Pastor’s Ponderings
“Be of Good Cheer”
The past few weeks have been the strangest time of my life. I am saddened about the tens of thousands who have died from contracting Covid-19, but I rejoice that it is not nearly as bad as was first forecast. In fact, everything indicates that the worst is past and we will soon enjoy all aspects of life again.
Reflecting on the past few weeks, I admit feeling down about the whole situation. I miss the presence of my church family, but I am ever so grateful that Jesus will never leave us or forsake us.
I have enjoyed hearing our Sunday School teachers as they bring lessons for our church. I saw a lesson on Facebook brought by the lady who taught me in Sunday School 50 years ago! What a blessing to see and hear her teach again.
Through all this we must claim John 16:33 where Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Jesus promised that life for the believer will be difficult at times, but He also clearly stated that we can still have joy because He has overcome. We can overcome too, through our faith. In all circumstances we are confident that all things are working together for our good.
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We are excited to announce that our first Sunday back will be Mother’s Day, May 10. This will be Phase 1 of a plan to reopen our church building. We will do so with these thoughts in mind:
1) If you are uncomfortable coming or if you are sick, please stay home. We will livestream the service.
2) We will only have in-person services on Sunday morning: No Sunday School or Children’s Church will occur until we go to Phase 2.
3) We will cap in-person attendance at 100. We will put any overflow into the Annex to watch the livestream.
4) The whole auditorium will be cleaned and sanitized.
5) Proper social distancing measures will be practiced, so no handshaking or hugging.
6) We will have masks available for anyone attending.
7) We will not pass an offering plate but will have a locked box on the back table of the auditorium.
8) The nursery will be open, but we will not have nursery workers. It will only be used if parents sit with their children.
We have put these measures in place to ensure we do not spread Covid-19 to anyone. Details for Phase 2 will be available soon, and we currently plan to start that phase on June 14. Any and all measures are subject to change, and we look forward to seeing you face-to-face soon and worshipping our God together! Thank you for being understanding during these difficult days!
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We remind you again about important contact information. Tithes and offerings can be mailed to:
Calvary Baptist Church
700 Woodard Ave
Cleburne TX 76033
You can give online at:
calvarycleburne.com
For prayer requests, call the church or use the email addresses below.
817-645-7758
cleburneprays@gmail.com
cbccleburne@gmail.com
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The current world condition looks like prophecy fulfilled right before our eyes. Keep praying and looking for His return.
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I have asked from the beginning for you to pray for me and my family in five areas. Thank you for doing so, and please continue to plead with God that I would have:
1) Courage
2) Wisdom
3) Strength
4) Victory
5) Vision