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UPDATES

November 12, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

November 5, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

October 29, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

October 22, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

October 8, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

October 1, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

September 24, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

Hi Church Family!

This Sunday we will again offer two services at His Place, 9:00 and 10:30 am. You’ll find all the details below. We will also have our service online through Facebook at 10:30 am – recorded specifically for our online community.

I’m so looking forward to this Sunday when we resume children’s ministry opportunities for families. Be sure to check out the update video as well as the information in this newsletter for all the details.

Also, I have a request. If you are planning to join us for worship at His Place this Sunday and you do not have young children, would you please consider attending the 9:00 am service? Doing so will help us open additional seats for families to join us at 10:30 am, when children’s ministry options are available.

I’m praying for you these days. Praying that you Recover Your Life as we continue on this spiritual journey together this Fall. Whether you join us at His Place or online, I’m so looking forward to being with you on Sunday!

Peace,
Pastor Erin

September 17, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

Hi Church Family!

I’m so grateful for a great kick off to our spiritual journey, Recover Your Life. And, it was incredible to be together for worship this past Sunday at His Place!

Please take a moment to watch this week’s video. In this update you’ll hear more about how we are adding a second service option for Sunday. You’ll also hear more about how we are working on children’s ministry options. This is a season of lots of changes as we adapt week-by-week. I want you to stay up to date as we make plans and decisions.

Please reach out if you’d like to connect. I’m always glad to hear from you!

Love and Prayers,
Pastor Erin

September 10, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

September 3, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

August 27, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

Hi Church Family!

Hope you are having a great week. Please take a few minutes to watch this week’s update video. It includes lots of information about our plan for the Fall, including our plans for indoor in-person services starting Sept 13. I’m excited about what’s ahead and I want you to have all the details. If you have questions or would like to talk, please reach out. I’m always glad to hear from you!

Also, please be sure to check out the exciting opportunity below to help support Alma Public Schools. Can you help by purchasing a desk shield for $13? Or maybe you can purchase 5 or 10 or 100? I’m so glad for this opportunity to love generously!

I love you and I’m praying for you!

Pastor Erin

August 20, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

August 13, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

August 6, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

July 30, 2020 – A Note From Pastor Erin

Do your plans feel fragile?

Hi Church Family!

This past Sunday, we talked about how challenging it is when our plans feel fragile. Remember that even when the future feels uncertain, we can have great confidence in the stability that Jesus provides. We have this hope as an anchor for our souls, firm and secure! (see Hebrews 6:19)

I hope you’ll take a moment to watch this week’s update video. It includes details about our plans for August and the Fall.

This Sunday we begin a new series, A Gentle Answer. I’m so looking forward to opening the word together and gathering together for an outdoor service. I look forward to seeing you there!

I love you and I’m praying for you!
Pastor Erin

July 23, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

July 16, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

July 9, 2020 – An Update From Pastor Erin

July 2, 2020 – A Note From Pastor Erin

Hello Church Family!

It was so wonderful to be together this past Sunday for our outdoor worship. This newsletter, including my weekly video below, includes some updates about more outdoor worship dates planned for July. I’m looking forward to being together!

I’m thanking God for our church family today and I’m praying for you!

Pastor Erin

June 25, 2020 – A Note From Pastor Erin

Hi Church Family!

Have you heard? This Sunday we are taking our Sunday morning worship service OUTSIDE! Hope you will bring a lawn chair and join us this Sunday in our parking lot, June 28th at 10:30am. See below for all the details.

Click the link below for my brief weekly update video. And as always, please reach out with any questions or ideas. I’m always glad to hear from you!

I also want to thank you for generous and faithful giving. We are so grateful for the consistent giving that is providing financial stability for our church. In the coming weeks, we will be making several significant purchases of some audio visual equipment. During this online-only season, we are grateful to be able to borrow some camera and audio equipment that has provided a high quality online experience. Because we believe that our online presence will continue to be a great resource to accomplish our mission, we need to invest in a few pieces of equipment of our own. Your generous giving to our general fund will help us with these strategic purchases. I’m so glad we can fuel this mission together!

I can hardly wait to see you on Sunday!

Pastor Erin

June 18, 2020 – A Note From Pastor Erin

Hello Church Family!

I hope you are doing well. Please click the video link below for this week’s fresh update on our plans for in-person gatherings. I’m filming a brief update each week in an effort to stay connected and share with you how we are processing decisions.

This week’s update includes some great news about a plan for June 28th. In the video, I also address the question: when can we expect to gather in our sanctuary again?

I’m always glad to hear from you, so please do reach out anytime. You can reach me at pastorerintaylor@gmail.com

I love you and I’m praying for you!

Pastor Erin

June 11, 2020 – A Note From Pastor Erin

Hello Church Family,

I’m still smiling as I think about the wonderful Evening of Worship we shared together last Sunday. And I’m looking forward to our In-Person Watch Party that begins this Sunday (sign up below). Also, below you’ll find the link to my weekly update video with the latest as we continue to move towards in-person gatherings.

I’d also like to connect with you today about something happening in our community this Saturday evening. In my most recent sermon, I talked about what it means for us to dwell in the uncomfortable and endure with the strength Jesus gives. I believe this is a key moment for us as followers of Jesus to engage in the uncomfortable space that has come to the forefront in our nation: critical conversations surrounding racism and injustice. This is a moment for us to learn and lament as well as amplify and advocate.

This Saturday evening at 6pm, there is an event in Alma called 6:8 Walk. This is not owned nor initiated by the Alma Church of God; but rather, we are invited to participate along with all who call this community home. It’s inspired by Micah 6:8 “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Here is a description of the event:
“Based on Micah 6:8, Community Leaders, Area Faith Leaders, Local Police Officers, and Community Members believe that our nation is at a critical moment where we must take a stand against racism and systemic oppression. The 6:8 Walk declares that the lives of Black and oppressed people are significant and valued and as a community we will work together to create a country where, with a united voice, we say ALL are able to pursue Life, Liberty, and Happiness. There will be moments of prayer and quiet reflection, with our walk concluding at the Alma Police Department. 6:8 Walk: Justice, Love, Mercy.”

I’m quite sure that people will be showing up for this walk for different reasons. There will be different perspectives in the crowd and people may choose to articulate their feelings in a variety of ways. Showing up doesn’t require uniformity. Rather, this is a moment of unity. We show up, not because we have the answers; not because we will all think the same way; but because we feel compelled to respond.

The spirit of this walk is humility. For many of us, this will be a prayer walk as we seek the Lord together. One of the things I’m praying for is that this will be much more than a one-time walk in our community. This will be the beginning of many critical conversations, learning, and connecting as neighbors.

Please join me in praying for our community and this 6:8 Walk. Please continue to pray for our nation as we listen to the cries for justice. May we be people who engage in the name of Jesus as we “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.”

I love you and I’m praying for you!

Pastor Erin

June 4, 2020 – A Note From Pastor Erin

Hello Church Family,

Our hearts are heavy as we read the headlines. We grieve together the death of George Floyd and the cries for justice that arise throughout our nation. Remember, this is not a time for Christ followers to keep silent. Get on your knees in prayer; join the lament; educate yourself and challenge your preconceived notions; and stand against injustice.

This week we have some good news to share in the life of our church. Please be sure to watch the video update below for news about in-person gatherings for worship.

We are excited about some upcoming opportunities to gather together outside. This Sunday, we can’t wait to see you at our Drive-In Evening of Worship. Be sure to take a look at all the details here.

Our weekly Thursday evening “Talk in the Park” begins on June 11. You’ll find the details here.

I love you and I’m excited to see you all on Sunday evening!

Pastor Erin

May 28, 2020 – A Note From Pastor Erin

Hello Church Family!

Please click the link below for this week’s update. Thanks for taking a moment to listen. I’m so glad to be able to share with you how we are planning and processing for the future.

I especially appreciate the great engagement we had with our survey regarding in-person gatherings. We want to share the key results with you. Click here to take a look. 

Remember, this is a time when we have differing opinions. That means it can lead to disagreement and division. But it’s also the perfect setting to practice living as Kingdom Subjects, as Jesus invites us to do. Let’s keep extending grace and peace to one another.

I love you and I’m praying for you!
Pastor Erin

May 21, 2020 – A Note From Pastor Erin

Hi Church Family!

I love you and I miss you! Please click the link below for this week’s brief video update. There are several things I’m eager to share with you.

And, I’m asking for your help once again. Would you take a moment to respond to this new survey about in-person gatherings? We would like to know your thoughts and feelings as we continue our planning process. This survey (like last week’s survey) was developed by a national ministry that is making it available for local church use, thus the questions are broad in approach. Thank you in advance for your help with this! And, I promise we won’t have a new church survey every week.

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Erin

May 14, 2020 – A Note From Pastor Erin

Hi Church Family!

I know that we are all looking forward to when we can meet together in person. Starting today, I’m going to share a weekly video update with you as a way to stay connected, especially regarding our process to determine when and how we will gather again in person. Please take a few moments to watch the video posted below

Also, I need your help. Would you please take a few minutes to fill out this simple congregation check-in survey? We want to know how your world has been impacted in the midst of this difficult time. Our leadership wants to be both personal and informed in our care for you as our church family, so we encourage you to share your personal information with us when submitting your responses.

I love you and I’m praying for you!
Pastor Erin

March 23, 2020 – A Note From Pastor Erin

 

Hi Church Family!

 

It was great to be with you for worship online yesterday. We were encouraged by all the great connections during and after the service. Wow! Thanks for sharing the service through social media. Keep it up! This is a great time to share Jesus with others! And remember, if you didn’t join us live, you can always watch the video of the service here.

 

You’ve probably heard that our Governor has issued an executive order to “stay home and stay safe.” Michigan joins the growing number of states to do this. I know this means another level of adjustment for all of us. In all of the emotions and feelings that this stirs, I encourage you to lift your eyes to Jesus. Bring him all of your feelings. Rest in his presence. None of us want to be going through this time of disruption, but remember that God is working for good through this. He is our refuge and strength. He is with us! Let’s borrow the prayer of David: “awake my soul!” so that we can notice God more in our midst.

 

 

We continue to make adjustments at the church and we want to keep you informed. I have several updates to share with you today:

1. In compliance with the order to “stay home and stay safe,” our church building will be closed through April 13 (or when this issue is lifted). That means you can’t stop by the church office because we will not be here. Thankfully, our office staff team can work remotely. We will all work from home. Even our church phone can be forwarded. So, we are still OPEN to connect with you by phone and email. We have to make a lot of adjustments during this time, but the ministry of the church is continuing.

2. Thank you for your faithful giving. So many of you have continued fueling the ministries off our church. We’re so grateful! We encourage you to give online at www.almacog.org/give. If you prefer to give by check, please mail your gift to: Alma Church of God, 200 W Superior St, Alma, MI 48801.

3. Our online-only services will continue each Sunday morning. The executive order of the Governor allows for the use of our building for religious worship. This means we will continue with the small number needed to conduct the service so it can be streamed to you online. And rest assured, our team is being extra careful to follow all health and disinfecting guidelines when we lead the service.

4. I hope you saw the good news update at the close of the service yesterday. I’m so happy to share that Angie Armstrong has accepted a role on our staff as Worship Arts Director. Angie has been leading our worship for several years in an interim volunteer role. We are so thrilled to make it official as a paid, part-time staff position. I love seeing what God is doing in and through Angie as she leads our worship ministry!

 

 

Keep noticing God today and in the days to come. Check out this week’s fresh guide here. Remember that our God specializes in working for good in the midst of messy moments. He is working for good right now!

 

I’ll continue to stay in touch in the days to come. I’d love to hear from you too! Tell me how you are doing and how you are noticing God these days.  Let’s keep encountering Jesus together.

 

I love you!

Pastor Erin

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March 18, 2020 – A Note From Pastor Erin

 

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 

Contact Us

Alma Church of God
200 W.  Superior St. Alma MI
989.463.3730

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  • ABOUT US
    • PLAN A VISIT
    • IDENTITY & BELIEFS
    • LEADERSHIP
  • HAPPENING NOW
  • WATCH
  • GIVE
  • HIS PLACE
Alma Church of God