Hi Renew Family-
​
Please Be Careful.
I am sending you this message with a heavy heart.  My friend, Pastor Darren Bennett of Calvary Chapel N. Miami, just lost his brother to COVID-19.  He was a police officer in Broward County and went into the hospital earlier this week and died on Friday.  Please pray for Pastor Darren’s family. 
I also want you to pray for Domingo Montalbo.  He is part of my brother’s church in Texas and is in critical condition with COVID-19.
I cannot tell you enough to take this seriously.  We don’t have to live in fear through this pandemic… but we also should not act unwisely.  Take precautions.  Stay safe.  Stay home.  We had two “noncontact” outreaches planned this week that we just cancelled as we wanted to honor the Mayor’s orders and not put our people into any risk of contracting the virus.   
The verse we have been living by in this time is Psalm 46:1, “The Lord is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Make sure that He is YOUR refuge and strength.  And remember that God is “ever-present” even in your trouble. 
 
Caring for our Community.
I just watched Pastor Ricardo’s bible lesson for RC Kids last night and it was so good!  We will be posting it to watch right after our online service.  It was a reminder that we can find our comfort zone in Jesus.  At the end of the message, Pastor Ricardo challenged our kids to make some posters letting healthcare workers know that we are praying for them.  If your family wants to get involved, grab a posterboard  (or any other cardboard) and have your kids help you make some signs thanking and encouraging all of our healthcare workers for their service. 
If your family makes one, reply to this email and we will figure out a way to get it from you to put at the hospital. 😊
 
Communion
Finally, let me remind you that tomorrow is first Sunday and we are going to receive communion together during the online service.  I encourage you to get prepared now.  I included a picture of the communion elements I found for tomorrow.  In this time of social distancing, its not important “what” you take… it’s the heart behind receiving the bread (body of Christ) and juice (His blood poured out for us).  So, go to your pantry and use whatever you have.  Even if you don’t have a juice… prepare your heart and receive communion during our time together. 
Church starts at 10:30am and we want you to be with us.  We will be showing through our website at www.renew.miami as well as on facebook.com/renewmiami  (Please share and invite someone to join you!)
I want you to know I love you and I am praying for you.  If there is anything I can do for you- please reach out to me or reply to this email.
We are in this together!
 
Pastor Treavor and Misty
www.renew.miami
Facebook.com/renewmiami
Instagram.com/renewmiami
 
PS  Join a ZOOM Small Group this week.  We are meeting Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays at 7:30pm.  Misfit Youth is meeting at 8pm.  Info and links can be found at www.renew.miami/small-groups

 Hey there!

Here is my weekly update to you!  Thank you so much for being a part of Renew Church especially during this challenging time in our world!

This week, I shared a post on my Next Door App letting my neighbors know that Renew Church is praying for them and we set aside 12:19pm every day to pray together for this pandemic called COVID-19.  Many people thanked me for my post but there was one person that commented, “Prayer does nothing. Wash your hands and stay home.”

Lately, I’ve been washing my hands a lot and every time I go to the sink I think about this verse from James 4:8

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.  Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.”  James 4:8

I feel like the message to “wash our hands” is something that as Christians we sometimes forget to do.  Obviously not in the literal sense... because I think everyone is conscious of germs right now more than ever before.  But in the spiritual sense... we need to wash our hands, purify our hearts, and stop being double minded.  

We need to be aware of what is happening in the world and realize that the answer is more than just social distancing... I think we need to distance ourselves from all of the distractions in our lives and draw close to God.  “Come near to God and He will come near to you.”
 
#AloneTogether is a trending hashtag that we are living in right now... Let’s take some time to be alone while being together with Jesus.  As the verse concludes, if we come near to God, He will come near to us.

I love you all.  If there is anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Please remember these Key Words as we get through this crisis together:

CARE:  Look for opportunities to serve someone else.  It might just be through a call or text, or picking up some groceries for an older person in your life.  We dropped off 20 “Care Bags” to people connected to Renew that work in the medical field.  We also encouraged kids in our church to make a card/picture that we could deliver to older citizens in our community that are unable to have personal contact.  The Dela Rua family made 24 cards!  Way to go!!  

SHARE:  Zoom Small Groups are happening.  In this season of social distancing, we need a way to connect with one another.  I encourage you to jump into one of our small groups on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday at 7:30pm via Zoom.  Here is the link to connect and you don’t have to be part of Renew Church to join!  There is also a Youth Zoom Group for Misfit on Wednesdays at 8pm- contact Mikey Bermudez at 786-486-2700 for more information!

