Hi Newport Church Family,
We trust that you have known a special measure of God’s grace and presence this week.
These have certainly been difficult days. As we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 restrictions, we are processing the tragic and senseless death of George Floyd, followed by all of the anger, outrage, rioting and violence across our nation and now other parts of the world.
As a church we have always done everything within our power to create a community of faith that is inclusive and accepting of every person regardless of their background, race, color or nationality.
Jesus spoke out about the injustice of prejudice and inequality and reminds us of our responsibility to do so also. In light of all that is taking place we have posted a statement on our website, which we encourage you to take time to read.
The Apostle Paul wrote that Christ broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14) and Jesus prayed, “Father I pray that they may be one as we are one.” (John 17:21)
Let’s never forget that while God sent Jesus to unite us with Him and each other, our enemy Satan is hard at work trying to divide us.
Satan divided heaven when he rebelled against God, he brought division between Adam and Eve and God in the garden of Eden, and he has been inciting division ever since. He knows that what is divided can be easily conquered.
That is why it is so important that like Paul we are not ignorant of Satan’s devices.
This is a time for us as a church to be in unity, even in the diversity of our individual response to what is happening in our nation.
As Paul said: “Make every effort to guard the unity that the spirit gives, with your lives bound together in peace.” Ephesians 4:3
This weekend, I am in Memphis, by invitation of John Siebeling, who pastors Life Church and is a member of our church board. I will be joining him and Wayne Francis, an African American Pastor from New York City for a conversation on race and how we can best respond to bring hope and healing to our African American brothers and sisters, our community, and our nation.
We will be screening this online next week and we are believing and praying it will be an opportunity for us all to learn and grow.
I am speaking on “Jesus and Injustice” in our online service this Sunday and I hope that it will be both uplifting and inspiring.
A big thank you to all those who contributed to our Miracle Vision Offering last week and a reminder that you can still be part of giving in this offering by clicking here.
As we all do our part, we can be an ever greater storehouse and blessing for our community and beyond.
We look forward to you joining us on Sunday at 10 am and connecting through the many Zoom meeting opportunities we have available during the week.
We love and appreciate you all greatly,
Jonathan & Dianne Wilson
Senior Pastors