Good Friday morning Church Requel!
This week we have heard quite a bit about the "new normal." When the media says the new normal, they are refe20ring to the global pandemic and whether or not we need to wear masks and socially distance from one another.
This week in my studies and preparation for Sunday's sermon, I came across the very first words Jesus used in his new ministry - what we might call his motto or his slogan. Consider that the eternal 2nd person of the Trinity had all of eternity to consider His first words. The human Jesus had 30 years to consider his first words. Here is what He said, according to Mark 1:15:
“The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.” Mark 1:15 NIV
Could it be that Jesus was describing the new normal for humanity? Ever since our banishment from the Garden of Eden, we have been separated from the kingdom of God. But now it has come near. What did Jesus mean by this? I'd love you to think about this between now and Sunday morning. (Hint: I don't think it is what we usually think it is!) More to the point for us - does the new normal according to Jesus make a difference in our daily lives?
Sunday's Worship Music. Can I just say it? Brandi has been on a roll with new music! If you ask her, she will tell you that it's not just her. Many folks have been coming up to her and asking her about this new song or that new song and wondering if we can sing it at Church Requel. This coming Sunday is no exception, with two new songs:
- "God So Loved" by We The Kingdom
- "Into the Sea (It's Gonna Be OK)" by Tasha Layton (NEW)
- "The Way (New Horizon)" by Pat Barrett
- "The More Of You I See" by Iron Bell Music (NEW)
- "Your Name Is Power" by Rend Collective
The Worship Stream. You can tune in to watch Church Requel's worship online by clicking onto our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ChurchRequel, or by watching on YouTube. Here is the YouTube link for this Sunday: https://youtu.be/Aqx3w8IyY4M. Of course we would love for you to come to Church Requel too! More of you are starting to come back and it's wonderful to see the pews beginning to fill. (Though we have a long ways to go before we come close to being full - no problem with social distancing!)
Exciting News! Don and Stephenie and their young family are moving into the Chome! For those who don't know, the "Chome" is the new word that Paul came up with to describe "Church" and "Home." For several years, Paul lived in the Chome - the part of the church behind the front wall of the sanctuary (behind the platform).
This month Don and Stephenie are moving in and will live in the balcony area on the second floor of the Chome. That is great news for us as a church family because it gives us a contact person downtown at the church. Most of the ministry opportunities take place during the week and usually after business hours. Don is looking forward to being that contact person for Church Requel. It is one of the reasons he has taken on the task of coordinating the food pantry, because people come looking for food - but often we have no one present.
Of course there will be many other exciting ministry opportunities for us as well.
For example last night, Sheila came knocking on the door of the church. Some of you may remember Sheila attending our church from the homeless shelter - she could walk to our church from there. Last night she came and told Don that her husband - a veteran - had died the night before in the homeless shelter. Now because of Don and Stephenie being there, we have an opportunity to minister to this family in their time of need.
The next time you see Don and Stephenie, tell them how much you appreciate them and how much you want to support meeting the ministry needs of those who might seek him out. Keep praying for Don and his entire family. Even though he is the man on the scene, he cannot do it alone.
I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at Church Requel this coming Sunday at 11am! Hope you can make it!
Love you much, Pastor Mark
