Covid-19 Update

Update #18 November 18, 2020

Living Waters Family ~

By this time, you have heard that earlier this week, Orange County, California has moved back to the most restricted purple tier due to the rise of COVID cases.  This move has affected places of worship.  We are disappointed but we are not deterred.  We have been on our knees praying seeking God’s wisdom and direction once again in this ever-changing season.  After countless conversations with LW staff and leaders, doing due diligence with research, and seeking Godly counsel, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily return to online only services.  It may alter our in-person, on-campus gatherings for a while, but it will not affect or alter our worship, our commitment, our praise, or our passion for Christ.

We do not believe in living with a spirit of fear; however, we do believe in making wise choices in light of the most up-to-date information and guidance available to us.  This decision was made from love and with concern for you and your family.  We have taken into account the following:
The health risk of increasing COVID cases and moving into the colder season. 
Making wise fiscal decisions with your financial contributions. (Rental expenditures for our six weeks of outdoor services in excess of $15,000.)
To create some consistency in services during the holiday season.  
We will re-evaluate in four weeks to see how we move forward. 

Thanksgiving is next week, and we are entering Christmas season.  As Christ followers, this is our season!  Because Jesus came into this world, we now have the thrill of hope and the blessed promise of peace.  We will continue to find creative ways to bring the message of hope and point people to Jesus – that will never change.

Sunday, December 6th, we will start an exciting Christmas series which will lead up to the new event called, Nativity Quest.  It is a COVID compliant journey through the Christmas story in our quest to seek the Savior.

We will have an in-person Christmas Sunday service at 10:00am on December 20th.  We will have an in-person Christmas Eve service Thursday evening at 5:00pm.  Events may be outside and different than they have ever been before, but we will celebrate the birth of our Savior together.  We look forward to these wonderful celebrations.

You have proven and lived out the fact that the church is not the building.  It is you beyond these four walls.  Continue to be the light of Christ in the midst of darkness. 

Thank you, Living Waters family for your patience, flexibility, understanding, support, and most of all thank you for your prayers.  May God continue to direct and guide our path as we continue to lead from our knees.

Remember that you live out of a place of faith, trust, peace and victory in Jesus Christ.

Due to being online, there will be no need to register for service.  We will see you online at 10:00am for the next four weeks. 

Love and Blessings,
Deena and Kevin
Co-Lead Pastors

Update #17 October 9, 2020

Dear Living Waters Church Family,

What a powerful time we experienced during the Celebration of Praise this past Sunday at our first “inside the sanctuary” service in several months.  Thank you to all who joined us either in-person or online.  The atmosphere of worship was so tangible from the moment we entered the building. The service featured the virtual choir ministering in song, the pastoral staff leading in prayer, communion, special kid’s ministry experience, worship in song and a special presentation of We Shall Behold Him through sign-language, God’s Word going forth and concluding with a mighty shout of victory.  To God be the glory for the great things He has done!

We did experience a few technical challenges with our Facebook livestream losing connection, camera glitches, available seating, etc. but nothing was going to detract from a dynamic day of praising our Lord and Savior.

In our continued efforts to improve all areas and to stay in compliance with safety and health standards, we are updating and modifying protocols and procedures.  Please watch this revised “What to Expect” video to assist you as you return to in-person, on-campus services. 

We are also excited to announce that starting Sunday, October 18 we will be adding an additional service at 8:15am.  We are in the process of developing a system for people to register in advance for the service they would like to attend.  This will streamline the process and ensure everyone has a seat.

We continue to follow the guidelines, protocols, and procedures that were established regarding sanitizing standards, personal safety (i.e. facial coverings, available temperature checks), and attendance regulations.  Additionally, we are creating a procedure should the church be informed of individuals testing positive for COVID-19. 

We are anticipating the season when ministry events will be able to resume.  As we follow our Back To Church Strategy and review the CDC and State of California guidelines we will begin to gradually resume in-person activities. In this season of social distancing, Living Waters is committed to adapt, alter, and adjust how we do ministry to ensure that we do continue ministering to the LW family and our community. 

Keep visiting the LW website and Facebook page for updated information as well as upcoming special events.  This Sunday a special video presentation will be included during the service highlighting the ministries that have risen to the forefront during the last seven months.  The building may have been empty, but the church continued to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. 

We would like to share with you a couple more notes: (1) the Celebration Choir is working on another virtual choir presentation, Redeemed, which should debut in a couple of weeks; (2) we are looking for additional “Dream Team” volunteers to serve in several areas: clean team, ushers, greeters, media, kid’s and youth ministries.  If you are willing to serve in any of these areas, please email us at info@livingwatersoc.com and we will have a team leader contact you.

