Happy Monday Family! It’s hard to believe that we have reached the first day in the month of June, but here we are! I’m sure you’ve heard the expression “how time flies,” but this is unbelievable. If you had the opportunity to join us for worship this past Sabbath, I pray that it was as much of a blessing for you as it was for me. As you know, celebrating the Holy Communion has always been a special time for me, especially as I celebrate with our Sligo family. There is something about the body of Christ coming together, even if it’s virtually, that creates a sense of awe and wonder that is hard to explain. Although this was our first virtual communion, for me, it still had the same sense of awe and wonder that is felt when we are all present in the sanctuary. I want to thank Archie Marshall, John Conway and all the members of our media team, along with Ron DeClerck, our deacon for the day, and our entire worship team, who worked tirelessly to help bring it all together. And yes, kudos to our pastoral team, whom I have had the privilege to work alongside for nearly 12 years, and who continue to remain resolute in their determination to bring honor to God as they strive for excellence and integrity in ministry.
Please send pictures/videos of your family celebrating Communion at home to our worship pastor at <cbridges@sligochurch.org> And while I’m on the topic of worship, allow me to strongly encourage you to join us online each week by 11:00 a.m.
As I have said in the past, especially during this time of confinement, the Sabbath worship experience is more than the music and the message. It is each part of the service, woven prayerfully together, that helps to create a tapestry which not only brings glory and honor to God, but also aids in the edification of our souls. Try setting your alarm for 10:45 a.m. so that you will be able to experience Sabbath worship in its fullness. And finally, many are asking when will we be able to return to the church building? Please know that the pastoral team are working in conjunction with the Sligo Board to prepare for this moment, but no decision will be made that is in violation of the laws of the land or of the laws of health, safety and common sense.
Please take a moment and review the opportunities of how we can continue to do life together:
Potomac Conference convenes a virtual Townhall meeting tonight, June 1, commencing at 7:00 p.m. All are invited to attend. You can register by using following link:https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__W6qjMqjRJqYEAhBdKti0A
Homes of Hope – Dr. Derek Morris, President of Hope Channel International will discuss Radical Protection–giving us the tools to put on the protective armor of God. This is a Zoom meeting provided by Sligo Church, Tuesdays, June 2-16, 7:00 p.m. Click on the link below to register on EventBrite to attend and get more information.<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/radical-protection-seminar-tickets-105904904420>
Children’s Ministry: Each Sabbath at 10:00 a.m., you can connect your children to one of our 3 weekly Zoom Sabbath School Sessions: Little Friends, Kindergarten or Juniors. The new weekly link is emailed out on Fridays, via our Pathfinder, Adventurer, and Parent (parents of children 14 years old and under) email groups. Parents, if you have not received an email, and would like to be included, please contact Pr. Hazel Marroquin at <hmarroquin@sligochurch.org>
Join us for virtual Prayer Gathering – Invite your family and friends for this additional prayer time to claim God’s power and peace over the giants we are currently facing. Our presenter for Chapter 5 in Thoughts from the Mount of Blessings by E.G. White is Dr. Olive Hemmings, Professor of Religion at Washington Adventist University.
- Wednesdays from 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. (Zoom call) Contact Pr. Cheryl Wilson-Bridges at <cbridges@sligochurch.org> for access to the link.
- Sundays from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. (Conference Call: Prayer Line Number 425-440-5010 code: 867642#)
Youth and Young Adults – If you are a youth or young adult and you’re looking for ways to remain connected with other youth and young adults, just click the link to get started on your journey. <sligoyouth@sligochurch.org
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>
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 – Thank you for your continued faithfulness during this time of unparalleled crisis. 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>
Stay Strong!
Charles A. TappSenior Pastor