Dear EM family,
Greetings. I pray that this email finds you well physically and spiritually.
Last Sunday (6/28/2020) was CBCGL’s 76th Baptism Ceremony. Due to the COVID-19, the ceremony was postponed from May to June.
As the date approaches, Town of Chelmsford, as well as the neighboring towns respectively, issued an outdoor water ban or usage warning due to the draught.
Then the day before, a thunderstorm was forecasted. Pastor Nathan and I were discussing contingent’ plan B’ (e.g., postpone half an hour) should the thunder roar during the ceremony.
As you can see from the following picture, the overcasting sky is looming above.
As Min. Ben started to baptize two new sisters; the rain started pouring down from the sky, but… no thunders. (Sorry, I do have a picture to share the astonishing scene)
The rain continued to fall during the baptism, as the shower of blessing from above. The shower stopped around the time when the youth baptism started.
The timing could not be more perfect. That reminds me of Isaiah 45:5-8:
5 I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me,
6 that people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me; I am the LORD, and there is no other.
7 I form light and create darkness; I make well-being and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things.
8 “Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit; let the earth cause them both to sprout; I the LORD have created it.
(Isaiah 45:5-8)
Not that the youth baptisms did not require God’s shower of blessings, the youth actually had blessings all over (immersed in the water)…
Did you notice the disposable gloves on Pastor Nathan’s hand? Baptism robe, face mask, gloves, and an individual kiddie pool… The perfect equipment for performing baptism during the pandemic.
A “berekah” (Blessed be the LORD…) for He has provided us such an experience to affirm His faithfulness and promises. May God’s name be exalted!
Announcement:
- Friday Night’s Bible Study will continue to study the book of Romans. You may dial in or login via your phone or personal computer:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/685376249?pwd=cWtyUk1pckJiRHJxZVZCSGdJZWw2UT09
Meeting ID: 685 376 249
Password: 840840
Dial-in from your phone: +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 685 376 249
- This Sunday, Pastor Nathan Willems will be sharing God’s word with us:
- Live stream Youtube: http://cbcgl.org/resources/live-stream/
- Title: The Grass Isn’t Greener (WARNING: Explicit content per Pastor Nathan, audience’s discretion is advised)
- Text: Proverbs 5 (ESV).
- Coworker reminder:
- Sunday bulletin: http://cbcgl.org/ministries/english-ministry/em-weekly-bulletin/
- EM Sunday School
Topic: CBCGL EM Sunday Class “52 Major Stories of the Bible” (9:45 am – 11:00 am):
Join Zoom Meeting (Note the different link)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/491248585?pwd=RnpLcnpjQ01nTGZLSmhaZ3l4L3dKQT09
Meeting ID: 491 248 585
Password: 403767
Dial-in from your phone: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 491 248 585
YAs Sunday School (via Microsoft Teams)
YAs Sunday School signup sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1H0oSS1kpU8JUZAv0JcmivEIzR-tvDtihkrEtBLE8tJo/edit?usp=sharing
- Mrs. Sun’s Memorial Service is held online this Sunday afternoon. Here is the information:
- Massachusetts will be entering phase 3 of the reopening plan as of Monday (07/06/2020). Returning to church plan is tentatively laid out as follows:
The move of this plan depends on the reopening guideline from the Massachusetts governor office. Any activities conducted on church premises shall require permission from the Pastoral/Elder team.
Any questions, please contact Elder Raymond Xie or Deacon Tony Ge.
- Chinese QR Code for 2020-2021 Registration form:
- All other announcement items can be found here.
Prayer Request:
- Wednesday night prayer meeting (7:45 pm – 9:15 pm)
Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/758587937?pwd=aS9sZUdxcm1janNNM2I2aXJ6Smx2QT09
Meeting ID: 758 587 937
Password: 030086
Join by phone: +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
Young Adults:
Wednesday night EM prayer meeting @ 7:45 – 9:30 pm – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85357847170?pwd=OC9EbmY2OXltalNuRVRZUDF6RjkwQT09
Meeting ID: 853 5784 7170
Password: 197791
- Here is our list of prayer and service requests. The service request tab is for brothers and sisters to ask for assistance, or announce any give-away items. It is a new attempt from EM to reac