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding in this constantly changing season.  Let us find comfort in the truth knowing that Christ promises to go before us and be with us in Deuteronomy 31:8 and that He blesses us with peace in life’s biggest storms in John 14:27.  We know that God is leading and guiding all of us as long as we remain on our knees following after His will.

May God give you the spirit of great victory in your life.

Love and Blessings,
Deena and Kevin

Update #16 October 2, 2020

Hello Living Waters Family,

Are you ready for a Celebration of Praise?!  Psalm 122:1 says, “I was glad when they said unto me, “Let us go into the house of the LORD.”  That’s how we feel today.

We are so excited that this Sunday, October 4, 2020 at 10:00am we will be back inside the sanctuary.  This will be a time of celebration of what God has done and what He will continue to do.

In this historical event in the world of the COVID pandemic, everything was unexpected, sudden, and unforeseen but the church never stopped.  Living Waters’ mission, ministries and purpose continued as we stayed focus in 2020.  Connection happened in a creative way and the Gospel of Jesus Christ was shared and entered hearts and homes of the community around us and around the world.  We have stated “The church may have left the building, but God never left the church!” and we have witnessed incredible miracles of healings and many salvations. 

We have been preparing for this moment.  Several months ago, Living Waters created a strategic plan of stages to come back to on-campus, in-person services with your health and safety in mind.  We have:
·Established sanitizing / cleaning / mitigation teams
·Installed UV Upper Air Glo Units (air sterilization systems)
·Installed touchless faucets, touchless soap dispensers and freestanding hand sanitizer stations
·Created health signage 
·Trained volunteers in safety protocols and procedures
·Redesigned seating for proper distancing in the sanctuary, youth room, café, children areas
·Posted directional signage for entrance and exits for one-way flow
·Offered personal health and safety provisions: temp checks, masks, multiple hand sanitizer stations
·Provided multiple ways to attend: in-person, on-campus, “church-in-the-lot” or online
·And much more which is available on the church website as our “Back to Church Strategy”

This Sunday we will worship passionately, pray fervently, give generously, connect with the body of Christ through Holy Communion, and receive God’s Word into our sprit.  Also, the LW Celebration Choir will be ministering as a virtual choir on our big screens.  It will be a special time of praise.

If you feel comfortable, we invite you to join us for service in-person, on-campus inside the sanctuary.  If watching online from the safety of your home is a better option for you, please know we are so excited to connect with you via livestream through our website or LW Facebook Live.

Looking forward to a powerful time of prayer, praise, worship and CELEBRATION with you.

Love and Blessings,
Deena and Kevin

PS: Back by popular request we will have the Oahu Shave Ice company here again after service serving Hawaiian Shave Ice.  It is our free gift to you as we celebrate this special day.

Update #15 August 28, 2020

What a wonderful day we had last Sunday at our first Outdoor Service.  We would like to express our deepest gratitude for all of the Dream Team members who volunteered last week to make everything run smoothly last Sunday.  Set-Up, Parking, Welcome, Media, Music, Usher, Greeter, Water Distribution, KidsMin, Translation, and Security Teams … You Truly are the Dream Team.

If you feel comfortable and are not in a high risk category, we invite you to join us for another Outdoor Service this Sunday at 10am.  If your choice is to worship from the safety of your own home campus, join us at www.livingwatersoc.com or on the Living Waters Christian Fellowship Facebook page at 10am.

Finally, prepare your hearts to express your highest praise to the only ONE who deserves our praise.

Psalm 122:1
I was overjoyed when they said, “Let’s go up to the house of the Lord.”

Psalm 34:3
Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.

Blessings and See you Sunday.
Pastors Deena and Kevin

Update #14 August 14, 2020

Hello Living Waters Family:

We have some very exciting news to share with you today.  As you may have heard, we have been attempting to obtain a permit from the City of Fountain Valley to hold Outdoor Sunday Services on our campus. The process required us to submit applications, insurance riders, site plans, as well as secure permissions from the Planning, Building, and Fire departments … it has been quite the journey. After face-to-face meetings and numerous email and phone conversations, by the grace of God, Living Waters has been shown favor by the City of Fountain Valley, and we have been granted a Temporary Emergency Use Permit. We have been engaged in a 21-Day fast and it is in direct correlation to your prayers that this miracle has happened.

This means … Ladies and Gentlemen … drumroll please …  Living Waters will begin hosting a Live, Outdoor Service on Sunday, August 23rd at 10am.  And by-the-way, Sunday, August 23rd is the final day of our 21-Day fast – coincidence, I think not.  So, what does this all mean and how are we going to proceed?

