Special Update from Pastor Foster

March 13, 2020 | Michael Foster

3/13/20

Dear Forcey Family,

I am glad to know a God who delights in being known as “a very present help in time of trouble” (Psalm 46). He is also still more than able to “take what was intended to harm and to use it for good,” even to accomplish the “saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20). He did not “give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). I saw this kind of spirit at work last night as our elder and trustee teams gathered to pray, review instructions from civic leaders including Governor Hogan’s ban on public gatherings of 250 or more people, gather input from wise physicians within our church, and faithfully consider how to best honor the Lord, love one another, and serve our community during this season. I want to share with you the following updates.

Our building will be closed to all non-essential ministry from Saturday 3/14 through Saturday 3/21. We will update the church family next week concerning plans beyond 3/21. We will be pursuing to give the building a thorough cleaning during this time.

We will livestream a worship service this Sunday 3/15 at 9:15 and 11am. I am aiming to preach a special message from Romans 8 called “Contagious Hope: Spreading God’s Unstoppable Promises.” The livestream can be followed at www.forcey.org/live and on our Facebook page. You are encouraged to share comments with one another throughout the livestream experience. If you miss the livestream, the message will be uploaded onto our website and the service will be viewable at any time on our YouTube page.

Our school is closed from 3/16 – 3/27 following MCPS. All other ministries of Forcey Bible Church are postponed until further notice. Our Missions Conference scheduled for 3/21-29 including our “Worship Around the World” event is postponed. Please contact a pastor or board member with any questions.

What can you do?

PRAY – “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). The Lord loves when His people seek Him first in time of need!

GIVE – “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2). The Lord loves when His people give generously! You can give online at www.forcey.org/give. Please keep our “Helping Hand” fund in mind as we expect some of our people to have extra need in this upcoming season.

SERVE – “Each one of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). Christians have always been known for shining brightest when times are darkest. Who can you offer to help in this season?

RECEIVE – Please do make your needs known during this time. You can email care needs to [email protected]. Our leaders will be looking to personally contact as many of our more vulnerable brothers and sisters as possible this weekend to check in, pray, and offer support.

BE CHRISTIAN! – Christians listen to advice (Proverbs 12:15). Christians submit to their governing authorities (Romans 13:1). Christians don’t vent or mock (Proverbs 29:11, 19:29). Christians don’t panic (Philippians 4:6-7). Christians endure and mature (James 1:2-4). Christians bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Christians love each other well (Galatians 3:13-15). Christians stay on mission (Matthew 28:19). Go team! We can do this!

I will be sharing a video update later today which will be emailed and posted on our website and Facebook. I also plan to more regularly post encouragement and wisdom onto our Facebook page and other media outlets during this season.

Dear brothers and sisters, I love you, I long for you, and I can only imagine some of the burdens, anxieties, disappointments, and setbacks you are dealing with at this time. Together, let us fix our eyes on Jesus who says, “In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33)! He is our strength, our sanity, our way, our truth, and our life!

In and for King Jesus,

Pastor Michael Foster

 

 

 

 

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Special Update from Pastor Foster

March 13, 2020 | Michael Foster