May 28, 2020
Dear CCSE Family,
Let be begin by saying thank you to the many of you who have
supported and prayed for us as a church over these past few months. Your calls and emails have meant the world to us. We have also been
praying for you knowing that all of you are dealing with your own stresses and
concerns.
Right now, a lot of you are wondering when and how we are going to reopen. As of today, we are still under the governor’s orders which now allows 25 people to attend in service gathering. The good news is that we are prepared and ready to open our doors as we are permitted in accordance with the CDC guidelines.
When we as a church joined as plaintiffs with Pacific Justice Institute, we began a legal process, and we feel at this time it is important to follow this process through. These legal challenges for religious freedoms are taking place throughout the country and may end up in the Supreme Court of the United States. We are encouraged that the Attorney General has also made it clear that the Justice Department is ready to assist in states where they see overt abuses of religious freedoms taking place.
We ask for your continued patience as we continue through this process. Of course, we will continue with our online services on Sundays and Wednesdays and will notify you as soon as things may change.
With a limit of 25 people, we are hoping to lend ourselves to serve those who most need it at this time. We have some folks who have been all alone and are desperate for fellowship. It is especially important that those who do desire to come contact pastor Ryan or pastor Kevin so we can ensure space for those individuals as we have space. *** IMPORTANT: We DO NOT want anyone attempting to come who may be currently sick or considered at greater risk and vulnerability.
This Sunday, our parking lot will be open, and we do have internet access for those who may want to join us in their cars and watch online. Again, we know this is a poor substitute for the kind of fellowship we all long for, but this is the best we can offer for now.
We are also encouraging our home groups, who are willing, to continue through the summer. We also hoping to develop new home groups in the weeks ahead.
Most importantly, the very best thing any of us can do now is pray.After you are done praying, pray some more, and after you are finished with that prayer, pray some more. I firmly believe we are in the midst of a worldwide spiritual battle. People are stressed, afraid and emotional. The number of suicides and domestic abuses are on the rise. There are strong opinions which are working to divide relationships between families and friends. I also believe that despite all these tribulations that Christ is getting the attention that is due Him. Who knows but this may all lead to another great awakening? We cannot help but pray that this will all turn out to lead many to the love, hope and peace that are ultimately found in Christ alone. I know the Lord has been dealing with my own heart, and I want to be found awake and ready for Him on that day. Maranatha!
Yesterday, I woke up early in the morning and my spirit was drawn to Revelation 3 with Jesus’s letter to the Laodiceans. Later in the day, I came across a message taught by Pastor Jack Hibbs of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills in a message entitled “My Dear Laodiceans, I’ve Written You a Letter.” https://youtu.be/5YoBQW_BZ0s I encourage you to take the time to hear this message and hear what Christ may be saying to you.
Again, we will try to keep you updated as we get more information.
I, we, love you and miss you all.
In His Grip of Grace,
Pastor Doug
Pastor Ryan: rfredrich@ccseportland.com
Pastor Kevin: kevinsmith@ccseportland.com
Hebrews 10:23-25
Let us hold
fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is
faithful; 24 and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good
deeds, 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some,
but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
