The United States Congress in a joint session early Thursday morning, January 7, 2021 formalized the results of the historic 2020 Presidential Election. However, this centuries old peaceful transition of power was disrupted and scared by the insurrection from violent rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, January 6, 2021. These scenes from the Capitol have shocked and saddened many from within this country and many around the world.
The Goshen Seventh-day Adventist Church Pastoral Leadership, while respecting the rights of people to peacefully protest, strongly and unequivocally condemn the shameful demonstration and actions of the insurrectionist, their blatant disregard for the safety of others, and the peaceful process of transferring power.
We the Pastoral Staff of Goshen call on the members to seize this opportunity to embrace the important role we play as followers of Christ by modeling civility, justice, and mutual respect for one another.
Let us continue to pray for our nation, political leaders, and for peace to reign during this critical time.
From the Office of the Senior, Executive & Associate Pastors
Goshen Seventh-day Adventist Church
8221 South State Street, Chicago IL 60619
November 13, 2020,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
I pray you have had a blessed and prosperous week thus far. As you are aware, there is much concern surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19). These are serious times which require prayer and vigilance. Within the last few days, the Mayor of the City of Chicago has issued a City-Wide Lockdown to prevent the continued spread of COVID-19. In light of this we wish to share some information about how our church is responding to this crisis.
We will NOT have service on Sabbaths at our Church Building for the foreseeable future starting November 21, 2020. We are encouraging all our members and visiting friends to remain at home and livestream with us for Church Without Walls Virtual Worship Experience @ 11:00am (Facebook Watch Party or YouTube Live) and Bible Studies will continue to be held at 5pm via Microsoft Teams each Sabbath afternoon.
Sabbath school for Adults & Children will continue to be held on Friday evenings at 7pm via Microsoft Teams/Conference Call, please visit our website for additional information.
COVID-19 Health Tips include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, coughing, or sneezing
- When possible, maintain at least 6 feet of distance from other people
- Continuously clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
- Cover your mouth and nose with your inner elbow if you cough or sneeze and wash your hands afterwards
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and/or mouth with unwashed hands
- Wear a face mask
In closing, this is not to create panic, but to exercise precaution. Let us hold fast to our faith and embrace the word of God. We are prayerful in taking these measures to help ensure the safety and security of our members and guests. As a faith tradition, we fully embrace and affirm the worth and practice of personal and family prayer and devotion. We strongly encourage all families to use this time to pay attention to such spiritual disciplines and have candid conversations with your families about this critical time. Spend time talking to your children and helping them to further trust in God.
We look forward to worshiping with you this Sabbath via our Virtual Church and we pray that God’s peace rests upon you as we sojourn through this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Gordon C.A. Fraser, Senior Pastor
Dr. Casey E.L. Adams, Executive Pastor
Dr. Barbara Bellar, Associate Pastor
From the Office of the Senior, Executive & Associate Pastors
Goshen Seventh-day Adventist Church
8221 South State Street, Chicago IL 60619
October 23, 2020
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
As you are aware the Coronavirus (COVID-19) numbers are ramping up. These are serious times which require prayer and vigilance.
We WILL continue to have Worship on Sabbaths at our new normal times (11:15am Divine Worship, 5pm Bible Study) unless any new major development in the spread of this virus causes us to close our doors again, at that time we will resume worship remotely. Sabbath school for Adults & Children are held on Friday evenings at 7pm via Microsoft Teams/Conference Call, please visit our website for additional information. Please only use the front exit to enter the building during worship times. A reminder that the doors to the fellowship hall are closed to the general public until the conclusion of service at which time they will be opened for everyone to exit straight to the parking lot. If you are feeling ill, we advise that you worship with us from home and watch us live via Facebook until such time that you have recuperated.
Additional Information Regarding Reopening:
- State Mandated Seating is limited to 60 people until further notice. Please RSVP for our in Person Worship Service at https://goshensda.com/events/live-worship-rsvp
- All attendees must wear a mask at all times.
- Please be sure to sit/stand at least 6 feet from those who are in attendance (if they do not live in your household).
- We require temperature & questionnaire screening prior to entering the facilities.
- For those who are comfortable watching from home, no worries! Stream with us live on our social media platforms.
In light of this virus we are asking members and guests to refrain from personal contact as much as possible (hand shaking, etc.). We also ask that if you are not wearing a mask that you sit in our designated social distancing areas where each person will be seated 6 feet apart. We are also encouraging everyone to utilize hand sanitizing stations (located throughout the building) when necessary and wash your hands using both soap and water for the recommended 20 seconds. We will not have potluck at church for the foreseeable future.
In closing, this is not to create panic, but to exercise precaution. Let us hold fast to our faith and embrace the word of God. We are prayerful in taking these measures to help ensure the safety and security of our members and guests. As a faith tradition, we fully embrace and affirm the worth and practice of personal and family prayer and devotion. We strongly encourage all families to continue to use this time to pay attention to such spiritual disciplines and have candid conversations with your families about this critical time. Spend time talking to your children and helping them to further trust in God.
Today’s Scripture
“Don’t let your heart be troubled.Believe in God. Believe also in me.” – John 14:1
Moment of Reflection
What does surrendering your fear or worries in your life to God look like?
(Leave your answer in the Comment Section below)
Prayer Moment
Thank God for always being there and ask Him to help you continually surrender your fear to Him.
Today’s Scripture
“There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!” – Acts 4:12
Moment of Reflection
How often do you call upon the name of Jesus?
(Leave your answer in the Comment Section below)
Prayer Moment
Thank Jesus for his love and that you can call on him anytime.
Today’s Scripture
“Trust in God with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5
Moment of Reflection
What are some of your weak areas when it comes to trusting God?
(Leave your answer in the Comment Section below)
Prayer Moment
Ask God to grow your trust in Him.
Today’s Scripture
“The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.” – John 10:10
Moment of Reflection
What are some of the ways evil tries to trip you up?
(Leave your answer in the Comment Section below)
Prayer Moment
Ask God to help you be more aware of attacks from the thief.
Today’s Scripture
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Moment of Reflection
Looking back over your life, what do you notice about God’s continual growth in you?
(Leave your answer in the Comment Section below)
Prayer Moment
Thank God for His desire to bring wholeness and completeness to your life.
Today’s Scripture
“Yahweh, your God, is among you, a mighty one who will save. He will rejoice over you with joy. He will calm you in his love. He will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
Moment of Reflection
In what ways do you sense God’s presence with you throughout the day?
(Leave your answer in the Comment Section below)
Prayer Moment
Thank God for His continual presence and strength in your life.
Today’s Scripture
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says God, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Moment of Reflection
Would understanding that God has a plan for you help dispel fear and worry?
(Leave your answer in the Comment Section below)
Prayer Moment
Ask God to help grow His godly fruit in your life.