WORSHIP:  This past Sunday we had over 800 views, 80+ comments and 30 shares of our 10:30am service on facebook.com/renewmiami.  Can I ask you for a favor?  We would love to get our service onto the screen of as many people as possible that might not have a church family.  All you have to do is click the “Share Button” in the bottom right corner of the video when we show it on Sunday at 10:30am and your friends will be invited to worship with us.  ​

This week, we will look at week 3 of “Jesus Walks” in a message where Jesus defies the Law of Nature.  I think you’re going to enjoy this message!! :)

I found this online and thought it was worth passing on to you:

How to Attend Church Online:

1.  Get out of bed and get dressed.  It will put you in the right mindset for worship.
2.  Go through your normal Sunday routine. Minus the “hurry up, we’re late” part.
3.  Gather together as a family.  No multitasking; Worship is a family activity.  
4.  Stream to your largest screen if possible.  It will feel like you are really there.
5.  Sing along loud and proud.  It may feel weird, but it also feels weird to the people leading worship in an empty room.
6.  Preach with the Preacher.  Say amen, clap, shout and take notes; have a time of prayer at the end; make your home a sanctuary.  

KIDS:

There are also great opportunities for your kids during this time.  We show a Kids Bible Lesson every Sunday after the service and Pastor Ricardo has a few fun things for your kids coming soon!  Stay tuned! 

See you Sunday at Renew Church Online!  

Pastor Treavor
www.renew.miami
Facebook.com/renewmiami
Instagram/renewmiami

P.S. If you normally give a tithe or offering to Renew Church, I want to remind you that you are able to through our website at www.renew.miami/give or simply text “GIVE” to 786-565-1165.  Thank you for your faithfulness in supporting Renew Church!

Here’s what’s happening this week at Renew Church in light of COVID-19. Our challenge to you is to continue to care for one another (serving and helping each other), share with one another (joining a small group online) and worship together (through our weekly online worship service at 10:30am on www.renew.miami).

Pastor Treavor
www.renew.miami
instagram.com/renewmiami
facebook.com/renewmiami

Give to Renew. Thank you for supporting your Church during this difficult time.  Click this link to give safely and securely.

Hello there! It’s Mikey Bermudez and I’m back for another blog post. If you thought this blog post wasn’t going to mention the coronavirus then I’m sorry but I can promise you that this will be a lot different than what we’re getting on the news or social media. 

Panic. Fear. Anxiety. Tons of people around the world are feeling these things because of the non stop coverage of the coronavirus. Although concerns are legitimate, and we do need to be aware of what’s going on and how to function wisely with what’s going on, we cannot forget what the word of God tells us. 

Philippians 4:6-7 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Do not be anxious about anything. With the Lord, that statement couldn’t be any more true. We cannot forget, in the midst of this coronavirus coverage, who is in control of everything. God is. Point blank.

Washing our hands is a wise thing to do to avoid getting the virus but prayer is way more effective by a landslide. Give your panic, your fear, your anxiety to the Lord and trust that He’s in control of your life. His ways are perfect, His will is perfect and we can relax knowing those very truths. Take your focus off of the virus and focus on the healer of all things, Jesus Christ. 

God bless you! 

-Mikey Bermudez 
www.renew.miami
instagram.com/renewmiami
facebook.com/renewmiami
​Important note from Pastor Treavor re: Contingency Plans:

Due to the risks associated with the Coronavirus, we have decided to cancel the homeless ministry outreach this month and Sunday service this weekend. 

In addition, we are working on an ONLINE SERVICE so that you can tune in via Facebook or YouTube to participate in worship this weekend.

We just got our invite cards for Easter and we are excited about sharing them with our community!  Its going to be an amazing next few weeks at Renew Church and I hope that you will begin now praying for who you will invite.  The personal invitation is so much more impactful than a social media post or mailer.  
​
I know what some of you are thinking.  What if the person rejects my invitation. Here’s the worst that could happen... check out this video: 

I can’t get the concept of “Culture” out of my mind and heart.  

Whether its Hip Hop, Gaming, Foodie or Fitness... or any other culture- when you hear or see it, there are sure to be certain ideas that come to mind.  

In the same way, I think Renew has to continue to shape and define its culture.  

We have an amazing young church that already has many elements that contribute to making a great impact on our community.  But I feel God is saying that we have to continue to shape our culture.  

