| Hello Family, I pray that in spite of the current situation that our world has been called to endure at this time in history, you were able to experience with the believers all over the globe, the joy of the resurrection. This past Sabbath, and again on Sunday, a total of nearly 5,000 devices (approximately 10 -15, 000 people) from around the globe were able to be a part of the Sligo community as we acknowledged the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I mentioned on Sabbath, although there are many events that have been postponed and even cancelled, the celebration of the resurrected Lord isn’t one of them. And for this, we are eternally grateful. I also want to take this opportunity to thank Pastor Bridges and her entire worship team for the tremendous work that they have been doing, especially during this pandemic, to ensure that our virtual Sabbath worship experience is not only one which lifts up the name of Jesus, but also helps to bring us together as a worshipping community. And as Jesus has promised us, when we lift Him up, He will draw all peoples unto Himself (John 12:32). Kudos also goes out to Dana Audain for her willingness to provide an online Sabbath School platform for our children. Thanks Dana! How do folks access the children’s program? As many of you may already be aware, over the past two years we have developed a relationship with the New Hampshire Estates Elementary School, which is located less than a mile from our church. Because of this relationship, we received word from their principal that many of their families were in need of food. Because of your faithful giving and generosity, we were able to respond to their plea for help almost immediately, and now families who had lost jobs because of the pandemic were able to put food on their tables just in time for Easter. To God be the glory! In addition, Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington, which represents Sligo, Takoma Park and Silver Spring Churches, has been providing invaluable support to hundreds of families who otherwise would not have food on their table or the wherewithal to care for their young children. The Greater D.C. Diaper Bank has just committed to providing Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington with a monthly supply of between forty and sixty thousand baby diapers to support families in this crisis. As we continue to explore ways to remain connected and involved while in isolation, we encourage you to take advantage of one of the following ministry opportunities: Youth and Young Adults – If you are a youth or young adult and you’re looking for ways to remain connected with other young people, just send an email to <sligoyouth@sligochurch.org> and get started on your journey. Phone Calls – What better way to remain connected and at the same time make someone’s day than to simply pick up the phone and give them a call? In the world where “texting” has become the norm, how about going back to how it used to be done. Prayer Gathering – there is a call-in prayer service where those who desire to be a part of this gathering can call in and join other like-minded individuals. If you would like to be a part of this gathering on Wednesday evening from 7–7:30 p.m., you may call 425-440-5010, and when prompted, enter the following conference pin: 867642# Journey Groups – If you are a member of a Journey group, or would like to be part of a Journey group that will meet through an online platform, such as zoom or Skype, please just click on the link to receive more information. <virtualjourneygroups> Ministry Leaders – During this crisis we are continuing to encourage our ministry leaders to stay connected with their groups via an online platform, as this is vital to our continued development as disciples of Jesus Christ. Assistance – If you are aware of a member of the church that has lost his or her means of livelihood as a result of the pandemic and needs assistance, please contact one of the pastors about this. We will certainly do our best to provide them with whatever support we can. Giving –. While many of you are continuing to return your tithes and offerings online, others are either mailing their contributions to the church or bringing them directly to the church office, and for this we are eternally grateful. <adventistgiving> Finally, as we continue to navigate through this crisis, let us not forget the promise to us found in Proverbs 18:10 which says, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous run into it and are safe.” Stay faithful, Charles A. Tapp Senior Pastor |