Hi Newport Church Family,
We trust that your week has been filled with God’s grace and favor.
Special Outdoor Worship Evening Tomorrow 6pm-7pm
We are very excited about our Outdoor Worship Evening tomorrow night from 6pm to 7pm. We have two special guests from Tennessee, Jake and Raquel Damron, who along with our team will be leading us in what is going to be a powerful time of worship that you won’t want to miss.
This is going to be an awesome time for us to experience God’s presence together, for hope to rise in our hearts and for us to encourage each other in our faith.
Let’s do everything we can to not only be present but to invite the people in our world. Here is a link with all of the details that you can send as an invitation to your family and friends.
The Power of our Presence
I have been thinking a lot in recent times about the power of our presence, especially during these times when our ability to be present with our church family has been limited.
Our presence makes a difference wherever we are. We all have the opportunity to make our presence count. When we walk into a room, our presence can change the atmosphere for better or for worse.
We don’t have to settle for being like a thermometer that reads the prevailing temperature of our environment but rather we can be like a thermostat that sets the temperature, bringing hope and faith to those around us.
I love this verse from Proverbs 27:17, ,“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” NIV
Our presence has the ability to sharpen others and to be sharpened by others. We need each other to stay sharp and not grow dull or blunt.
Other translations highlight the many ways we make a difference in each other’s lives.
As iron sharpens iron, so people improve and help each other, sharpening our insight, minds, wits and countenance.
Let’s never underestimate the power of our presence!
The Power of God Presence
Jesus said, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20
Wherever God’s people gather Jesus is present. He is present to heal, to forgive, to save, to rescue, restore and meet us with His power and provision at the very point of our need.
When we are present in God’s presence anything can happen, because He is the God who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ever ask or imagine!
The Power of our Presence in our World
When we go into our community, as Jesus told us to, God goes with us, and our presence and His presence work together to make a powerful difference.
Whether it’s words of hope and faith that we share with those in our world, in person, or through our online services, our presence is making a difference.
When our Food with Love team and ministry take food to those who are in need, and share the love of Jesus with them our presence is making a difference.
When we partner with Vision Rescue, loving, feeding, teaching, providing medical attention and health care for the most vulnerable children on the streets of Mumbai in India, our presence is making a difference.
When our church stands as a hub of hope and faith, as we welcome people home from our community, our presence is making a difference.
None of this would be possible without your generosity, and as a contributing partner to all of the above, your presence is making a difference.
If you would like to partner with us, and contribute to any of the above you can do so by clicking on the link here. Your gift is making a difference!
Never underestimate the power of your presence!
Never underestimate the power of our presence in our world!
Never underestimate the power of God’s presence!
Our presence makes all the difference!
Our Prayer makes a Difference
Alfred Tennyson wrote, “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.”
Let us never underestimate the power of our prayer. Prayer changes things, and as we continue the fight against COVID-19, navigate racial and political unrest with a general election less than two months away, we need to pray as Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
We would also love for you to join our weekly prayer meeting led by Rino Chantana at 6am every Tuesday morning, which you can do by clicking on this link.
Can’t wait to see you for our worship night this evening, and for you to join us for our online Church at Home service on Sunday at 10am.
We love and appreciate you all greatly,
Jonathan & Dianne Wilson
Senior Pastors