We will still have a number of ways for you to engage in Sunday services.

1. You can join us in the Living Waters Parking Lot on Sunday, August 23rd for the Live, Outdoor Service.

- We are required to abide by our ecclesiastical and denominational instructions; our insurance requirements; as well as the CDC, State of California, County of Orange, and City of Fountain Valley mandates relating to social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
-We have also been informed that agents from the city, fire, and police departments may be making appearances to ensure that we are in compliance.
-We are preparing for your attendance by ensuring that all high touch areas, restroom facilities, and seating area are sanitized.
-Hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the parking lot and church facilities.
-We are providing limited, social distanced, under tent seating, the key word there is limited. 
- If you would prefer to bring and utilize your own chairs, you may want to pack them in your vehicle.
- Arrive early for the service, we are suggesting you arrive before 9:30am to secure seating under the tents or to set up your umbrellas and chairs.
- Finally, in order for us to remain in compliance and to be able to continue to host Live, Outdoor Services, Living Waters is requesting the following from you:
a)     Worship with your whole being.
b)    Enjoy seeing and worshipping with your church family.
c)     Follow Social Distancing guidelines.
d)    Follow the instructional signage and verbal instructions from pastoral and volunteer staff.
e)     Recommend Face Coverings.
f)     Sit with your family unit/social groups you have had frequent exposure.
g)    Refrain from physical touch: (i.e. hand shaking, high fives, hugs, etc.)

2)    If you are uncomfortable in an open-air environment but you still want to experience this service … You can join us from the safety and security of your vehicle and listen on FM 89.5.
-Security and Parking Volunteers will guide you to a designated parking stall.

3)    Or if you prefer to continue experiencing church from your home …
-The service will be live streamed on our website, www.livingwatersoc.com, and the Living Waters’ Facebook page.

We know all of this may seem extreme and overly precautionary, but it is being done out of an abundance of caution with your physical health in mind.  Additionally, we want to ensure that we are allowed to continue worshipping in this manner until the governmental restrictions are lifted.

We are so blessed to lead such an amazing church community.  We are thankful for your patience and prayers during this season.  We cannot wait to worship with you (in-person or online) in the Live, Outdoor Service, Sunday, August 23rd, at 10am - Spanish translation and a Kid’sMin Corner will be available.  Until then, worship with us online this Sunday at 10am in English and 11:30am in Spanish.  We pray that God’s choice blessings and His divine favor rests upon you and your family.  Keep us in your prayers as we travel this journey, relying upon the Holy Spirit as our guide.

We Love You and We Are Praying For You!
Pastors Deena and Kevin

Update #13 July 31, 2020 

Dear Living Waters Family,


We pray you are doing well and staying safe and healthy.  How wonderful to know that we are closer to the end of this pandemic and time of separation than ever before.  Keeping our eyes locked on Jesus keeps peace, hope and joy in our lives.

21 Days of PRAYER and FASTING - Praying for a NATIONAL REVIVAL
From the beginning, Living Waters has made it a priority to seek God first in prayer, trusting in His power alone to create lasting impact in our lives, our church, and our world.   We do this collectively as a church each year through 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.

As we continue to face this global pandemic, economic instability, and uncertainty in our nation, we believe the truth of Hosea 10:12, which says, “it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers His righteousness on you.”  So, from August 2-23, 2020 we will partner together with other churches in 21 Days of PRAYER and FASTING, praying for a National Revival seeking the Lord.

Dr. Sean O’Neal, our Administrative Bishop / Overseer for California and Nevada has invited all Church of God churches in California and Nevada to join together in this mission.  We are in need of God's intervening hand and therefore we must humble ourselves, pray, seek God and turn from everything that distracts us.
We are praying for: 
·    National Repentance and National Revival
·    The United States Supreme Court
·    The end of the Corona Virus Pandemic

There will be a section on our website with this information.  Please plan to be a part of this time of interceding for a National Revival.

Communion – August 9
We are preparing to have a time for Communion on Sunday, August 9th at the 10:00 am online service.  You can pick up pre-packaged Communion elements at the church on Friday, August 7th from 11:00am to 1:00pm or utilize items you have at home.  Communion is a way for us to remember Christ sacrifice for us and that, no matter what we go through, God is with us and Jesus brings us salvation. 

Possible Outside Service
We are looking into the possibilities of having Outside Service in the church parking lot.  Since we are located in a residential area we have some challenges, but we are doing what we can to make that happen in the near future.  Pray for God’s guidance and favor.

Summer Olympics Games 
Big News – the Summer Olympics Games are coming to Living Waters.  The Family Ministry Department is starting a new series the month of August called Summer Olympics.  The Kids Ministry team has organized and will be instructing how to participate at home in the games and then they will share devotions about people in the bible that God used to great things.

