Happy Monday family!
I pray that you have had a blessed weekend and that you were able to experience the rest that all of us so desperately need, especially during a time like this when our world is feeling as though it’s about to tear apart at the seams. It is during moments like this that I take comfort in these words found in Joshua 1: 9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” If God could see Joshua and his people through the final stages of their pilgrimage in the wilderness and ultimately, into the Promised Land, then surely he can see us through the wilderness OF COVID-19.
I want to take a moment to say thank you to Pastor McFarlane and his entire team who did an amazing job during our food distribution to our community on Sabbath afternoon. Working in conjunction with Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington, Sligo members were able to distribute over 750 boxes of food to those within our community. Thanks to Ron DeClerck and others who handled a large part of the logistics, which allowed things to run, like a well-oiled machine. This was truly a shining example of what the church looks like when it “leaves the building.”
Each week we get calls and emails from those within our congregation asking us when the church is going to be able to return to the building. On Sunday, you should have received a survey that we sent out to the membership that was designed for you to provide us with your input, which is critical in helping us to make this decision. As I have said in the past, we are committed not to do anything which goes against the laws of our state and county, the laws of health and the laws of good old common sense. Please take a moment and fill out this survey so that we can move forward in preparing for the next steps in what has been a very challenging journey.
Finally, as I shared in last week’s update, please take note that we are still making plans to move forward with Sligo’s 11th Annual Homecoming Celebration schedule for August 1. The plans for this special event are still moving forward, although it will more than likely be a virtual event. But just like our first virtual communion, I am confident that it will be just as meaningful. For more information on this year’s Homecoming, go to <sligochurch.org> and click on the Homecoming banner.
Kids, please don’t forget to remind your parents to purchase some sunflower seeds so that you too can take part in this annual event. And when the plants begin to grow, take a picture and don’t forget to include yourself in it and then send it to me at <ctapp@sligochurch.org>
As always, please take a moment and review the opportunities of how we can continue to do life together while we are apart:
Radical Protection: You are cordially invited to the Radical Protection series free on Zoom
Hosted by Dr. Derek Morris,
President of Hope Chanel International
Tuesday, June 16, 7:00 p.m. (EST)
Dr. Derek Morris, author, educator, pastor, and president of Hope Channel International will join us to add another dimension for coping with COVID-19. Not only do we battle deadly viruses. We are also in a spiritual war — a war against good and evil–a battle for our souls.
What is Spiritual Armor? How do we suit up for war?
Can we escape our worries whirling in an endless loop?
Are we looking for freedom from abuse?
Are we praying for a loved one struggling with addiction?
Do our resolutions crumble like ropes of sand?
Radical Protection is the last of a three-part Zoom series where we will explore these and other critical questions. (You can also phone in.)
Please share this link with everyone you know needing encouragement and strength.
Register now on EventBrite:
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. We are studying Steps to Christ by E.G. White.
- 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 toremain connected with other youth and young adults, just click the link to get started on your journey. <YouthAndYoungAdults>
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. Tapp
Senior Pastor