We often make the mistake of trying to please everyone except for God.  Rather than our focus being on satisfying people, our focus should be on satisfying God.  The question each of us should ask is as follows:  Is my Master satisfied (with me)?  God is not satisfied with us if we are not doing what He expects from us.  Among all that God expects from us, making disciples is foremost.  Even though we are amid a pandemic, we must explore and engage in creative ways to make disciples for Christ if we desire to please God and have His favor.  Making disciples is the heart of the Great Commission and the primary work of believers.  When we make disciples, then we have the assurance that the Lord is with us always; therefore, I encourage us to do what God expects of each of us:  Make Disciples!

We currently have two Worship Celebrations (each is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes) every Sunday:  9 a.m. at the North Campus and 11 a.m. at the South Campus.  We encourage everyone to arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to be seated safely and comfortably.  Temperatures are checked, hand sanitizing is urged, social distancing is applied regarding where people shall sit and walk, wearing masks are now mandatory (Contra Costa County requires people to wear masks for indoor gatherings), utilization of restrooms is restricted to 2-4 people at a time (depending on the size of the restroom), and congregating before and after Services is prohibited.

Because many of you are unable or uncomfortable regarding in-person worship (which I understand), our church has invested thousands of dollars in equipment in order for you to view our Worship Celebrations via live streaming (YouTube and Facebook) or hear our Worship Celebrations via podcast.  To those of you who benefit from our live streaming or podcast, gratify God by supporting your church financially with your Tithes and Offerings.  Some might feel that they are not obligated to support St. John if they are not present physically, but this is not true.  As you enjoy the privileges of St. John, you should still fulfill your responsibilities as a member of St. John.  Moreover, gratify God by sharing with others our Worship Celebrations via live streaming or podcast.  (I am asking everyone to do this.)  Our virtual audience is growing weekly which implies that more people are hearing about our Worship Celebrations and enjoying them.  If you inspire others to join us via live streaming or podcast, you are contributing to the growth of St. John.  For more information, you may visit our website (sjmbc.org).

Monday:  Preparation For Grocery Giveaway at 10:00 a.m. (South Campus)

Tuesday:  Grocery Giveaway at 12:00 p.m. (North Campus and South Campus)

Wednesday: 

October Is Church Anniversary Month which means that we will be celebrating 78 years that God has used St. John to be a “Kingdom Building Church.”  In each of the morning Worship Celebrations (9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.), we anticipate a mighty movement of God through preaching and singing.  Also, in each of these Worship Celebrations, a designated parishioner will share a one-minute presentation about the significance and value of St. John.  Because of the pandemic, we will not have a Church Revival or an afternoon Worship Celebration on the 4th Sunday of October at 3:30 p.m. as we have done for many years in the past.  However, everyone is encouraged to give a special offering (in addition to our regular Tithes and Offerings) of $78.00 or more.  If everyone gives this special Church Anniversary Offering, this will be a financial blessing to our church since we are currently operating with about 80% of the normal income prior to the pandemic and since we are still endeavoring to construct and complete our Family Life Center being debt-free.

Navigating our church mainly in these last 18 months has been extremely challenging, often frustrating, and at times discouraging.  As a human being, when I become frustrated and discouraged, I become easily irritated (which is something that I desire to overcome).  I do not want to experience heightened stress levels that could cause me to become ill again or cause me to become impertinent.  You were extremely loving and generous last month (and some still this month) as you edified me, and I am truly grateful.  Without sounding so needy, I desire something else from each of you:  Your Prayers!  With your prayers, I can endure and excel which is essential in order for me to serve effectively as the Pastor of our great congregation.

Praise God for each of us who have been supporting St. John financially.  We currently give in person during Sunday Morning Worship Celebrations, by mailing or dropping off our Tithes and Offerings at our Administration Building or South Campus, or by giving online through our website (sjmbc.org).  If you are financially able but not supporting St. John financially, allow God to bless you with more by giving today your Tithes and Offerings.May God bless and sustain each of us.

Your Servant In Christ,

Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor