Dear Church Family,
As Christians we have an amazingly unique perspective on all that can feel as scary as the word COVID-19 sounds. We are cautious, but we aren’t afraid. We take precautions, but we do not panic.
Why? Because we know that our God isn’t punishing us. Nor has he fallen asleep on the job. He hasn’t taken a vacation. He’s not practicing social distancing from us.
After all He is Immanuel—the God who is with us. He is the one who came so near as to become one of us—human, vulnerable, mortal. Why did Jesus, the Son of God, do that?
The prophet Isaiah describes:
4 Surely he was taking up our weaknesses,
and he was carrying our sufferings.
We thought it was because of God
that he was stricken, smitten, and afflicted,
5 but it was because of our rebellion that he was pierced.
He was crushed for the guilt our sins deserved.
The punishment that brought us peace was upon him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all have gone astray like sheep.
Each of us has turned to his own way,
but the Lord has charged all our guilt to him. (Isaiah 53:4-6 EHV)
Because Jesus was struck down on the cross for us, we now know that nothing—not even a pandemic—can ever separate us from our Heavenly Father’s love! Because of the victory that Jesus proved at his empty tomb three days later, we have his absolute guarantee that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28)!
And so we rely not just on the advice of government officials, medical professionals, and technology but also and especially on the words and promises of our God who does not change. He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble!
That’s why I’m inviting you to join me online this weekend for worship. Even though we might be distancing ourselves physically for a time, God has so blessed us to be able to draw close to Him and to each other spiritually.
So here’s what you can expect this weekend. Worship online will be at our normal service times:
Saturday at 5:00 pm
Sunday at 9:30 am
To Watch Live simply CLICK HERE to visit our DSC-Doral website. Then click the big button that says “Watch Live”. Soon you’ll see a new online worship platform that will allow you to submit prayer requests, fill out a digital connection card, interact in a live chat, and even give easily online too.
This week Pastor Carlos will be preaching the sermon, continuing our Unhooked series with a message on The Lure of Self-Reliance based on Genesis 4:1-9.
Follow our church on Facebook or Instagram also for easy ways to share our online worship opportunities with others. What an opportunity we have in such a time as this to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and meet people where they are at—on their phones, tablets, computers, and tv’s at home…or wherever they are!
ICYMI:Watch Pastor Caleb’s message from last weekend – Part 3 of Unhooked – The Lure of Peer Pressure.
ICYMI:Click here to watch the service and message that I shared from home this past Wednesday.
Weekly Offerings: Last weekend: $6,146.00 | Average weekly March: $7,941.15 / wk. | Needed weekly to carry out our current ministry plan: $8,374 / wk.
Did You Know? If you’re worshiping with us online, you can still participate in the offering by giving online. It’s easy to do using the “Give” tab in MyDSC or by clicking on “Give” on our website: www.divinesaviorchurch.com
Submit a Prayer Request: At any time you (or anyone in your family) can submit a prayer request. Just click HERE. Or reach out personally to Pastor Ben.
Adapting Our DSC Ministry: Thank you to everyone who has been involved in any way through the changes we have made in the last week. We are blessed to have a wonderful Ministry Team who is passionate to continue changing lives with Jesus in this situation. Both our church and academy are moving forward quickly and responding with new ways to share the love of Christ with our community and world. Pray for our pastors, our leaders, our school, and all in our family. Pray that God opens hearts to His message. Pray for us to take advantage of the opportunities to share His love in new ways. Our ministry team leaders are also currently thinking about ways we can continue to worship, connect, and serve in this unique situation. Thanks for your patience and for your support! God bless you and your family!
Stay Connected to Your Church Family: We are working hard to stay connected as a church family for worship and encouragement. Here are some resources that we are using to communicate with you:
- Our WEBSITE offers regular updates, live streamed worship, and recorded messages.
- Follow us and interact with our INSTAGRAM page. English: @dscdoral and/or Spanish: @dscdoralespanol
- Follow us and interact with our FACEBOOK page. English: @divinesaviorchurchdoral and/or Spanish: @divinesaviorchurch
- Join our DSC Women’s What’s App English group chat. It’s a place to encourage one another and pray for each other as women.
Weekend Playlist–Lord, I Need You | The Wonderful Cross | Abide with Me
Changing Lives with Jesus,
Pastor Ben
