From Your Pastor: Patrick Blackmon

1 Corinthians 15:54-57
54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will 
come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” 55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting
of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Church family, over the course of the last year we have lost a lot of special people within our congregation. We also have had some of our folks dealing with various health issues and hardships in life. It is easy for us to become overwhelmed by these things as well as the things taking place in our world. The Lord reminded me recently of 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” You and I have been given victory through our relationship with Jesus. Because of Jesus we live in victory over death, disease, and difficulties. The loss of loved ones, medical diagnoses, and other circumstances will always be a challenge, but there is victory. As the song says, “Oh there’s nothing better than You, there’s nothing better than you Lord, there’s nothing, nothing is better than You.” Let us keep our eyes on the victory we have in Christ and the victory we will have in His presence.
I also want you to know that our new security system has been installed. It is unfortunate that we have had to implement such measures but one I am thankful we were able to do. I believe it is our responsibility to maintain a safe and secure campus. We are in the process of setting up our leaders with their own personal code to the facility. There are two security systems in place. One in the sanctuary and the other in the Family Life Center. These systems are separate and each system would have to be turned off. One of the ways we can help make this a smooth transition is by letting the church office know in advance about any events, meals, or ministry that will take place on our campus. We will then make sure the alarm systems are disarmed at the scheduled times. Although this is new for all of us, I will help with any questions you may have. Thank you for your cooperation during this time as we strive to maintain a safe and secure campus.
Love each of you,
Pastor Patrick