Good Friday morning Church Requel!
I sure do hope that this week's email newsletter has found you prospering... And yes! I do wish you long life! I know... sounds like you are receiving a greeting from our favorite Vulcan, Mr. Spock, of Star Trek fame.
You might be surprised to learn that the phrase, "Live long and prosper," isn't really a Vulcan saying, but rather a saying right out of our own Bibles! Check out Proverbs 3:1-2 GNTA:
“My child, don’t forget what I teach you. Always remember what I tell you to do. My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life.”
Makes one wonder if King Solomon had pointy ears!?! Seriously - this is what the wisdom book of Solomon promises to those who "remember what I tell you to do." So this Sunday we will talk about the 5 ways Proverbs 3 provides to live long and prosper. Hope you're like me - I can't wait!
If you can't wait until Sunday to find out the 5 ways we can live long and prosper, I got you covered. Check out the sermon notes here! http://bible.com/events/48830132
Here are the songs we are singing Sunday: "Fathers House" by Cory Asbury; "The Blessing" by Kari Jobe; "Next To Me" by Jordan Felize; "Here With Me" by Mercy Me; "No Longer Slaves" by Bethel; and "Battle Belongs by Phil Wickham.
Some of us live far away from Mansfield, Ohio. Some of us are staying home to avoid the risk of Covid. We hope that you will worship with us from home - even if you can't physically be with us in church. You will be able to find the worship stream online on our Facebook page or on YouTube. Here is the YouTube link for Sunday. https://youtu.be/gHtdKq7-ReQ
Tampa Surprise. Before I sign off I just have to share what a delightful surprise Mary Kay and I enjoyed yesterday. I have written you all many times about the very special relationship we share with Leanna Perdue, who is a very active member of our tech team. Leanna runs our weekly online worship from wherever she is located - she travels a lot! Yet, Mary Kay and I had never actually met Leanna in person… until yesterday. Leanna traveled overnight Wednesday to be in Tampa and find us (among tens of thousands of people) at the Florida RV Super-show.
What a surprise! What a delight! There was a lot of rejoicing together last night. And we are so looking forward to spending the day together today too! While Leanna orchestrated the details, I can’t help but believe that our Lord had His hand in this moment too. Church IS community. We are reminded that our purpose is “to be a community loving God and loving people.” Sometimes, I think, we forget what this looks like. I caught another glimpse of it yesterday.
I believe that someday God will unite so many of us and loved ones together who have been separated not only by location, but also by time and even death. Let’s continue our loving as much as we can here and now while never losing hope in the future surprises God has waiting for us.
Hope to "see" you Sunday morning, one way or the other! Love you much! Pastor Mark
