UPDATES

Hi Church Family! 

The building may be closed but the church is alive and well. Isn’t it interesting to notice the ways that God is at work through this unique moment in our culture? We are among churches throughout our nation who are doing church differently. It’s in moments like these that God works for good in ways that are beyond what we can imagine. 

Our service on Sunday had our strongest engagement ever for an online service with more than 1,300 views as of today. The video message I posted last week has had more than 4,600 views. We have growing numbers of people following our page and engaging with us – both here in our community and beyond. All of this tells us what we already know… when we experience moments of disruption in our world, our hearts are more open to notice God. 

Let’s keep our eyes wide open! Just as we are seeking to notice God more, let’s help others notice him too. Keep sharing our posts. Keep inviting people to join us online. I’m eager to see what God will keep doing in the days ahead. 

Thank you for your faithful giving in the midst of this time of adjustment. Your giving fuels the ongoing mission and ministry of the church. We have recently moved to a new online giving platform and it’s easy to use. All the details are at almacog.org/give. You can also text to give by texting the dollar amount to 84321. 

I’m especially grateful for the awesome leadership teams of our church. We are working closely together to adjust plans as needed. Here are a few updates we would like to share with you: 

• A new page on our website is our go-to place for updates: almacog.org/news. We will also post on social media and continue to send all-church emails. We have identified those in our church who are not online and we have a plan to communicate. 

• We are planning for online-only services at least through March. We know it’s likely this will extend further and we will continue to adjust plans as needed. In the meantime, we are postponing all programs at all buildings on our campus.
  
• The church office continues functioning. We are continuing the ministries of our church in adjusted ways. At times, staff will be working remotely and we are grateful for technology that allows us to work from home if needed.
• We are looking ahead to Holy Week and making plans if we are not able to gather in person. We will keep you informed along the way. One decision we’ve already made is that there will be no Easter brunch this year to avoid the spread of germs.  

How can you help? I’m glad you asked. 

• Keep loving one another and checking on each other. Pick up the phone and reach out to people when they come to mind. Especially keep in mind friends who do little on the internet and may feel even more disconnected.
• Invite others to join you at church online.
• If you are willing to make deliveries of groceries or medicine for those who need to stay home, please let us know.  Or, if you or someone you know needs help with delivery of groceries or medicine, please let us know. Simply email Sue Stack at childrenareablessing@hotmail.com.
• Donations. The Child Advocacy Baby Pantry is adjusting their approach but continuing to serve parents in our community. If you are already making a grocery trip and would like to contribute, they need large diapers (size 4, 5 or 6) and Enfamil Formula (infant or gentlease). These items can be dropped off at Gratiot Psychological Services, 724 East Superior, 989-796-4555. 

Keep noticing God more in the days ahead. We will keep publishing our Noticing God Weekly Guide – a fresh version each week – as a resource for you. You can get a copy at almacog.org/notice. Take time to write down every day how you notice God. 

I’m on standby to support you however I can. I’d love to hear from you. Call or write anytime: pastorerintaylor@gmail.com or 989-463-3730. 

I love you! 

Pastor Erin