Ministry Connections
Thank you for continuing to join us in our online worship experience each Sunday.  We pray that you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your homes.   Continue to focus on your spiritual growth through God’s Word and in prayer.  It is important that during this time of social separation that you not let the world overwhelm you and push God out. 

All our ministry teams and leaders are utilizing our website and social media platforms to connect with you, and your children throughout the week. 

We encourage you to remain faithful to your commitment and covenant with God in your tithes and offerings.  We pray that you live out of a place of faith, trust and peace, knowing that living in a place of peace is living in a place of victory.

Our pastoral and ministry staff are here for you, so please let us know how you are doing and if you need anything. [Contact us at www.livingwatersoc.com, info@livingwatersoc.com, or at 714-963-8131].

As your pastors, we committed to you that we would lead from and on our knees, praying for God’s continue guidance and direction for each and every decision.  It is our desire to shepherd and care for LW with wisdom and compassion and for the protection and healing of those who are ill, and comfort for those who have lost a loved one.  Know we are praying this scripture over you.

Ephesians 3:17-19
17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Love and Blessings,
Deena and Kevin
Co-Lead Pastors
Living Waters Christian Fellowship 

One last thing, please be advised we have NOT sent out any emails or text messages to anyone asking for gift cards or Amazon cards to be purchased.  If you receive such a request, they are from scammers and not from the church staff. We will continue to look into this matter. 

Update #12 July 9, 2020

Hello Living Waters Family:

We want you to know that we have been praying for you.  Each or you are important to us and we love and miss you.  

As you are aware, out of an abundance of caution, we have not returned to in-person services and are continuing to meet online.  We are constantly monitoring the COVID surge information and in communication with our Church of God leadership and will communicate our next Soft-Opening once it is deemed safe and prudent to return. Until then, we want to encourage you to stay connected with your Living Waters family by tuning into our online services: Sundays @ 10am English / 11:30am Spanish and Wednesdays @ 7pm English / 8pm Spanish. As well, we want to ensure that your children are connecting with the Living Waters Kid’s and Youth Ministries throughout the week – those online meetings are listed on the Living Waters website, Facebook page and LW Youth Instagram.  

We also want to communicate with you the importance of our online check-in.  You are more than a number you are a member of our family and we want to ensure that we stay connected with you and online check-in is one way of accomplishing that.  The process is very simple, just go to www.livingwatersoc.com and on the Home Page click the LW Check In Button.  

Although we have not been able to meet together, Living Waters has experienced numeric growth during this season - weekly our online viewership doubles our in-person service averages.  Additionally, we have experienced miraculous financial blessings which have not only allowed us to expand our ministry capabilities but have also provided funds to minister to those in our community.

We would like to share the following statistics with you concerning the ministry outreach that YOU, Living Waters, have facilitated through your financial support.
·       100 Meals to First Responders
·       172 Families Helped
·       322 Care Packages Delivered
·       44 Senior Citizens and Single Moms Assisted
·       1, 150 Meals Served To The Homeless
·       $19,459.78 Contributed To Community Needs

This Sunday, July 12, 2020 our General Overseer, Dr. Tim Hill has called for a Global Denominational Day of Prayer for the Church of God.  During our weekend service, we will set aside a time of focused prayer for the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected the Church of God around the world.  We will also pray for the recent racial unrest in the United States.  Join us as we intercede for our world.

We are so blessed to lead such an amazing church community.  We pray that God’s choice blessings and His divine favor rests upon you and your family.  Keep us in your prayers as we travel this journey, relying upon the Holy Spirit as our guide.

We Love You and We Are Praying For You!
Pastors Deena and Kevin 

Update #11 June 27, 2020
Dear LW Family,

There has been a quickly increasing number of COVID-19 cases in our county and within the last few hours we have been notified of two confirmed positive cases in our church ministry teams.  It is our desire to protect those we love and serve at Living Waters.   Therefore, out of an abundance of caution we have prayerfully made the decision to return to online services and will suspend all in-person, on-campus ministries effective immediately.

Thank you so much for your flexibility and your trust in us to make these challenging decisions as we navigate these uncharted roads together.  Our faith is not wavering, and we know this is just a temporary season.

We encourage you to stay connected and stay engaged.  We look forward to seeing your faces at a later date healthy and well.  Until then, please join us online Sundays at 10:00am. www.livingwatersoc.com

Love and Blessings,
Deena and Kevin
Co-Lead Pastors

Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Update #10 June 10, 2020
Hello Living Waters Family:

We pray this email finds you safe and healthy.  

