I’m Ready for This Sunday!

Jenna and I officially completed our quarantine on Monday. I feel like we have been under house arrest for the last three weeks. We appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers, and concern. Thank God that, for us, Covid was merely an inconvenience.  I know that hasn’t been the case for many.

Jenna and I were able to join in with our church family online over the last two weeks. I want to give a shout out to our worship and creative arts department, who continue to provide a quality online experience for those that are not able to come to our in-person gatherings. One thing that I certainly have come to appreciate over the last two weeks is the in-person assembling of the church. Yes, I’m thankful that we are able to provide the online experience. Yes, I’m thankful that many are able to join in with the Grace World family across the Nature Coast and around the world. However, there’s just something special about being physically together with the ekklesia. We value the in person gathering because we know that people need to experience and encounter the presence of the Lord. We value the gathering because we know it’s one of the most effective ways to reach people with the gospel. We value the assembly because we know that where two or more are gathered in His name, He is there in the midst. I do believe that in 2021, as this pandemic begins to wane, there is a deep need to reconnect with the value of assembling together. I look forward to when we are all able to be together in one place, in one accord, and experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit together! My prayer is that it is sooner than we all expect.

Our winter quarter of Grace Groups is now open for registration. Take a moment to visit our website or the church center app to check out all that’s being offered. Find something to plug into, whether it’s one of our virtual groups or an in-person class. This will also be the last opportunity to register and participate in Financial Peace University. This class has been offered all year free of charge to anyone that is a part of our church family or their friends. One thing that this previous year has taught us is that financial discipline is key. If you or someone you know could benefit from this, please make every effort to register and participate. Those that register have full access for an entire year from the online Financial Peace University suite.

This weekend, I’m coming in with a burning word that I am ready to share. I hope, pray and trust that you’ll be with us whether that’s in person or online.

As we move into the weekend gathering, please keep our congregation and community in prayer as there are still families dealing with Covid. We ask that you remain community conscious and personally responsible for the health and well being of yourself and those around you and that you continue to abide by the CDC recommendations:

• Remain at home if you are sick or been around someone who is sick.
• Remain six feet or more apart from others.
• Use a face covering when physical distancing is difficult to maintain.
• Refrain from congregating in the Dome or foyer before and after service. 

Grace, Jenna and I love you and cannot wait to be with you this weekend! 

Better Together, Pastor Daniel