UPDATE: MARCH 28, 2020

Hello Saints,


Regarding communication from our political representatives, there has been a lack of clarity and misunderstanding regarding Churches. I think it’s important to clear up certain ideas that may not be based on the guidelines that we have been given by Albany. The first being that churches and Houses of Worship have not been ordered to close. Their common sense suggestion is to not have meetings of over 50 people at one time and to practice social distancing.


Below, is a linked newsletter from “New Yorkers For Constitutional Freedoms,” which outlines the Executive Order from Governor Cuomo. Within the newsletter there are several additional links specifying  what is Essential, Non-essential, etc. Regarding churches, under the guideline article, dated 3/25/20, #12 item, Houses of Worship are allowed to gather, while maintaining social distancing. Therefore we will be holding men’s and women’s prayer meetings on Tuesday Morning, Tuesday Evening Prayer and Men’s Group. All of these meetings are quite small anywhere from 5-15 people. Saturday Morning Men’s Prayer will continue as well. With regard to these meetings, we would ask that if you are sick or living with others who is sick or immune compromised, please, out of consideration for others, stay home until those issues are cleared up.


So for now God Bless and we will keep you all updated as any changes are implemented.



Thanks

Pastor Ray




PS. All our Bible Study sessions and Sunday Services will be posted in video on our website, youtube and facebook formats.




Newsletter

https://www.albanyupdate.com/author/albanyupdate/





UPDATE: March 25, 2020

Hello Saints of Calvary Webster,


We hope that you all are doing well and are in good health. We are navigating through some uncharted waters, yet the Lord is our guide and an ever present help in times of trouble.

This crisis has taken our world by surprise, but not our Lord! He is still on His throne and firmly in control. I'm reminded of this in both Psalm 11:3-4 and Psalm 46:1-3, where God's people endured much stress and fear, yet we are to be encouraged as we understand His faithfulness to those that have walked with Him throughout history. C.S. Lewis reminds us that history is "His story" and you and I are a part of that story!


Who knows, perhaps this is going to be the answer to many prayers. We have been asking the Lord for a spiritual awakening and revival, to save the souls of loved ones and prodigals, and to return the back slider. A scripture that comes to mind as I write this is Hosea 6:1-3, our Lord is not willing that any should perish. Better to enter in maimed than not at all! We must remember that our loving God and Father works all things after the counsel of His will; He never wastes a crisis and neither should we. These days can provide great opportunities, the very answer to years of prayers from God's people. Life is fragile and can be taken from us at a moment's notice. We are made for eternity, this life is but a vapor, and if we seek to save it, we will lose it!


Christ is coming much sooner than we think; let us be about our Father's business!


The Lord has called you and me for such a time as this, called us to be people of faith, not fearful, but like the children of Issachar, those who had "Understanding of the times and knew what they needed to do.” Certainly, we need to exercise caution and concern to protect our families, yet fear should not be the guiding principle of our lives.


The saints of Revelation 12 are commended because, "They loved not their lives unto death." Yes, I believe these are times of testing, and as our Father watches us, will we rise to those personal challenges before us. May we be found pleasing to Him. That is my prayer for us at this point in time. We are faced with a new normal, which more than likely will change the face of our present lifestyles, just like 9/11 did. Yet, the Lord stays the same; He is Immutable! So, let's take advantage of this time of respite and reach out to one another by way of a phone call, text or Facebook. Maybe you know or live near an elderly shut-in, a great opportunity to express care and Christian love!


And finally, I encourage you to spend time with the Lord in prayer and Bible study. The apostle Paul admonishes us to "Redeem the time in these evil days." This time before us could be a forerunner to a great time of reviving, and prayer will put us in a place of readiness for whatever He has in store.




CHURCH HOURS ARE NOW:


Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10-3 pm,


Saturday mornings 8 till noon.




For those who need special counseling, but please call first.




We will keep you posted on this website as we are made aware of changes. This quarantine will probably last longer than the initial two weeks, so let's keep looking up and pray for grace to live out our faith and convictions to the glory of God.



May He richly bless you all!

Pastor Ray





UPDATE: march, 20, 2020

Dear Calvary Webster Family,


In response to growing concern over COVID-19 and recent recommendations associated with the virus, we are suspending Sunday services on March 22 and March 29. ALL WEEKLY MEETINGS ARE ALSO CANCELLED.


At this time, we will be available to take calls at church from 9:00am- 2:00pm Tuesday through Thursday. Our desire is to continue to care for the needs of our congregation. I encourage you to, “fear not and continue to trust in Jesus!” This virus is only temporary, and it will pass. Let us respond to this challenge in faith not fear, as the Lord provides us with unique opportunities to minister. For now, let’s pray this crisis ends soon, and we can return to our normal schedule.



I would also like to recommend some online sites where you can watch Sunday services. ( see below )



Also as part of your worship please consider giving your tithes and offerings via our new online portal ( expected to be up and running next week ). As always you may mail your check.



As part of our effort to stay connected as a church we are asking that you send us your email address to webster@calvarychapel.com.



Please check back frequently for more updates.




Love in Jesus Christ,

Pastor Ray




www.ccphilly.org

ccMerrittIsland.org

harvest. org