we’re not meeting as usual for Education Hour, but so much is still happening.
- The “Cadre of Padres,” who have been teaching on Paul’s letters in the Corner, have created a study guide that you can use on your own. You’ll find information about it below.
- Also, if you’re interested in connecting with others about the Scripture used for Sunday’s sermon, the R.A.P. (Reflect, Apply, Pray) class will be doing a live online gathering at 9 on Sunday mornings. Again, look below for information about how to connect with that.
- For our young families, I encourage you to connect with the videos that are being created for you and your kids to enjoy together.
Youth and College Ministry: Online gatherings are happening throughout the week. If you’re not connected yet with this, please reach out to Meagan Bergem, our Student Ministry Director, and/or Geraud Brumfield, our College Ministry Director.
Finally, thanks to so many of you who have either mailed your financial contributions to the church office or initiated giving through one of our digital platforms. I am grateful. As I said during worship on Sunday, we normally receive about 50% of our contributions through the plate offerings on Sunday morning. If that’s the way you normally give, please consider one of the other ways to give during this time. Click HERE for more information.
God is on the move, Beloved. I know there is much to be concerned about. May we remember, though, the good news of Psalm 97:1, “The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad.” If you’re feeling anxious today, I encourage you to meditate on Psalm 97. Ask the Lord to help you remember all the ways that He has proven His faithfulness to you. Lift up every concern to Him in prayer. Ask Him to fill you with faith, so that you might joyfully serve others in the name of Jesus today.
Blessings,
Jeremy
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