By Pastor Greg Byman

God is our refuge and strength  Psalm 46:1

I knew statistically my symptoms would be likely be mild and thankfully that has been true so far.  However, the mystery surrounding this virus gave me great pause when I tested positive for COVID-19 last week.  Psalm 46:1 became God's personal words of comfort for me.  God used the the calls, text messages and social media posts from my church family as a spiritual refuge of love and strength.  Thank you everyone who prayed and offered support!  As of today, my symptoms are mostly gone, Bonita and Janae are fine, and we should all emerge from quarantine tomorrow, Lord willing.  Thank you Jesus!

COVID-19 Update

Indiana and Allen County restrictions on gatherings will not alter St Joe's current plans at this point.  We will continue to provide an 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday worship.  Our 6:30 PM Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study is another way to connect in person.  All our gatherings require masks and social distancing, just like other public buildings.  No holiday fellowship meals or gatherings are planned at this time.  Connection Groups are making their own decisions regarding in-person/virtual gatherings.  Please watch our Facebook, E-News, website and Remind text alerts for new updates.  I am thankful for all our volunteers who are working so hard to help us gather meaningfully and safely right now!

I am with you always  Matthew 28:20

Jesus promised his presence forever. He walks with us through mental stress, relationship strains, political turmoil, economic hardships and physical dangers.  The church he started to build in the First Century continues into the 21st.  I pray we will experience the true peace of Christ as we join Him in his eternal work of bringing people to Himself for salvation and the true peace 

​I am excited to share that we are offering new ways to connect with St Joe next month!  
St Joe will worship outdoors on Sunday, October 4th at 10:30 AM!  8:30 AM worship  is cancelled that day.  We will also observe the Lord's Supper.  Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and consider bringing a picnic lunch for yourself to enjoy afterwards.  If weather is bad, we will just have the 10:30 AM worship indoors.  
Kids Connection Classes (pre-school and grade school) will begin Sunday, October 11th during the 10:30 AM worship service!   We will implement safety measures similar to daycares and schools.  I am grateful for our volunteers who are willing to help parents get their children back into weekly Bible study learning!  Keep watching for more details.
I hope and pray these October opportunities help more people engage/re-engage in Sunday gatherings.  My heart aches for the loneliness, anxiety and fear that affect so many people right now.  God designed local churches to cure this and so much more.  
See you Sunday!
Greg

Join a Connection Group!
There’s still time to join a CG for the fall quarter, (groups will close on October 6th and reopen again in January).  If you are interested in joining, or simply would like more information about the groups, please email Jon Moody (jmoody221@gmail.com).
 
“Address the Mess”– Sundays @ 5pm (meets over dinner in various homes)
 
The Book of Proverbs – Sundays @ 5:30pm (rotates meeting between homes)
 
Bible Biddies – Mondays @ 9:30am (this CG for 55+ women meets at Roberta McDirmit’s home)
 
Prayers of the Bible - Mondays @ 7pm (this CG for women meets at the church)
 
The Book of Revelation – Mondays @ 7pm (this CG for men meets at the church)
 
Spiritual Disciplines – Tuesdays @ 6pm (meets over dinner at the Mann’s home)    
 
Racial Reconciliation – Tuesdays @ 7pm (this CG for young adults meets at the church)
 
“Before Amen: The Power of a Simple Prayer” – Tuesdays @ 7pm (meets at the church)
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