A Message From Pastor Mark
We are continuing to make our way through an incredibly novel and unusual season of life. The past 8 weeks have been a challenge, but also a season of wonders. God has been at work in and through His church and we have been reminded that the good news of the gospel prevails in every time and season. It is our hope and goal to regather wisely, well and in a manner that provides safety for our people and glory to our God. We cannot wait to see faces and to share life. We will take this one wise step at a time.
So, what does it look like for the church to regather? As our state and city authorities have been taking steps to open the State of Florida, we have joined with them in seeking wisdom and counsel in how we approach the opening as a church family. As we consider regathering, I think it’s vital for us to stake this truth in our souls: Our Mandarin family has never closed! The work and ministry has been wide open among us and through us and many lives have been touched. We are excited to re-enter a building, but we are most excited about the shared-life and joy of community that we anticipate. Take a moment to read through our Regathering Guide and the step by step process.
Our state and local authorities continue to team together to provide guidance for churches and gatherings. Even as we map this out with the best thought and wisdom that we can discern at this point, please know that we will likely make adjustments and shifts along the way. Please remain flexible in every step and let’s keep the hope of the gospel and the joy of Christ as the central story of our faith family. If you have not watched the video, please pause and watch below.
We will gather soon. God is at work and His church is on the move, so don’t miss what He is doing today! I would like to list a few ways that He has been moving...
Extraordinary generosity among our faith family.
Through generosity, serving those experiencing food scarcity; providing meals across Jacksonville via One More Child; also, distributing food bank resources.
Through generosity, serving both of our global partners with significant resourcing
Reaching and engaging people in our ‘gathering’ as never before. We are experiencing 4 - 5 times our typical Sunday gathering via the current platform on-line.
New friends have joined us in worship who may have never stepped onto our campus. Barriers are at an all-time low
Groups are engaged and stories of growth among groups are abundant
Mission and ministry are on the move. We are the church and the church is alive
This has not been a season without difficulty, pain or sorrow. I could also provide a list of the suffering and challenges that all of us have faced. Yet, God has been faithful. I cannot wait to regather in the days ahead. Until then, see you at our online gathering and please invite a friend or create a small group of friends to share in a watch party. Talk about the teaching points using the guide provided on our online platforms. I count it a joy to be your pastor and I will see you SOON!
