Worship This Sunday, May 24

Worship Online:  www.japc.org/worshipathome

Sermon: “Memories, Mementos and Memorials ”

Preaching: Rev. Dr. Lou Prues

Online Worship & Physical Distance Continues

All in-person worship services, groups, and events are suspended through the duration of the statewide order established by Michigan’s Governor. Currently this extends through May 28. 

Upcoming Events

Participate in Celebrating PENTECOST (May 31)

Let's stay connected while we are apart while celebrating Pentecost! It is often called the birthday of the church and to celebrate together we are inviting you to share a photo for a slideshow that we will present in worship. Share your photo to be a part of worship on Pentecost! Pastor Matt and Naomi took a sample photo.

Here is what to do:

Bible & Brew: Thursday, May 28

Join us on Thursday, May 28 at 7:00pm for the next gathering of Bible & Brew with Rev. Dr. Lou Prues. As the church practices “stay safe, stay home,” this will be a Zoom Video Conference version of Bible and Brew. Bring your own brew and bring your own Bible! Here are the details to join the video meeting on your computer, tablet, or phone:

Join the Meeting by  clicking here . Password: gospel

Join by telephone by calling +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) or +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) with Meeting ID: 881 6491 3737 and Password: 453834

Faith & Fiction: Thursday, June 4

The next gathering for Faith and Fiction will be Thursday, May 7 at 7:30pm. Join Pastor Matt Nickel and friends to discuss “The Boundary” by Jhumpa Lahiri. Faith & Fiction will be gathering online by Zoom Video Conference. You can read and print the story from the New Yorker Magazine online by  clicking here . Here are the details to join the video meeting on your computer, tablet, or phone:

Join the Meeting by  clicking here . Password: story

Join by telephone by calling +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) or +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) with Meeting ID: 822 8591 5835 and Password: 470053

A Message from the Pastor

Dear Members, Friends, and the entire JAPC community,

I pray you know God's love and care as you and your dear ones seek to keep safe and well. At first it seemed like we would stay home, stay safe, and then get back to life as usual. The reality of all this is more complicated than we originally knew. We all share the impact of this significant time as a result of coronavirus, yet there are many different experiences that it has created; some frustration, some dire, some life-changing. We are also entering a time when we want to know what comes next as we live with so many unknowns. The complexity of these next few months are significant, as certainty about what we can or cannot do is limited. I appreciate your patience as the church's leadership learns, listens, and plans for what comes next.

Session continues to meet weekly through video conference and is developing a phased approach to respond to the pandemic is ways that will allow for the physical ministries of the church. While benchmarks are still to be determined for these phases and many decisions are yet to be made regarding a wide range of ministries, know that the Session is actively planning for the church’s life and ministry together. Please keep them in prayer as they do this work faithfully in Christ for the life of the church and our neighbors.

Our phases to open will be slow, cautious, and attentive to the medical facts and knowledge. They will do everything possible to meet the concerns and safety of the church, staff, and our community. We seek to use good sense and to be responsive to changes around us.

Today is Ascension Day on the church calendar. In the story of Jesus, after 40 days, it is the day that the resurrected Christ returns to heaven. Through all the seasons of the year we remember God's presence. For these short 10 days from now until Pentecost on Sunday, May 31, we recognize an absence. On Pentecost, we will know Christ's presence by the power of the Holy Spirit moving among us and bringing life. Right now, we live in-between these two experiences: Ascension and Pentecost. This brief time in the church calendar might most resemble what we are experiencing in our lives right now. We already know what is to come, though that reality is not yet here. It has a hard, almost unbearable demand on our patience, but we continue knowing that what is anticipate will one day come.

I am grateful for your faith, love, and resilience.

I am grateful for God's wisdom and mercy, joy and grace.

I pray that all these are yours in this season of in-between.

Rev. Matt Nickel

Announcements

Honoring the Church’s Graduates

As graduation time arrives, the church would like to recognize and bless our church members who are graduating from high school, college, and other education. If you or someone in your family is graduating, please contact Kathy Chateau at  kathy@japc.org by this Sunday, May 24.

Thank You for Your Contributions and Offerings

During the pandemic as we stay safe at home, finances have been a challenge for people and organizations. As we live with the realities of many impacts of the pandemic including financial, the Session, the Finance Committee, and Rev. Matt Nickel want to thank you and this faith community for the ongoing support and faithful commitment in stewardship and giving. We want to celebrate our church's response and faithfulness to keep the church active.

The church has been able to responsible with expenses, keep staff working, and provide the ministries of the church because giving has met year-to-date expectations. Thank you. While we understand situations change with uncertainty, we ask that you continue your support for the church's vital ministry.

Online Giving is Now Available

Online giving using credit and debit cards is accessible from the church's website. Note that it will take you to a secure website created by our service provider. A button is on the top-right side of the website, at www.japc.org/give or  click here  to access secure online giving. 

Mission Giving Opportunities

The Mission Committee has identified opportunities to give during the season of Easter. Below you will find five links for giving in this time of Coronavirus and Covid19. Hunger and food insecurity remain during this time of pandemic. These represent some of the outreach happening in our surrounding area serving those in need. If you feel led, we are sure that any donation you give will greatly help offset the need. Be prayerful for those less fortunate and help extend God's love beyond our corner in a time when it is greatly needed. 

Church Office is Open Remotely

The church office continues to work remotely. Please leave messages on the church phone if you call is not received. You may continue to connect with staff by email. You can reach the Church Secretary Margie at  margie@japc.org , Bookkeeper Phyllis at  phyllis@japc.org  or Pastor Matt at  matt@japc.org.

Click on the buttons below to connect with other church resources online. Vimeo also offers an app for phones, tablets, Roku, Amazon Firestick, and Apple TV if you would like to watch on a device that connects to your TV.

The Deacons encourage prayers for Michelle Anderson, Alice Bancroft, Fred Black, Donna Burt, Mardi Carruthers, Leslie Chamas, Scott Goosen, Brian Head, Sue Head, Ken Holden, Priscilla Kelsey, Chris Klinger, Elaine Kuester, Sharon Lowe, Eleanor Mobley, Joyce Myers, Margie Stahl & family, Tom Wininger, JAPC military; Capt. Michael Boyle, for people ill from coronovirus and medical workers, the scientific community, people who've lost jobs or businesses, social service and relief workers, and all who are supporting those affected by the coronavirus.

Submit a Prayer Request

You may send your prayer requests to prayer@japc.org - with the prayer, please include your name, the name of person(s) to pray for, the nature of the request (joy, surgery, support, etc.), and any additional information. Prayer requests will typically remain on the list for four weeks, unless otherwise requested.