This past Sunday was Living Waters first on-campus, in-person service since mid-March with our soft opening for LW leaders and ministry volunteers.  It was also an opportunity to train team members as we prepare for future gatherings.  The service was an exciting time as we ease back into corporate worship.

This weekend, for those of you that feel comfortable, we welcome you to join us at Living Waters on-campus, in-person for service.  We are still in our soft-opening stage with one Sunday service at 10:00am.  Our first and foremost priority continues to be your health and safety, therefore we are following the governmental and CDC direction, ordnances and guidelines.  We are adhering to the seating capacity requirements and offer overflow locations on-site with live-stream viewing once the sanctuary exceeds the given capacity limitation.  Here is an updated video that Pastor Kevin created on “What to Expect” when you come back to church.  

We honor, respect, and thank those who are taking extra precautions and staying home until you feel comfortable coming back.  We know that you will be participating in the service and watching online.

Join us in continuing to intercede for those who are sick, those who have suffered loss, the sin of racism, and the unrest and division of our nation.  

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate, serve and lead the best we can during this unprecedented season.  We continue to pray for God’s wisdom and guidance.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” 
Numbers 6:24-26

Love and Blessings,
Deena and Kevin Querry
Co-Lead Pastors
Living Waters Christian Fellowship   

Update #9 May 27, 2020

Please take this in-person, on-campus survey

Back to Church Strategy

Update #8 May 22, 2020
Hello Living Waters Family-

We pray you and your family are doing well. You are continually in our thoughts and in our hearts as we go through this unprecedented time. We hold on to the scripture, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Today, President Trump deemed houses of worship “essential”. This is exciting news as we are closer to gathering on campus, in-person. We are still awaiting the specific guidelines that we must follow so that we can gain clarity in moving towards reopening Living Waters. 

Here is an update video from our Co-Lead Pastors Deena and Kevin Querry http://www.livingwatersoc.com. After you have watched the short video, please take two minutes and answer a survey about our in-person gatherings. 

Here are a few important details we want you to be aware of:
·      Living Waters campus will not be open this weekend. Our leadership team has been working on our reopening plan. We will have our regularly scheduled online gatherings.
·      We have created a “Back to Church Strategy” to reopen safely and in stages. This will be available on our website next week.

What you can do to help us prepare for reopening:
1.     Pray. Pray for the leadership in our government and Living Waters. We covet your prayers for wisdom and direction. Continue to pray for those who are sick and those who are on the frontlines of this health crisis.
2.     Let us know if you are willing to serve. We will need several cleaning teams and other ministry team members to volunteer. Please email info@livingwatersoc.com if you are interested in serving in any capacity.
3.     Remain faithful. Be faithful to all that Scripture calls us to live out. This includes how we love and serve others and how we navigate challenging times. This is a time to have a “Clear Focus” and grow stronger in our faith and all that He has called us to. Continue to remain faithful in your support to the mission of the church.
4.     Stay Unified. I want to encourage us to strive for unity as a church community. There will be those who are eager to return to on campus, in-person gatherings immediately.  There will be others who will be reluctant. We must not allow the enemy to create division in this season.  What Paul urges the Ephesian church, therefore, should be equally urgent for us today: “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesian 4:1-3

If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please feel free to contact us at info@livingwatersoc.com

We count it an honor to serve you and renew our commitment to lead from our knees.

Blessings,
Deena and Kevin Querry
Co-Lead Pastors
Living Waters Christian Fellowship

Update #7 May 6, 2020
Hello Living Waters Family:

We want to take a moment to say that we can’t stop thinking about you.  We miss you and long to see you.  Our leadership team has been discussing strategies and making plans for how and what it looks like when we are allowed to come together again.  While we do not have a projected date, it will be as soon as our state and county officials deem it safe.  Our first and foremost priority is your health and safety, therefore we will follow the governmental and CDC directions, ordnances and authority.  We know things will look and feel different, and that’s okay.  We are not going back to normal; we are moving towards what God has for the future of Living Waters. 

Living Waters is extremely grateful to all our ministry teams.  It’s inspiring to see our Kids Min, youth, young adults, women’s, men, adults, choir, and Small Groups participating in the Zoom teaching, online services via the LW website and Facebook, YouTube channel, and new digital platforms for connection and worship.  A big thank you goes out to our media team who work endlessly to ensure we all stay connected.

Please remember that there are several opportunities throughout the week for you to connect with Living Waters.  Check out the LW website at www.livingwatersoc.com.  We are especially excited about the Thursday morning Zoom All Church Devotion with Pastor Dan at 9am.  If you would like more information, contact us at info@livingwatersoc.com

Remember Thursday, May 7 is the National Day of Prayer.  Now more than ever is a time to prayer and focus our heart in unity towards God and His will and plan.

