Tuesday Briefing: July 7, 2020

1. The Second Half of 2020

This has been a year! So as we entering the second half of 2020 it is good that we stop and take stock of where we are and where we are going. 

1. We need to be thankful for God’s blessings in 2020. 

• We had our first Men’s retreat in March just before everything shut down. This was a great time to be with the men of the church. 
• A major praise item is that in the providence of God, we were already live-streaming when everything shut down. We were able to keep going without missing a step. 
• Giving to the church through the Coronavirus Crisis has been great. The congregation has been faithful in their tithes and offerings.

2. We need to understand the realities of 2020:

• We are not going to be back to normal for some time. We are working with the best information we have and are trying to balance the need to be safe with the need to gather for fellowship, prayer, and worship. Please be patient as we continue to work through the issues of Sunday School, Communion, etc. 
• We need to take advantage of what we can do. Technology allows us to keep in touch in ways we could hardly imagine 25 or 30 years ago.  We need to be using this technology. 

3. We need to keep moving forward in 2020:

• So far, we have done an excellent job of treading water since March, but we are going to need to keep moving forward in our ministry. 
• The church must continue to carry out its calling in this time of pestilence. We need to be creative and innovative in our approach. We are going to have to learn new ways and have to put more effort into being a church. 

Pray for this second half of the year! So far 2020 has been tough! Thank God for his blessings to us in tough times and pray that we will be faithful wherever He leads us. 

II. Upcoming

Wednesday, July 8, 2020 - Diaconate 

Wednesday, July 15, 2020 - Session 

Saturday, July 18, 2020 - Men's Morning Prayer Coffee and Zoom 

 

 

III. Sermon Preview:  John 15:5 - “Rooted to Produce Fruit.”

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. - John 15:5

Where does the fruit in your life come from? Jesus is clear; it does not come from you but is because of the connection that we have to Him. It is God who continues to work in your life even after you become a Christian, not just to transform you to be more holy but so that you can do good works. To produce fruit, you have to abide in Jesus, and He has to abide in you. Jesus' continuing presence and work in your life is the key to you being fruitful as a Christian.