Tuesday, March 24, 2020 - Click here for a video update
First of all we want to say: THANK YOU! You guys stepped up to generously show your support in a big way. As a result, our offering total this weekend was the highest of the past year, even though we weren't able to offer in-person worship services. So even though I can't shake your hand right now for multiple reasons, please know I'm giving you a "virtual hug." Your giving is allowing us to continue to adapt and do new things like:
- Create Zoom accounts for our MTVgroups, so they can meet online
- Assist Reality Church (Millport, AL) with video & livestream of their sermon from our facility
- Deliver buckets of treats to hospital staff break rooms
We're continuing to learn on the fly how to do "digital church." We have already committed to continuing to offer only online worship services (in keeping with government recommendations and guidelines) through this weekend. We'll reassess the situation next week and will communicate our next steps at that time. In the meantime, we'll keep taking steps to better leverage this unique opportunity through technology, creativity, and dependence on God. As you may have noticed, some of the changes we made from last week to this week included:
- Added worship music
- Added option for phone "live streaming" by calling 662-290-9039
- Added online Connection Card at mtvcard.com, where you can also submit a prayer request
As I wrap up this week's update, I want to encourage you to do three things this week:
- 1) Spend some focused time with God. In the middle of all this change and uncertainty, it's helpful to remember Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. I posted a video devotional on Facebook yesterday that I'm hoping will encourage you. I plan to continue posting those every couple of days, so be watching for that.
- 2) Call somebody. Our nation was already suffering from an epidemic of loneliness prior to this crisis, so I fear it will only get worse. Even we have to "physically distance" from each other, we don't have to be "socially distant." Pick up the phone and call someone to just let them know you were thinking about them and wanted to see how they were. If we each develop this habit, our church can some out of this season stronger than ever.
- Pray... for your family, neighborhood, community, church, nation, and world.One way or another, your prayers will impact the trajectory of your life. I believe who you become will be largely determined by how you pray. As you pray, be sure to take time to listen for what God wants to say to you.
That's it for now! We're working on some other exciting stuff we’ll be ready to share with you very soon. Have a great week!