Update
Dear Wonderful Friends!
"I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out before him my complaint; before him I tell my trouble. When my spirit grows faint within me, it is you who watch over my way..." (Psalm 142:1-3)
CHURCH SERVICES
In our ever-changing environment these days it seems that hardly anything is consistent. It appears that the only things that are consistent are the inconsistencies!!! :) Changes occur quickly and it gives new meaning to the word "navigate!" But, navigate it is!!! I thought it would be good to keep you posted as to health unit protocols for the foreseeable future.
Just yesterday (Monday) morning (a bit of a change from last week!!) I was advised that we need to pre-record all worship music/singing for our Sunday services. A mask is still required at church and there is to be no singing (seems humming is ok!!!) - even through the mask! I (or whomever is speaking) may be exempt from the mask but a plexiglass shield needs to be in front. I was hoping that at least one singer could be without a mask but for now this is our reality.
I am sorry for all of the apparent inconsistencies but, it seems, that this is the nature of what we are navigating these days. I find it rather confusing, as you must as well, with information that seems to conflict from one day to another. I sure hope and pray we will see an end to this very soon. We pray God's blessing, peace and presence will keep and comfort you these days!
Thank you so much for your understanding and patience.
CHURCH HEALTH ASSESSMENT TOOL (C.H.A.T.)
Please review the attached document regarding the C.H.A.T. survey. This is a brief synopsis that gives a "bird's eye view" of Evangel Temple - our church (of course, it's God's church but you know what I mean!) :) As mentioned in my previous email, the full report of the survey will be shared with the incoming Lead Pastor. The reports are very thorough and contain very valuable information in the Executive Summary of 21 pages and the full reports of 43 pages!!! Reports are only good if they are properly utilized with implementation of adapting and adjusting as necessary. It is a good honest look at who we are as a local assembly with a definite view to become all that God desires us to be. Your leadership team is fully engaged in this journey and their passion to see Evangel reach full potential is very evident. We pray for unity, strategy and openness to the Lord's direction. Please click the link at the bottom of the update to view the over all results of the survey.
Let's continue to pray for Evangel. This is the Lord's church!
PRAYER AND FASTING
June and I have joined with all of our Missionaries around the world this week for a time of prayer and fasting. Each morning at 9:00 we are on a ZOOM call and, in addition, have committed to at least a ½ hour timeslot each day to fast and pray. Would you join us by individually picking a convenient ½ hour timeslot that works for you and pray? That would be phenomenal.
Here are some needs that we are asking you to take before the Lord in prayer:
Ø Our families - especially unsaved loved ones
Ø A spiritual awakening in our church and community
Ø Personal strength and faith building
Ø For God to take this present crisis and turn it into something good for His Kingdom
Ø Encouragement for those who are experiencing loneliness or going through a specific life challenge
Ø Other needs as the Lord brings them to your remembrance
"...The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." (James 5:16b). God bless you and strengthen you always!
Cal Anthony (Rev.)
Interim Pasto