Pastor's Briefing: Wednesday, August 26, 2020

[28] And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” [29] He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. [30] But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” [31] Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 

 Matthew 14:28–31 (ESV) 

I often think about the account of Peter and Jesus walking on the water. Peter believed in Jesus and was with Jesus, but then he let the wind distract him and make him afraid. It should encourage us to see that Jesus caught Peter. Jesus does ask Peter a hard question, "why did you doubt?"

As we go forward in a world with winds and waves blowing hard around us we need to keep our focus on Jesus and not be afraid. Fears related to illness, unrest, and politics have been around since before Jesus and will continue until Jesus returns. You as a Christian need to see that the one who walked on water is King Jesus sitting on the throne. God's will is being done and Jesus' victory is assured. Keep walking with Jesus in faith. 

Announcements: 

Giving: As we approach the two-thirds point of 2020, I want to encourage the congregation for their faithful support this year. It is a blessing to see people rally to the church in times of need.  We are still in the black at this point. A combination of faithful giving and reduced expenses has been a blessing to us. Many churches are not as blessed. However, we cannot stop being faithful. We have had an extended Summer since April, but we are going to start seeing our ministries open back up both in-person and online. 

July was a low month for our giving and this is not unusual. I would encourage you to make up any missed tithes or offerings. Remember you can drop off tithes and offerings at the church during normal business hours, the officers will be glad to pick it up from your home, and there are offering plates at each door on Sundays. 

The Diaconate has approved a new electronic means for giving to the church. We are in the process of getting this set up and then the information will be sent out on how this can be used. We believe this can be a helpful tool as we go forward. 

Again, thank all those who have been faithful to obey the Lord and give to the church even during these difficult times. 

Sunday School: On September 13, the Men and Women's Discipleship classes will be meeting together in the fellowship hall after worship. They will continue to use the discussion format. We are going to start with these classes together so that families, including young children, might remain together for social distancing purposes. Sunday School folders with activities will be provided for the children. 

The Youth will also begin meeting on that Sunday in the Large Multi-purpose room at the end of the Red (Second) hall. The youth will sit with siblings and will continue to social distance.

Wednesday Prayer Meeting: We will begin our Zoom fellowship time at 6:00pm. The prayer meeting will begin at 6:30pm. We will continue our study looking at Matthew 5:23-24. 

This Sunday 

AM - Daniel 2:19-17 - The Real Fellowship of Believers 

PM - 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:4 - Love Flowing From an Afflicted Heart

Prayer

White Oak in Lancaster has had many cases of COVID. Mike Cauthen, Kimberly Hefner, Lynn Moore and Susan Prete all have parents who are there. Mike's mom has COVID. Pray for all of these people and all who work and live at White Oak. 

Session and Diaconate as these folks lead our church during this time

Praises: Lorri Crawford hand should not require surgery, James Deese's grandson is improved, Danielle Deese started her new job, and Pat Brandon is doing better at PMC in Rock Hill. Keep praying for these folks. 

Prayer: Those looking for jobs, those fighting cancer, those fighting breathing issues, and especially pray for our students and teachers this week. 

Continue to remember everyone on the prayer list