This Sunday, May 10th make plans to join us for a special service as we celebrate Mothers.  This weekend will feature live worship, an offering for our Hope Fulfilled – Single Mom’s ministry, Mother’s Day messages from our sons and daughters, and a special panel of LW moms. You will not want to miss this time of celebration. 

Finally, if you don’t have a face mask covering, Living Waters would like to provide you one – free of charge.  If you live locally, you can contact Living Waters at info@livingwatersoc.com or call the church office at 714-963-8131.  Also, if you sew and are available and would like to like to make additional masks, please contact us.

You, as a church, continue to be a light into the world and are making a difference.  God is faithful and has a perfect and ordained plan for each one of us and knowing that give us hope and joy.

We Love You and We Are Praying For You!
Pastors Deena and Kevin

Updated April 8, 2020

Hello Living Waters Family- 
Praying you are safe and well.

We are moving towards the most joyous event in our Christian faith, the resurrection of our Lord and Savior.

We want to continue to emphasize our desire to keep our church family and faith community well-informed and connected.

While we are still coming to terms with the extended season of social distancing, we are inspired by the countless testimonies of God’s peace, comfort and encouragement as you have been reading His Word, spending time in prayer and filling your homes with praise and worship.

New
We are excited to announce that starting last week we added:
·Weekend message in Spanish by Pastor David Ortiz – Sundays at 11:30am
·Midweek Devotion & Prayer Time in Spanish by Pastor David Ortiz – Wednesdays at 8:00pm
·Zoom Women’s Bible Study with Pastor Deena – Thursdays at 6:30pm.   If interested in joining please email info@livingwatesoc.com

Easter at Home
Easter has not been cancelled – we are just doing it a little different this year.  
We will have a Special Easter online service focused on From Darkness to Light -a day of hope and joy as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It will include a very special Kid’s Ministry participation element with Pastor Jessie and Janae.  An engaging family-friendly online celebration - Sunday 10:00am.

Information on “How To Have Easter at Home” has been developed with suggestions on how to prepare and participate in making it a meaningful day.  It is posted on our website under the “Living Waters at Home” page.

Communion
In remembrance of Christ crucifixion, death, and resurrection we also will have a time of communion during our on-line Easter service.

As of this email, we are awaiting the pre-packaged communion element shipment to arrive.  As soon as it is delivered, we will make them available to you for pick up here at the church, Living Waters Christian Fellowship, 9801 Talbert Ave, Fountain Valley, CA.
It will be a drive up “No-Contact” distribution tent in the church parking lot.  We will adhere to all health and safety precautions.

Or, due to the “Stay at Home” mandate, if you are unable to come pick up the supplies, one of the Licensed Ministers of Living Waters can deliver it to your doorstep or you can use unleavened bread/crackers and some plain grape juice you may already have at home or purchase from the grocery store.  Any questions, please call the church office at (714) 963-8131 or email info@livingwatesoc.com

There is also a special page on how to teach and prepare your children for communion this Easter.  It is posted on our website on the home page titled “Communion For Kids.

Good Friday – Day of Prayer and Fasting
Also join us for a special day of Prayer and Fasting, on Good Friday, April 10, 2020.
Our General Overseer of the Church of God, Dr. Tim Hill has called for the global faith community to dedicate the entire day to prayer and fasting and seeking the Lord.
Dr. Hill will lead a live prayer broadcast on the Church of God Facebook page 9:00am PST (12:00pm EST)
https://www.facebook.com/COGHQ/

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
At the beginning of the year God laid on our hearts for Living Waters to establish a season of
21 Days of Prayer and Fasting.  We prayerfully selected Monday, April 13 through Sunday, May 3, 2020.  God’s timing is always perfect and sovereign.  He knew the circumstances that we all would be facing at this time.  We are believing for miracles and powerful personal encounters with God.
A Prayer Guide with a daily prayer focus will be available on our website.
You can participate in a
·Selective Fast – removing certain elements from your diets
·Daniel Fast - removing meat, sweets, and breads from your diets
·Partial Fast - involves abstaining from eating any type of food in the morning and afternoon. 
·Complete Fast – drinking only liquids, typically water
·Non-food Fast - an option for those who have health issues that prevent you from fasting food, or if you wish to refocus certain areas of your life that are out of balance.

There is so much happening in the world and we rest confidently in knowing God is in control. May Philippians 4:6-7 stay strong in your heart.

