Two days after a four-alarm fire devastated the historic sanctuary at First Dallas, the church held its Sunday worship service at the nearby Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
Addressing over 3,000 attendees, Pastor Robert Jeffress, said, “It’s not the building, it’s what that building represents: it represented the bedrock foundation of God’s Word that never changes… He went on to say, “We are going to rebuild and recreate that sanctuary as a standing symbol of truth,”
The destroyed sanctuary, built in 1890, was a Texas Historic Landmark. The extent of the damage to the other buildings remains unclear.
Under Jeffress's leadership, the church has grown to nearly 16,000 members and completed a massive building project including a new and updated worship center which opened in 2013.
Pastor Jeffress expressed optimism, urging the congregation to see the fire as a catalyst for their mission to spread the Gospel. Future worship plans are still being finalized, but reconstruction efforts are already underway.
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In 2020 Ypsilanti Missionary Church was hit hard by COVID-19. Meeting in person was crucial for this congregation of just over 100, and Michigan’s strict COVID response brought an immediate impact, marking the beginning of a long road back … but results are showing. Pastor Joe Kennedy, initiated kids' worship on Sunday mornings and youth services on Sunday nights, eventually finding success with monthly youth-led services. These services allowed youth to lead in various roles, giving Pastor Kennedy the chance to grow as a mentor. The church's attendance is nearly back to 90, and recently two attendees accepted Christ.
The church’s annual kids' fishing derby, has also been a hit, drawing volunteers and creating memorable moments. Pastor Kennedy says, All the honor, credit and glory goes to God. He’s been so amazingly good to us.
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The upcoming election is on everyone's minds, creating a sense of heaviness and division in our nation and churches, writes Tony Martin. As Christians, we need to remember not to make politics an idol, placing our faith solely in Jesus, not in political leaders.
Here are his key points of focus.
The first is Courage. Trust in Christ over flawed human leaders.
The second is Unity. Politics can divide us, but our unity in Christ is more important.
And the third is Disagreement. Disagreeing doesn’t mean we can’t be friends.
Martin says, as we approach the election, pray for wisdom, listen to others, focus on the Gospel, love unconditionally, and strive to be peacemakers. Let's be a beacon of hope in these uncertain times.