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Dear House Church Folks, grace and peace be yours on yet another hot summer Friday afternoon. Welcome to all our new families receiving this weekly-ish email for the first time! This is an informal, easy-going email from yours truly, Pastor Bonnie, and I always try to make it as short as possible. And that’s not always easy since we have so much happening in our church community! 

My main, sad news today is that after much consideration of the newest Covid info available, prayer, and consultation from a trusted health professional, I would like to take a break from in-person services for a few weeks. In place of that, we will return to Zoom church. This does not feel like "last time" to me by any means as many of us are vaccinated and have a better understanding of possibilities for staying connected. 

I know for some of us this is extremely disappointing and feels like taking steps backwards. Be encouraged, House Church is a planting of the Lord and we don't play a short, or small, game. We are in this for life! The "marathon mentality" if you will, and not the sprint. And so a little break to help provide space for people isn't going to hurt anything.

My philosophy on this is simple: we can be part of the solution in our city by not gathering, and allow some time and space between social groups, instead of pretending the cases aren't increasing. I make this decision from love, and not from fear. I'm not scared to lose anything, which is partly why I can make a decision like this in the interest of people's physical and mental health.

So, starting this Sunday, July 25th church will be on Zoom at 10:30 and will last about an hour with visit time following the service for those interested. Zoom church is a unique experience and provides a different context for connection. I hope to see you there..be sure to have your communion ready. And, do tell your friends from around the country as this is a great way to include them in your House Church experience. 

Church Zoom Link (the same one we always use and the same every time): https://zoom.us/j/4263965521

As far as the kid's church goes, April will share her plans as we go. I’m sure she’s got something cooking for everyone like she usually does. HCT loves our kiddos!

Our church is thriving, and it’s a neat time to be a part of this community. I pray you are experiencing peace in your life, and I’m grateful you are here at the House in whatever capacity that feels most comfortable to you right now. 

If you haven’t been around in a while, shoot me a text or give me a call! I’d love to catch up with you and hear what’s going on in your life. The pastors and leaders pray and speak blessing over your life on the daily. Your wellbeing matters to us! 

Community Announcements and Thank Yous: 

  • Thanks for your generosity to the monthly budget and to the special outreaches we have going for people inside the church and outside. Together we bless so many lives. 

  • Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation Training: August 21st 10-11:30 central on Zoom, taught by Tamara Lebak. Share with your friends, we have room on zoom for everyone who wants to attend. 

  • Goodwill Industries is hiring, please pass this list along to anyone looking for work:  Click Here for Jobs

  • “1946 the Movie” sponsorship. We are still raising funds to meet our $500. Google it to watch the trailer, and if you’re so moved to be included in our church sponsorship, donate via the church app with a memo “1946.” As a church sponsor, we will be featured in the film end credits and listed on the sponsor page. We also will receive an invitation to a virtual release party.

  • Download our church app to access everything we’ve got going at the church and you can give from there, too. Be sure to check out the “Meditations” and they “blog” section of the app: https://tithely.app.link/house-church-tulsa

Belonging to a community like ours is healthy for both the mind and the body. Scientific studies have shown that frequent interaction with a loving spiritual community reduces blood pressure, boosts the immune system, and lessens anxiety. True belonging is healthy for your spirit, soul and body! 

It’s the joy of my life to live in a loving community with you.

Love Insists, Pastor Bonnie