Friday, March 20, 2020 AD​

Dear Members & Friends,

Greetings in the name of our risen Lord, Jesus Christ! I hope this letter finds you well, and kept by the power and grace of God. It is a sad reality that we cannot safely gather for worship during this phase of the COVID-19 virus outbreak here in the USA. There are cases in our county, and governmental directives advise not gathering in large groups for the time being. All services at CPCC are presently cancelled, and it appears that the church will continue to be closed for a few more weeks. 

In the meanwhile, join with PDB online, for sermon videos, devotionals and times of prayer. There is fresh information on the church website (www.cliftonparkcommunitychurch.org) and our Facebook page. Please make sure to “like” and “follow” that Facebook page, so you don’t miss out on postings there.

The Lord has made us for Himself, and our greatest duty (and privilege) is worshipping Him. We can do that wherever we are, whether many or few. But the Lord has also commanded that we gather for worship and for mutual encouragement [see Hebrews 10:25]. Let’s be praying, that we can all safely gather soon — even on (or before) Easter Sunday, April 12th! 

If you would like to send your offerings to the church, you can use regular mail, or perhaps your bank website allows you use “bill pay” — which sends out a check in the mail. You can also drop off any offerings at the home of an elder or deacon. If you or a family member has a financial need in this crisis, please share it with a deacon. Our benevolent fund is ready to help. 

Please be praying for one another and for the Elders & Deacons as we weigh these matters, and seek to lead and provide for the families of CPCC, and for our neighbors.  We had a helpful video meeting last night — these men warmly prayed for Laurel and I, and for all of you.

I urge each of you to keep in touch with others from our congregation, especially any who are alone at home. Make a phone call, or send a card, letter, or an email. I’ll keep you informed by email, so please make sure you’re receiving them from [email protected]

Yours by divine mercy,
Pastor David Bissett 
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Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 
Hebrews 12:1–2 (ESV)

Dear Members & Friends,

Mondays I typically “take off” and enjoy some leisure, do some chores, and rest a bit. I will try to do that today as well, but I do also want to keep in touch, and to share some prayer items with you.

Praise: 
* praise the Lord for His many mercies to us in this difficult days. Thank Him for means of connecting with otters (technology, internet, telephones, etc). 

Pray:
+ for all our church families amidst these difficult days
+ for those in the public and in workplaces to be safe from the virus
+ for wisdom for employers, merchants, and our governmental leader
+ for wisdom, protection and strength for medical personnel and responders
+ for pastors and church leaders to have wisdom making ministry plans
+ for believers to maintain their daily devotions — worship, the Word and prayer
+ for unbelievers — unsaved loved ones, coworkers and neighbors — to come to Christ

(…on Tuesday I will send around our local, weekly prayer requests...)

A verse for today:
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” 
— Romans 15:13



Yours by divine mercy,
Pdb