An Update from Pastor Marc

Dear Quail, 

Today I will share some thoughts about the ethnic tension that we are now witnessing in our land and then give you some programming updates.

I am not a community organizer nor an “activist” in the sense that I feel called to influence society in any way other than with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, I believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most relevant thing that we can talk about in this situation. Here is why…

We have a “skin” problem because we have a sin problem. It is a sin to kneel on someone’s neck until he is compromised to the point of death. It is right to speak out against such a sin. It is a sin to hate another person simply because of the color of their skin and it is right to speak out against that sin. 

It is also a sin to use the occasion of speaking out against evil to do further evil in the form of looting and stealing, and taking away the livelihood of shop owners due to theft. It is right to speak out against that sin. It is a sin to engage in violence and destruction and call it speech. It is right to speak out against that sin.

Thus, we are left to ask the question, “Where will the change come from?”  Surely we can admit that we have been here many times before and we have seen that politics, promises and platitudes from so called leaders will not bring about the change that we need. As we look at the world and at history we see that the vast majority of societal changes toward morality and righteousness have been driven by those who have experienced a heart change through the message and world of Jesus Christ.  From South Africa, to Savannah, British slave trade to social justice for “the least of these,” it has been Christ-followers who have led the way. That is because we have the Word to guide us and the Holy Spirit to empower us. Here is what the Word says…

Micah 6:8 (NIV)
“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” 

Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” 

These verses give guidance to the family of Quail Lakes Baptist Church. We refer to ourselves as a “tapestry.” A tapestry celebrates the various colors rather than trying to mute them. A tapestry is by definition not a monochrome item. We are not color blind, we are color (and ethnicity) celebrate!

We seek to spread that celebration to our community realizing that at its most basic level community is not a place, it is an ideal. It is seen in the way we treat one another and demonstrated in fellowship, respect and peace. Community contains the word “unity” and the ultimate source of unity is in the gracious touch of our savior in the hearts of those who follow Jesus. Thus, I believe that the gospel message of Jesus that brings victory over sin is the most important (but often missing) element in lasting social justice conversations.

We are called to model Christ-centered unity in the church of Christ and to spread His love which is the force that will cause the transformation in our society and world that we are all seeking.

I will talk more about the issue of God’s will for harmony and the call to eradicate the sin of racial prejudice this Sunday in our 10:00 am webcast service. I hope that you will tune in.

Here are some updates for today:

1. Tomorrow, June 6th, at 10:00 am in MLK Plaza downtown Stockton many of the evangelical churches of Stockton will unite in a rally called “Our Voice Matters” as we speak out against the injustices in our society. I will be there and invite you to attend as well.
2. Some of our mid-week programs are starting to reconvene. Celebrate Recovery will meet at 6:15 pm on Tuesday and the Young Adult “Refresh” service will meet at 6:30 pm on Wednesday.
3. This Sunday, June 7th, we will have our last 10:00 am webcast.
4. Sunday, June 14th, we will have our first “in person” worship services since the COVID-19 pandemic arose. There will only be seating for 100 in the Sanctuary and there will be two “video venue” overflow rooms, each with limited capacity. Thus, I will ask you to be patient, realizing that you may find that as you arrive the seats are taken. Doors for the 8:30 am service will open at 8:00 am and for the 11:15 am service at 10:45 am. 
5. Sunday, June 14th, we will webcast the “Traditional Service” at 8:30 am and the “Contemporary Service” at 11:15 am. These will both be webcast to Facebook and YouTube as we have been doing.  
6. Due to County Board of Health regulations, we will have no children’s programming on campus for the time being. Please tune into the Quail Lakes Baptist Kids Facebook page for Kids Church after the 10:00 am webcast this week. 
7. Your financial support is greatly valuable at this time. Please click here to give online or if you wish to mail in your tithe send it to QLBC, P.O. Box 7955, Stockton, CA 95267.
8. If you have a concern for prayer, you may send it to qlbcprayer@gmail.com and our prayer counselors will cover that need in prayer. 
9. Monday, June 8th, the Quail office will reopen with limited staffing and reduced hours. The operating hours for the office will be 8:00 am - 12 Noon, Monday-Friday. 

His and yours,

Dr. Marc Maffucci