Connecting at SCFBC

REACH OUT TO OTHERS

You might be asking yourself,  "How can I be connected to others when I can't even leave my house?" I know that I asked myself that question many times recently. And then I suddenly realized that "We are all in this together."  

First, consider that we can almost always connect with our families and friends under any circumstances. By phone, texting, email and – for you technology types – there's Zoom, Facetime, Facebook, and I'm sure many more. All you need to do is use the method that is most comfortable for you to connect with others. Connect with people you know in our church family. Connect with people in your Life Groups. Connect with people you usually sit by when we are eventually able to return to church. 

Also, connect with people who God puts in your mind. Oh yes, He does and He will. When you wonder how your neighbor who lives alone is doing, that thought seems to be a soft whisper from God. When I have heard that whisper it is usually because that person needs to have a conversation, or a prayer, or both. Frequently, I am the one who receives hope and reassurance from making the call. 

Who is God calling you to contact? Please make that call, or several calls, today. Talk, laugh and pray together.  

My family has recently created a group that sends and replies to text messages in order to stay in contact daily during this health crisis. Some of us live only miles apart, but some live thousands of miles away. Because I am the oldest family member, and am in the most "vulnerable" age group, I've reported every morning that I have passed my "breathing and temperature" tests. I believe that these daily texts messages reassure everyone, and I know it reassures me that my family is free from worrying about "How Mom was doing." I believe in being pro-active by taking ACTION rather than doing nothing and causing others to worry. 

Now is the time to connect with God by reading and meditating on His Word. And this is also the time to pray fervently for the good health and complete healing of others. Reading God's Word, meditating on that Word, and praying fervently for the well-being of others is what God wants us to do in these difficult times. 

And remember what Paul said: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him (Christ) who gives me strength."  (Philippines 4:12-13 NIV)

When you want to talk or pray, please call a friend, a neighbor or a member of your family. If you do not have the phone number of someone in the church you want to talk with, notify Pastor Valui at valui@scfbc.org or call the office at 408-241-7635 to get connected to a Telephone Prayer Partner.

SHARING & HELPING ONE ANOTHER

Do you need help during this time? Let someone know.

Recently, the generous owner of a tree filled with oranges made it possible for friends and me to share boxes and bags of the oranges with other friends, family members, and strangers.

Another example of sharing was when a person ran out of dish washing liquid, and a person who had two bottles gave up her extra one. Another person who was going to the store to shop for groceries offered to shop for a friend so that she would be able to remain safely at home. Another person who had a bag of potatoes shared them with a friend who had none. And many people are volunteering to deliver meals to people who can't drive to the grocery store. 

And when my thermometer battery (it is the tiniest of things) stopped working, and I mentioned that to a friend, guess what!? Yep, she had one and gave it to me! 

God is Good – All the Time!