Dear friends, we are excited about Easter this Sunday and the fact that our Savior, Jesus Christ rose from the dead, conquering death, hell, sin and shame for all eternity!  He took the sins of the entire world upon Himself and rose triumphantly over our enemy!

Let’s prepare to celebrate!

Deena and Kevin Querry

Update #5 April 1, 2020

Hello Living Waters Family:

Wow! Our lives have definitely been altered during the last 21 days due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.  Our national, state, and local governmental officials have systematically moved the American population from Social Distancing recommendations to Safer-At-Home orders to Stay-At-Home mandates.  The work environment, for most, has changed from going into your place of employment to working remotely, and unfortunately, many have been temporarily laid off or furloughed due to only “only essential job” restrictions.  Social gatherings at restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, and entertainment venues have ceased due to closures. And last Sunday, March 29th, President Donald J. Trump extended the Social Distancing order until Thursday, April 30, 2020.  We understand that this order is to “flatten the curve” in order to slow the spreading of this virus and keep the American people healthy and safe. 

As you all well know, these mandates have also changed how we “do” church – moving to exclusively on-line worship services, devotionals, and small group meetings.  Initially, we decided, after much prayer and consultation with our Church of God leadership and our church staff, that Living Waters would suspend all in-person, on-campus gatherings through the end of March.  As of this writing, in compliance with the President’s order, Living Waters will extend our suspension of all in-person, on-campus gatherings through April 30th.  Yes, along with each of you, we are devastated that this suspension will encompass in-person, on-campus Easter services [April 11-12] and the revival with Pastor Rae Orozco [April 24-26].  However, we will interactively celebrate our risen Savior [participating in communion special activities for families with children] from the safety of our homes on Easter Sunday morning and we will reschedule with Pastor Rae at a later date.

We want to thank each of you, our Living Waters Family, for your prayers, words of encouragement, participation in the on-line services and devotion times, and continued financial support.  A recent post from a pastoral colleague stated that since the suspension of their services, the church had only received one financial contribution from its membership.  We are so grateful that this is not the case with our Living Waters family.  You have continued to be faithful to your covenant with God and your support of the ministries of Living Waters.  Because of your financial support, we continue to reach out and provide the necessities of life for many members of our congregation who are unable to obtain these goods.  Thank you!

Our hearts long to see you face to face and to wrap our arms around each of you.  We anticipate the day that this is possible.  Until then, please be sure to stay connected by jumping onto our on-line Connection Moments.

1.     Sundays 10am: Living Waters Worship Experience on www.livingwatersoc.com and our Facebook page (@Living Waters Christian Fellowship.

2.     Sundays 11:15am: Pastor Jessie and our KidsMin team will host a Kid’s Church experience on Facebook @Living Waters Parents. [Private page for LW parents.  Request to join on Facebook this week.]

3.     Wednesdays 1PM: Pastor Daniel and the Youth Ministries Team are hosting a Connection Moment on Instagram (@lwcfyouth.

4.     Wednesdays 6:30pm: Pastor Jessie and the KidsMin Team will be hosting a Facebook connection time on the Living Waters Parents Page. [Private page for LW parents.  Request to join on Facebook this week.]

5.     Wednesdays 7pm:  Devotion & Prayer Time with Pastors Deena and Kevin on www.livingwatersoc.com and our Facebook page (@Living Waters Christian Fellowship.

6.     Fridays: Pastor Daniel will be uploading a devotional on Instagram @lwcfyouth.

7.     Every Day: we are available to receive your prayer requests. Call: 714-963-8131 and leave a message and at info@livingwatersoc.com share your request.

We Love You and We Are Praying For You!
Pastors Deena and Kevin

Update #4 March 25, 2020

Blessings Living Waters Family:

During this unprecedented time in the world, it is vitally important that the people of God continue to raise one voice of praise even when we cannot join together in person.  While we are desperately missing being physically together, our spirits have been lifted as we have connected digitally throughout the last few weeks.

It was just twelve days ago, on Friday, March 13, that we had to make the most difficult decision of our ministry and suspend all in-person, on-campus gatherings for the health, safety and well-being of the Living Waters Church family.  Little did we know that within days it would become a governmental order due to a National Emergency and Global Pandemic.  But God knew!  He is so sovereign!

We are learning how to do and be “the church” differently.  Thinking outside the box of the norm and traditional ways we operated in every aspect.  We are the only ones physically in the church office as the rest of the LW Staff is working diligently and endlessly from the safety and isolated area of their personal homes.  We continue to have online meetings via ZOOM to discuss new and innovated methods of moving forward as a church body.  Some of our Small Groups are having online FaceTime studies, prayer time on Zoom Meetings and conference calls.  The Living Waters Ministry Team remains dedicated to supporting our Kids Ministry, Youth Ministry students, and adults during this time. We stand together, as we continue to provide new ways and opportunities to stay connected.

