In the midst of all the turmoil, the greatest desire of the leadership of All Saints is to maintain our mission focus. Our mission is given to us by God in his Word. In our own words, expressed as the vision of the church, here’s how it reads:

"Our vision is that All Saints Presbyterian Church would be a local expression of the body of Christ in Brentwood that is: always growing, but never big; a place where everyone can know one another and be known; intentionally focused on ministering in the neighborhoods of Brentwood where we live; committed to corporate worship that is biblically and historically informed and full of reverence and awe; and trusting that God will grow His church through the faithful application of the ordinary means of grace (the preaching of the Word, the sacraments, and prayer)."

The question for us now is how to do this well under the extreme circumstances that confront us. I want to assure you that the session, diaconate, and staff are daily discussing how best to minister to you and your families during this time. In order to do so, we need to be able to communicate. To that end, we are focused on phone calls, email, text messages, Marco Polo (a video app), and Zoom (for video conferencing). We will use Zoom for our midweek Bible study starting tonight (Wednesday, March 25). Soon, we may also use it to livestream our services on Sunday mornings. We hope you will take advantage of these free applications to help us stay in touch.

We also want to know who is sick, who has lost income, and who is working the front lines in healthcare right now. These are the most urgent physical and emotional needs in our congregation that we want to be aware of and meet as we are able. We are also discussing providing more opportunities for prayer together and regular Shepherding Group meetings on Zoom. More information will be coming soon on these things.

The best things you can do to stay plugged in to our church community are to communicate often with your elder and deacon and worship with us on Sundays. If you aren’t a member, please let us know if you would like to be included in a Shepherding Group, and we will place you in one quickly.

God has taught us in James 1:2-4, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Whatever hardship you’re facing today, count it all joy. God is on his throne. He is working his will. And that will is for our good and for his glory.

We continue to rejoice in our calling as your shepherds. God bless you and keep you this day.

Pastor Matt