Virtual Worship Extended into May

Last week we were informed by the Handke Center that, due to the Governor’s updated guidelines, we will not be able to meet there through at least May 4 which means that May 11 is the first Sunday we could meet together again for worship. Because the Governor’s guidelines also include entertainment and event facilities like the Elk River Theater and the Holiday Inn in Otsego (which has a large enough meeting room for our church), it looks very doubtful that we’ll be able to secure a venue for worship before May 11, and who knows, maybe longer.

In light of this reality, I want to encourage you to redouble your resolve to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ in every season of life. Whatever you think about this crisis, it’s way beyond our control and there’s nothing any of us can do about it. But what we can do is bow our lives before Jesus Christ and say, “Our hope is in you, our lives belong to you, and we’re gladly devoted to worshiping you and serving you and loving the lost no matter the circumstances. So, Jesus, help us to live as a kingdom of priests in this world right now."

Beloved, our gathered life together has been put on hold, but the Kingdom of God has not been put on hold.

Therefore, be encouraged in Christ and resolve to live as his children, as members of his body, and as a kingdom of priests in this world. In the coming days, Pastor Kevin and I will be posting some blogs and videos about how to live as disciples in this unique season of life, but for now I want to say this: it begins with resolve.

May the Lord richly bless us as we resolve to live for the glory of Christ in every season of life. God be with you all!

Comments

Deacons - How They Serve and Strengthen the Church (Part 1)

One of the next important priorities for GCF is to establish deacons in the life of the church. On March 14, 2021 we were able to establish an elder team. Currently, we have a team of four elders overseeing the congregation of GCF. However, there is more work to be done. I have come to see that establishing an elder team was the bare minimum that needed to happen for GCF to survive. I believe GCF now needs to turn our attention to raising up a team of qualified and willing deacons to serve the congregation so that it will not only survive but thrive. I would like to begin a series of blogs on deacons to help us understand who they are and what they do in the life of the church. In this blog let me provide three reasons why I think deacons should be near our top priority. Number 1: It is Biblical. Paul instructs Timothy to install elders who will help him pastor the church. For whatever reason, it seems the churches in our circles treat the installmen...

Worship Songs, October 15, 2017

We post these worship songs leading up to the worship service so that parents may listen to them in the house or in the car within the days leading up to the worship service. Our hope is that children will hear the songs prior to and it will prepare them to participate in worship on Sunday mornings. My Redeemers Love Hope Has Come I Will Glory In My Redeemer Blessed Be Your Name Here In Your Presence Your Glory Be Still My Soul (In You I Rest) -- Sermon Text: John 11:1-16 That the next generation will set their hope in God and not forget the works of God (Psalm 78:7).

God Displays His Beauty While Lifting Heavy Burdens by Pastor Kevin

I know I am a little bit overweight. My doctor tells me so. The mirror that I look into affirms it and the scale (that I mostly avoid) reminds me every time I step on it. All of that makes what I am about to say so much more impressive. I had the privilege of sitting on the beaches of Florida's Atlantic coast for 8 days on our most recent family trip. For me there is something magical about the beach, especially on the Atlantic side with the waves washing up against the shoreline. We have been lucky enough to find a sleepy beach town to vacation at. A nook, if you will, that typically features retired folks or families with kids. Out of the way of those who want to party, the beach is truly a relaxing place for me. Let me tell you something that I gleaned this time around that never quite landed on me. This last week it landed on me, almost literally. My son Ben and I are the more adventurous specimens in the Feder five. We actually get into the salty water where there are jelly f...

Glory of Christ Fellowship

Search This Blog