With public beaches and hiking trails being added to the ever-growing list of closures; with drive-up and take-out dining becoming the norm; with appointments needing to be scheduled for banking; we want to bring as much normalcy into your lives as possible.  We want to once again remind you of our Living Waters Family Connection Moments that take place online throughout the week.

1.     Sundays 10am: Living Waters Worship Experience on www.livingwatersoc.com and our Facebook page (@Living Waters Christian Fellowship.

2.     Sundays 11:15am: Pastor Jessie and our KidsMin team will host a Kid’s Church experience on Facebook @Living Waters Parents. [Private page for LW parents.  Request to join on Facebook this week.]

3.     Wednesdays 1PM: Pastor Daniel and the Youth Ministries Team are hosting a Connection Moment on Instagram (@lwcfyouth).

4.     Wednesdays 6:30pm: Pastor Jessie and the KidsMin Team will be hosting a Facebook connection time on the Living Waters Parents Page. [Private page for LW parents.  Request to join on Facebook this week.]

5.     Wednesdays 7pm:  Devotion & Prayer Time with Pastors Deena and Kevin on www.livingwatersoc.com and our Facebook page (@Living Waters Christian Fellowship.

6.     Fridays: Pastor Daniel will be uploading a devotional on Instagram @lwcfyouth.

7.     Everyday: we are available to receive your prayer requests. Call: 714-963-8131 and leave a message and at info@livingwatersoc.com share your request.

Finally, our physical church building might be closed during this short season, but we are always here for you.  Remember these things: (1) Be Prudent, Be Cautious and Be Aware, but Do Not Live In Fear; (2) Stay home – enjoy time with your family.  Use this opportunity as a blessing to spend more quality time with those living in your home.  Create intentional family devotions and times of prayer; and (3) Stay Connected to your Small Group, your ministry team, and your church family. 

We Love You and we are praying for you!

Pastors Deena and Kevin

Update #3 March 20, 2020
Blessings Living Waters Family:

First, we want to us express our love and concern for every one of you.  We miss you desperately.  Social Distancing is not a normal practice for the Living Waters Family … we are huggers … and in this current reality, that is not acceptable. :) 

Second, we want to keep you informed to changes that are being enacted at Living Waters as a result of the most recent governmental orders due to the COVID-19 [Coronavirus] pandemic.  The CDC and governmental leaders announced late on Thursday, March 19th a State-wide “Safer-At-Home” statement that by morning had evolved into a state-wide “Stay-At-Home” Order. 

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 speaks to us of “Seasons of Change” and change has been happening in our world, our country, our state, our county, and our cities at such a rapid rate that our minds are having a difficult challenge keeping up with all the ever-changing orders. So, in order to calm the chaos, this weekend, we are launching a new aspect of our website called, “Living Waters At Home.”  This ministry tool includes important elements and resources to help you engage in a meaningful experience by intentionally “having church” at home.

We have instructed our pastoral and administrative staff to conduct essential business from the safety of their homes.  Therefore, the Living Waters Christian Fellowship Pastoral and Administrative office is closed until the “Stay-At-Home” Order is lifted.  However, that does not mean that we are not available to you.  We are available through these avenues.
Email: info@livingwatersoc.com 
Phone:
Church Office: 714-963-8131. Please leave a message, we will retrieve it as rapidly as possible.

Online Connections:
Entire Church: Sundays @ 10am and Wednesdays @ 7pm
Church Website: www.livingwatersoc.com
Facebook Live @ livingwatersoc/
Children: Sundays @ 11:15am and Wednesdays @ 6:30pm
Facebook Live @ lwcfparents/
Youth: Wednesdays @ 1pm and periodically through the week
Instagram @lwcfyouth/

Financial Contributions:
Church Website: www.livingwatersoc.com
Text To Give: Text $ (dollar sign), the amount, and the word “Sunday” to 714-710-8030.
Mail In: 9801 Talbert Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Finally, we want you to remember that even though we must be physically separate, please do not isolate yourself from your church family. 
Reach Out: call or text us [our personal cell numbers are listed above] get in touch with those in your small group or your ministry team if you are struggling emotionally, physically, of spiritually.
Get Out: leave your house and take a walk, breathe in fresh air, and experience God’s creation (safely).
Don’t Stress Out: this will pass, and life will return to a new normal and we will resume gathering together.
We Love You!  We are praying for you! And we will be connecting with you throughout the coming days.  See you online Sunday at 10am.

Pastors Deena and Kevin