Spanish Ministry Update www.elpactodegracia.org May 16, 2020

Greetings from Chicago Heights, Illinois! We pray all of you are healthy. We want to thank you for your prayerful and financial support throughout the year. During our Bean Bag Tournament (our annual fundraiser) at Woldhuis Farms/Sunrise Greenhouse on March 7th, we had the opportunity to thank you in person for your support.

Ever since the state of Illinois enacted shelter-in-place, our ministry like many others have made major adjustments. Since we are unable to meet together for corporate worship on Sunday, sermons are posted on our YouTube channel, our FaceBook page, and SermonAudio. Every week I touch base with all of our members and regular visitors. I email weekly prayer requests. We are thankful that no one has the corona virus. Everyone’s job situation is stable except in one case. One of our members is a Lyft and Uber driver, and he has had fewer clients. Please pray that our members and regular visitors grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Since there are restrictions on group gatherings, we have changed our outreach plans. For the past several months, I have

Pastor Ruben Sernas sernasruben@gmail.com cell: 909.615.5738

Faith URC Beecher, IL

El Pacto de Gracia is under the oversight of Faith URC in Beecher, IL. Every Sunday an officer from Faith URC attends the Spanish service. We have a bilingual bulletin and an English sermon manuscript.

Joint Venture Committee

El Pacto de Gracia receives support from local URCs (Community URC, Faith URC, Lynwood URC, Oak Glen URC, Redeemer URC). Representatives from each church serve on the JVC.

For more information

Facebook: Iglesia Reformada “El Pacto de Gracia”

SermonAudio.com: El Pacto de Gracia Chicago Heights

YouTube: El Pacto de Gracia Chicago Heights

Church Address: 900 Thomas St., Chicago Heights, IL 60411

EL PACTO DE GRACIA Covenant of Grace Reformed Church | Chicago Heights, Illinois

Spanish Ministry Update www.elpactodegracia.org May 16, 2020

been in contact with the Chicago Heights Park District Program Director in order to offer an English class in July and August. However, since the Park District building will remain closed, the English class will be offered as one of their virtual programs starting this month. I recently recorded a commercial to advertise the class as well as the first class session. The class will be posted on the Park District’s website, their FaceBook page, and their YouTube channel. Please pray that many of the Spanish-speaking residents of Chicago Heights will watch the videos and contact us.

Towards the beginning of this year, we welcomed the arrival of Mateo Melquisedec Mosso (the sixth child of Margarito and Marta). We rejoice in the birth of all of our covenant children. On this special occasion, El Pacto had a joint evening service with Faith URC in which the sacrament of baptism was placed on Mateo. Our joint service was a special opportunity to worship and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ from our overseeing church. Our unity in Christ is visibly expressed as we come together to praise our God and strengthen our bonds of friendship.

As we come to the close of another church year, we praise God for the graduation of Arnold Lavaire and Cristian Garcia from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Cristian had done some teaching and preaching for El Pacto. Arnold was our summer intern last year. During his summer internship, Arnold preached, taught Adult Sunday School, lead a Bible study, and attended council and consistory meetings. He was a great help at our community dinner last summer. May the Lord guide both of them in their future plans.

Please pray for our ministry concerning corporate worship and outreach. We have not met for corporate worship on the Lord’s Day since March 15th. Lord willing, in the upcoming church year, we will plan a community dinner at a local park in a Hispanic neighborhood. May the Lord grant us wisdom as we consider ways to do outreach under these restrictions. Praise God that His Word is not hindered, but it will continue to advance! May God’s kingdom advance among all the nations which are represented in the Chicago area.

In Christ, Rev. Ruben Sernas

Pastor Ruben Sernas sernasruben@gmail.com cell: 909.615.5738

Donations Checks are written to: El Pacto de Gracia

Checks are sent to: Faith URC PO Box 729 Beecher,  IL 60401

We praise God for our partners in the Gospel ministry

(Philippians 1:3-5).

Cristian Garcia is on the far left. Arnold Lavaire is the third from the right. Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduating class 2020