As we move into our second year, here are some cultural elements that I think have to be a priority at Renew:

1. One Another-  We have to do life together. The best place for this happen is in our small groups.  I know I share it all the time- but I feel that our small groups are vital to your personal and spiritual growth. (Click here to see times and locations of our current groups.)  
2. Hospitality-  I was talking to one of our Band Members who said our hospitality is one of the best things about Renew.  People genuinely make you feel welcome here.  I love that!  Keep it up!  
3. Generosity-  As we grow, we have to continue to have an outward focus to love, serve and give to our community.
4. Co-Mission-  We need everyone to help us fulfill the call that God has placed on our church.  It’s not the same without you!   

There are more things than this... in fact- there are 9 core values that shape who we are.  Click this link to check them out! 

When you think of Renew culture... what comes to mind? 

I would love to hear from you and I pray that you will help us shape our culture to have an even greater impact on our city.  

Please comment below.

Pastor Treavor
www.renew.miami
Facebook.com/renewmiami
Instgram.com/renewmiami


PS: Join me for week 5 of Stress Less!  I have had 2 weeks to develop this sermon on Stress in the Workplace and I believe it will be a blessing to you.


PPS: Attention Men! Join me in Lake Placid for our Men’s Retreat, March 6-7.  Its going to be a great weekend!  Cost is only $25!  Click here to sign up- deadline is March 1.

For me, February is the most expensive time of the year.  When I proposed to my wife in November of ‘99, I never really calculated the cost of a February anniversary. Our anniversary is on February 4, then her birthday is February 12 and 2 days later- you have to prepare for Valentine’s!  

But its worth it and I hope she had a happy birthday (I won’t tell you how old she is...I’ll just say, “She’s not 24 anymore!” :)

Many of you will be reading this on Valentine’s, in case you need someone to tell you to do it- go get some flowers for your girlfriend, wife, daughter, mother or sister!  They deserve it!    That special lady in your life needs to know you care for them and there’s something about a helium filled balloon or bouquet of flowers that says, “I love you!”  So please do it.

If you are a lady and you are single, divorced, widowed or any other status... I want you to know how much God loves you and how much we love you!  You Are Amazing!

Join me this Sunday as I talk about Relational Pressure and how to reduce it.  I am excited for the message and hope you will join me and invite a friend.  This is not just a message about husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend relationships-  this is going to apply to all relationships that we have.  Don’t miss it!

See you Sunday!
Pastor Treavor
Instagram.com/renewmiami
Facebook.com/renewmiami
www.renew.miami

P.S.  I had many people reach out to me this week to thank me for last week’s message.  If you missed it, you can CLICK HERE to listen online.  I pray that it is a blessing to you.  

As this is being sent to you, I am in New York City with my amazing wife celebrating our anniversary!  Its hard to believe it has been 20 years! (2/4/2000)  I can’t begin to explain how special my wife is to me and how thankful to God I am for her.  She is truly a gift!

Our honeymoon was in NYC and we have been back several times to remember and to celebrate!  (Only problem is that it is usually very cold this time of year!!) 

Misty and I started dating in High School and we were married as sophomores in college.  A year and a half later, we moved to S. Florida and she been by my side the entire time!  She is definitely going the distance and I wanted to take this moment to share with all of you how amazing she is to me.  I would not be me without her.  

I love you, Mist!  Happy Anniversary!

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  
She brings good, not harm, all the days of her life.  

Her children arise and call her blessed; 
her husband also, and he praises her: 
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”  
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; 
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  
Honor her for all that her hands have done, 
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:10-12; 28-31

See you Sunday!

Treavor Pound
www.renew.miami
facebook.com/renewmiami
instagram.com/renewmiami

P.S. Join me Sunday as I share week 2 of “Stress Less!”  Invite a friend!  

Hi there!
Wow!  What an amazing week we had at Renew Church!  We just celebrated our 1st Birthday and I want to thank each one of you for your support of our church over the last year!  This past Sunday, we had 229 people in attendance and we saw 7 people make a decision for Christ along with 4 people go public with their faith in Baptism!  (The After Party was pretty awesome, too!)
Check out the video we put together from our Birthday:

See you Sunday and please invite a fan (friend!)

Pastor Treavor
www.renew.miami
instagram.com/renewmiami
facebook.com/renewmiami

P.S.  2 quick reminders:  This Saturday, we will meet at our office location at 10:30am to head downtown to feed the homeless of Miami.  If you would like to participate in serving a meal and a kind word to the hurting of Miami, we will be meeting at 13261 SW 124 St. Miami 33186.  We will drive downtown together to serve.  

Also, we will be celebrating communion on the first Sunday of the month.  This is a special moment during the service where we remember Christ’s sacrifice once for all!  May we never forget!