From The Pastor’s Desk: “THE PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS”

The Apostle James, in his concluding paragraph, informs believers that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (which is an adequate interpretation of James 5:16b).  A righteous person is someone who has the right relationship with God which is through Jesus Christ.  When the righteous pray right, God hears, answers, and moves mightily!  For example, many of us have been praying for God to bless California with rain.  By the providence of God, we have been blessed this week with rain, and more rain is foreseen in days to come.  Numerous skeptics would say that we are experiencing rain in Northern California because of Mother Nature, but I disagree.  I believe that God is blessing us with rain because of “The Prayers Of The Righteous.”  A lot of us implored God for rain, and God has responded auspiciously.

When the righteous pray in Jesus’ name and according to God’s will, we can expect favorable results.  In light of this, I encourage all of God’s children to pray without ceasing.  Keep your concerns and cares before the Lord in prayer because God is moved propitiously when He hears “The Prayers Of The Righteous.”    

Worship Celebrations:  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 a mask is still mandatory, 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 of social distancing, we now can only utilize 30-40% of our total seating capacity.  Consequently, we are promoting the growth of our virtual audience.  I ask everyone to share with others how they can view our Worship Celebrations via live streaming (Facebook or YouTube) or hear them via podcasts.  For more information, you may visit our website at sjmbc.org.

Next Week’s Activities:  I strongly encourage everyone to maintain a connection with God and one another, and I strongly encourage everyone to participate in St. John activities that benefit you.  Regarding each of the following activities, visit our website at sjmbc.org if you need more information.  What’s forthcoming?

Sunday: 

Church Anniversary:  We are celebrating our 78th Church Anniversary throughout this month in each of the morning Worship Celebrations (9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.) with preaching, singing, and affirming the 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 still 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.

Tithes and Offerings:  Thank God for so many who have faithfully supported St. John financially, especially in the last 18 months.  Even though we are operating with about 20% less than we did prior to the pandemic, we are well because of so many of you.  Again, thank you!  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.

Until I communicate with you again, pray much because “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (Js. 5:16b).

May God bless and sustain each of us.

Your Servant In Christ,

Dr. Kevin B. Hall, Pastor