Pastor Joe’s
Weekly Update
5/19/2020
May 19, 2020
Hello,
It’s been two months since March 15th that we met as a congregation and it seems twenty. Indeed this has been quite a journey and we know since we are till taking breath that it is a journey that we are still on this side of eternity with our Lord and with each other.
Sunday Grass Valley made its first attempt at continued streaming of the service while having things visible inside that were only available to those watching on the outside. We did this because under the Phase 1 rules we had more than a handful of people in the auditorium to worship together. We are looking forward to this continuing to grow as we also work on some of the problems discovered in trying to do both.
Next Sunday we are so looking forward to services also resuming in Kent. According to the rules we are operating under groups of under 10 are pretty much free to meet as they wish and gatherings up to 25 with non-family social distancing requirements. For both churches this opens the door again for a variety of our ministries to resume, and they are very much on the table for doing so as we walk wisely together during this time.
The first of those other activities is a live prayer meeting Wednesday night in Grass Valley at 7:00 pm. I do not know it I will be able to Zoom this. If you are interested in it being also on Zoom let me know by text or email (541) 660-8223, and I’ll let you know if I can make it work. We are expecting that as the hosts become comfortable that these meetings will return in Kent and Grass Valley to their normal locations. Watch for details.
Children’s ministry and meal activities are a little different and ones that we are walking a little more slowly with. For the time being, children will remain in the auditorium with their parents. I will have some hardboards for them to use should they wish to draw, and I am looking to our children’s leadership in possibly coming up with activity sheets.
A copy Sunday’s sermon is attached to this email and copies along with CD’s will be available both at Grass Valley and in the Kent parsonage.
On a personal note, Robin and I are pleased to announce Jonny’s graduation from Sherman County School. The school announced last week that commencement will begin on June 6th at 11 am. While we would love to invite you all, the ceremony is limited to two cars from the family where we will drive in one family at a time according to a pre-arranged schedule for a personalized ceremony. We are talking about having a reception but are trying to figure out the logistics right now. Sherman will have boxes at the school from 8 am to 7 pm on June 5th to collect cards and gifts that people may want to give to any of the seniors. We are so thankful for our teachers, administrators and everyone involved at the school for how they have responded to this to walk beside our kids.
Praying for you,
Pastor Joe
(541) 660-8223
Joe Burgess
Pastor, First Baptist Church of Grass Valley and Kent Baptist Church
206 SW 4th St., Grass Valley, OR 97029 (mail P.O. Box 188)
541-660-8223 (cell)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)