Pastor Bill’s Babbling Brook
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Weekly Edition of Church News & Notes: 4.3.20
Being Together While Being Apart!
Even though we can’t be literally together, we are still together as a church family. My heart was so encouraged when a parent sent me a video of her little girl checking in with one of our children’s leaders. But this act wasn’t the exception, so many of you are calling each other to make sure all is well. It is one of the best parts about West Columbia First. We truly care about each other. Now if you need a directory that has the phone numbers and addresses of our congregation, please let me know. I can either email you a copy or send it in the mail. But our concern for each other is not limited to just calls and cards. Earlier this week, a single mom whose children attend our church, had a hot water heater go out. They really didn’t have the money to pay a person to replace it. But once again two amazingly good men went to the house and fixed the problem even though it took four hours of labor. But again they are not the exception at WCFN. One lady cuts the grass for a lady who is a shut-in. Others use their skills to remodel the church’s kitchen. You all are always giving of your time and talent so that others can be blessed. Thank you for loving each other in tangible ways. I am so proud to be the pastor of West Columbia First and can’t wait for us to be literally together again.
The Easter Egg Hunt Substitution
It saddens us that we can’t hold the annual Children’s Egg Hunt. The kids love the games and crafts as much as we do. We are hoping to do something that will be fun for the whole family on Saturday, April 11. Our idea is to drop off an Easter basket on the porch of each child’s home. In the bag, there will be candy and other interesting gifts. But there will also be a family photo scavenger’s list. It will list twenty five different poses that at least one family member must make. For example, one of the scavenger hunts will be for someone to take a picture of a family member smelling some flowers which signifies the new life we have in Jesus. The family that gets the most photos and posts them on the WCFN Facebook page will win a special prize. While this can’t make up for the fun of our Easter Egg Hunt, hopefully it will create some wonderful memories for our families.
This Week On Facebook Live
Close to forty families have been watching our Facebook Live services on Sunday at 11. There are several others that view the worship at a later time. We are so grateful for the technology that makes this possible. The theme for this week will be Palm Sunday and the Passion of Jesus. Chapter 26 in The Story deals with these passages. I hope you are able to keep up with our reading. I was also pleasantly surprised by the turn out for our Wednesday night Facebook Live audience. There was a good number that joined me for a devotional about “Being Christian in the Middle of a Crisis”. Our study will begin at 7 PM on Wednesdays. If you want to join us but do not have Facebook, please let me know. We don’t want you to miss out on an experience that could encourage your heart.
Encouraged By People’s Giving
Ever since we canceled services a couple of weeks ago, people have been giving to the Lord and the church. We can’t tell you how much this means to us. There are four ways one can give. Many like to use the church’s secure website (wcfn316.com) to give their tithes and offerings. A few might like to text their gift to 803-219-4288. While others will mail it to the church at 350 Wattling Rd, West Columbia SC 29170. If you would like me to pick it up or if you would like to drop it off at the church, please just call me to set up a time. Again thank you for your faithfulness.
Letter From Pastor Bill
Hello friends,
I hope all is well in this new normal in which we live. I am trying to get used to not being able to visit people in person especially those in the hospital and nursing homes. I miss our gatherings on Sunday and Wednesday nights. But the Lord will see us through. Once again this week, we will have our Palm Sunday worship service at 11 AM on Facebook Live. I hope you can join us. As far as prayer requests, Mrs. Melveline Moore is out of the Richland Heart Hospital. Iris McKinney's daughter Sandra has not heard back from her test results. Diane McDaniel is in the Lexington Medical Center. Alice Asbill's brother is having cancer surgery on Monday and her son is doing better. Brenda Yon continues to slowly improve. Please continue to pray for Rod Dinkins, Carolee Loar, Ben Pearman, the Moores, the Halls and all of our shut-ins. The following are people who work in the health system or first responders: Rodney & Nicole Bayne, Luis and Jewell Rivera, Steven Sulser, Joni & Laura Lowrimore, Deborah Knotts, Regina Martin, Shannon Freeman and Deb Yandle. May God protect them as they serve us. You are loved.
God Bless,
Pastor Bill