#AloneTogether

 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!