Bad Connection

Sunday, August 2, 2020, due to a storm, our online services were unable to maintain a consistent signal for reliable streaming capability. We recognize this caused not only an inability to participate in the live-stream worship, but also frustration--especially considering many stayed connected for over 20 minutes at a time hoping the connection would stabilize. We apologize for the inconvenience and frustration.

Please attend Wednesday's (August 5, 2020) bible study and prayer time as the Pastor will be teaching based on Sunday's message and notes will be available..

We have taken the the following actions in a step to maintain excellence in the ministry and hopefully provide an improved, stable and consistent streaming experience--as much as is under our control.

1. We have gained permission from the St. James Baptist church to inquire and install an hot spot in the worship area from a wired source. This should provide a stronger and more reliable signal.
2. We have contacted AT&T for the installation. This proved to be more challenging due to no close physical connection for AT&T. As a result, the installation is partially complete. Upon completion, we will switch to using the new wired and wireless hotspot made available.
3. We have identified better recording equipment and streaming software for an enhanced experience--that should also enable the services to be used for outreach via social media sites like youtube and Facebook. This equipment and software require the AT&T hotspot and wired signal; so the equipment will be used after the installation is complete.

We also praise God that the funding for this has been covered by the administrative portion of the ADRN grant. Like with all of us, the Lord knows our needs and provides a plan or the products we need.

This situation reminds us of how we often experience unexpected storms that threaten to disconnect us from fellowship with the Lord and loved ones. Rev. Thompson preached from Matthew 14:22-33 about our Faith in a Storm, sharing how to survive a storm and truths to remember while in a storm.

• Like with his disciples, Jesus sees us--even in our worst storms--and is praying for us (1 John 2:1-2). We are never alone.
• Like Jesus, maintain regular prayer--even before storms arise. The Lord often prepares us and gives us peace through prayer (Philippians 4:6-9).
• Like with the disciples, Jesus is coming to make Himself known to you in your storm; look for Him to show up (Hebrews 13:5-6).
• Like Peter, pray and obey the Lord Jesus during your storm.
• Like with the disciple's experience, with Jesus, storms always cease and we will make it through.

If you feel you have a bad connection with the Lord, God's love and grace (His undeserved favor) make forgiveness, salvation, and even another chance available to get a good connection with Him. John, one of Jesus' closest friends and followers, wrote to remind us that the Lord really loves us (1 John 3:1). He also encourages us in 1 John 1:9 that if we confess our sins the the Lord Jesus, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (wrong-doing in His eyes). James, another follower of Jesus and even half-brother of Jesus, wrote that the prayers of Christ-followers produce wonderful results (James 5:16b).

Allow us to pray for you and even send some encouragement or instruction to help strengthen your connection. As always, let us worship together on Sundays and study together on Wednesdays. But we hope to do more in helping strengthen our connection with the Lord.
Let us know.