From Pastor Cliff
My Dear Church Family,
I pray everyone in your family is well. Georgianna and I are doing fine. All of our family members are at a distance these days, but they are all well. We are doing all we can do to stay in touch with all of you. Many of you have received calls from our staff. So far no one in our church has reported they have COVID. Some are still battling allergies and common colds, but otherwise are well. Personally, I have called about 60 homes and everyone I have reached is upbeat and report they have been blessed during these strange days. In spite of this terrible plague, (and President Trump also refers to it as a plague) we are seeing God’s hand of grace guiding and providing for us in every way. To say we are doing things we have never thought of before is an understatement. We are doing these things simply because we have had no other choice. You have heard the old adage, “Necessity is the mother of invention” and it has proven to be true. Thank God for the tools modern technology has provided for us. What is amazing is how many Senior Adults are into technology. So far, every person regardless of age, is reporting to me that they are watching our morning worship services, either on our Website or Facebook. It may surprise you to know every Sunday we are seeing 800 plus people viewing the broadcast.
I must say, I am very pleased with the number of teachers who are providing Bible Study for their classes every Sunday morning. This past Sunday, Georgianna and I joined Justin Rohr’s class by way of the Zoom App. It was so easy, and Justin did an excellent job leading the class. Furthermore, the participation from the class was extremely good. Anita Wood, Director of Education and Evangelism, has sent out emails letting you know which classes are doing teleconferencing, and anyone is welcome to join these classes. One class meets at 8:00 A.M. and the rest are pretty much at 9:30 A.M. If you are interested in joining one of these classes call Anita at (346) 236-3353. She will be happy to help you get connected with whichever class you prefer. We are blessed to have many excellent teachers and I want to thank each of them who are making the extra effort to stay connected to their classes. I do want to say the Zoom App is extremely simple to use. All you have to do is load the app on your laptop, I-Pad, Tablet or cell phone. If you need any help with this call Josh Mathias at (713) 992-8161.
This is Holy Week and we are not going to let the devil distract us from this sacred time. Since I have been your pastor we have had the Lord’s Supper during a special Wednesday evening service during Holy Week. Those services, for 20 years, have seen an almost unbelievable turnout. This week we are not going to allow COVID-19 to rob us of this spiritually meaningful time. Therefore, I am going to lead our entire congregation in a “Virtual Lord’s Supper Service.” Passover begins this Wednesday at sundown and ends Thursday at sundown. Our Lord’s Supper will begin Thursday at 6:00 P.M.
Anyone receiving this email will be able to participate. You will receive another email Thursday from Josh Mathias. His email will have a link that you will click Thursday at 6:00 P.M. This link will enable you to join in the Lord’s Supper Service. Now, I want to emphasize, you do not need to feel the urgency to go to the store to get unleavened bread and grape juice. We will not be legalist on this because the elements are only symbolic. The Lord knows our hearts and simple crackers and any juice, or even water will be fine. It will be ideal for every family to gather around their computer or their individual devices and take the Lord’s Supper in their homes. I am praying this will be an extra special service for every person and family. So, Thursday be watching for the email from Josh. Once you have the link, you have access to the special service Thursday at 6:00 P.M.
This Sunday’s Easter broadcast will be extra special. Those who have viewed the previous telecasts know Pastor Doug has provided great music. This past week, I wish you could have been in the Worship Center. Even though only seven of us were there, I want to assure you, we had church! I received a text from one of our members expressing her appreciation for our services. Every week I receive texts and emails expressing how meaningful these services have been, plus all the positive comments on Facebook. I honestly believe this Easter Online Service could be our largest attended service ever. Last week on Facebook alone the service went out to 1,143. Again, when we combine those viewing the service on Facebook plus our website we are well over 800 in attendance. It would be quite possible to have more than 1,000 viewers Easter Sunday. I urge you to not only listen, but to pray for the service and then share the service with your friends.
As you can easily see, our ministries continue. A stark evidence of that fact is what I am seeing on Facebook on the faces of children and their parents. Carlee Qualls and Laura Huff literally spent all day Sunday and most of Monday afternoon and evening delivering “Egg Drops” to their children and their parents. They used a very clever teaching tool, “the empty egg,” to teach the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I know my two grandchildren were quite taken with it.
Yes, ministries are continuing and in some instances growing. But, we must understand our expenses continue, too. That is why it is so important for everyone to get their tithes and offerings to the church. Remember, there are three ways to give: by mail, electronic check through your bank, and Easy Tithe. To give through Easy tithe simply go to our website, www.mbchouston.org , then in the upper right corner of the home page click the “Give” tab. This will take you to Easy Tithe. Simply follow the instructions and give your gift either by debit or credit card.
It is now time to sign off. Please know if you need anything just call me at (832) 663-1408 or Pastor Scott at (832) 466-3479. Now, Thursday expect the email from Pastor Josh. I hope you will be part of the first ever “Virtual Lord’s Supper Service.” I love you and am so grateful I have the privilege of serving you!
Yours always in His grace,
Pastor Cliff