The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
By the grace of God, we are alive today. We can never take life for granted, especially considering everything that’s going on. We are now approaching the twelfth week of being physically apart and without the privilege of entering and enjoying the facilities of St. John. Although our county says religious services can resume on June 15th with some limitations, we are being very prayerful and careful regarding the date when we shall reopen. Our safety is a major concern, so I encourage everyone to continue in the meantime to be safe.
As the pastor, I am so pleased with how well we are doing despite not being together physically. We have great Online Ministries, and I appreciate how supportive you have been with these Ministries. These Online Ministries are designed to glorify God and edify each of us; consequently, I strongly encourage those of you who are not participating (yet able to participate) to allow our Online Ministries to be a blessing to you by participating. Through our website (www.sjmbc.org), needed and updated information is available about Online Podcast Messages, Sunday School, Prayer Meetings, Bible Study, The Lord’s Supper and much more.
If there ever was a need for prayer, the need is now because this world has become so corrupt that it is almost unfit to live in. I encourage each of us to pray individually at least three times daily (1st prayer between 12-6 am), and I encourage each of us to pray corporately on Wednesdays at 12 pm and/or 6:30 pm, for “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (Js. 5:16b). For more information, please visit our website (www.sjmbc.org).
Moreover, as the pastor, I am pleased with the innovation and extension of our Outreach Ministry. Although we do not publicize it, St. John does a lot to help people when they are in need, and now we are assisting St. John parishioners who have difficulty paying their rent or mortgage. For more information, please contact Deacon Johnson.
Beginning next Tuesday (12-3 pm), we plan to giveaway groceries targeting people in need that are in Richmond, and our goal is to distribute 150 bags of groceries (75 at the North Campus and 75 at the South Campus). Though some have already committed to assisting us in this ministry, if you desire to help, please share this with me by replying to this email. We plan to set up a table in one of the parking lots at each campus so that people can drive by and pick up their groceries, and we plan to minimize direct contact with the public for everyone’s safety.
If God is willing, we will experience the Lord’s Supper this Sunday at 8 am and 1:30 pm. To participate, you will need to have some bread or a cracker, and you will need some grape juice (or something similar). For more information, please visit our website (www.sjmbc.org).
Lastly, I sincerely thank those of us who have been supporting St. John financially. The tithes and offerings are increasing because more of us are giving which enables us to meet our financial obligations and enables us to help others in need.
I encourage everyone (mainly those of us who receive income) to faithfully and generously support St. John financially with our tithes and offerings. You can mail your Tithes and Offerings to our St. John South Campus (662 South 52nd Street—Richmond, CA 94804), or you can give online through our website (www.sjmbc.org). Although I do not recommend this next option, if you prefer, you can also set aside weekly your Tithes and Offerings and give the total amount (individual checks, one check or cash) the Sunday we resume corporate worship.
In conclusion, Trust In The Lord, Encourage Yourself In The Lord, Think Yourself Happy, Think Higher and Keep Your Mind On The Lord while you Hold On and take One Step At A Time. Remember, when you are Covered By The Blood, by acknowledging that He Is Risen, God Will Take Care Of You.
May God Bless And Sustain Each Of Us.
Your Servant In Christ,
Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor