I hope your summer is off to a good start! Mine certainly is! And that means I have been cramming a lot of life into every single day! Because Jesus called us to live an abundant, abandoned, adventurous life! Still, it can at times get to be too much. And throw in all that is happening in our country and in our world, all the struggles and troubles, personal and corporate, and we can begin to get overwhelmed. That's when a quote from T. S. Elliot comes to mind: "He is the still point of the turning world." And another from King David: "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) And another from Him: "Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage, and wait for the Lord!" (Psalm 27:14)
Part of the abundant life Jesus calls us to is simply being with him, giving him ourselves and our time. Not rushing around, roaring around, chasing every possible want. Rather, it is stillness, confidence, and joy in being with Him, and letting him set our agenda, and our pace.
Summer is full of opportunities. I fully intend to grab my share. But I'll let God choose what is best for me. The world is full of trouble, and I will be troubled. But I know I can take my troubles to my Abba, and he will give me peace.
"He is the still point of the turning world." Why not keep your eyes and your heart fixed on Him?
See you soon!
Gary
KEY SCRIPTURES WE HAVE COVERED TO DATE: Luke 10:38-42 / Ephesians 2:8-10 / 2 Corinthians 12:10 / John 1:29 / Matthew 28:19,20 / Matthew 22:37-40 / Romans 3:23 / Hebrews 12:1-3 / Romans 6:23 / John 1:29 / Luke 19:40 / Luke 22:19, 20 / John 20 / 1 Corinthians10:13 / Galatians 2:20 / John 17:21 / Luke 18:38 / Micah 6:8 / John 10:10 / Philippians 4:8,9 / Philippians 4:6,7 / Matthew 7:24-28
I encourage you to review these, asking God to make clear to you the significance of each for you personally. What are your key scriptures? Why
CALENDAR
Sunday July 5 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service with Communion - 10:30 am.
Thursday July 9 - Church Board Meeting - 7 PM - Church Fellowship Room.
Sunday July 12 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service - 10:30 am.
Thursday July 16 - Community Dinner - 5:30 PM - Poplar Grove Church - Please come to serve and/or eat.
Friday July 17 - Cookout/Movie Night - 6 PM - Church Lawn and Basement - Come for supper and the movie How to Train Your Dragon Part 2. Help also appreciated. Talk to Nikki. Invite friends and neighbors!
Sunday July 19 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service - 10:30 am.
Saturday July 25 - All Church Party/Picnic - Blacktop Farm - 2-9 PM - Supper at 5:30 PM - Enjoy time together eating, relaxing, hiking, canoeing, playing volleyball and basketball, biking.(bring your bikes) Bring your own sandwich and a side dish to share with everyone. Drinks provided. Campfire and smores at the end of the night. Come for all or part of the time!
Sunday July 26 - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement.
- Worship Service - 10:30 am.
- Fire Station Chicken Barbeque - No treats at church, please support this lunch in town!
STUDY/GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES
Sundays - Adult Study - 9:15 am - Church Basement - Studying: We Make the Road by Walking.
Wednesdays - Potluck and Bible Study - Barrick's Home - Starting topical study starting July 8. First week's topic is forgiveness. 6 PM.
Saturdays - Men's Study - 8:30 am - Dandy Donuts - Studying We Make the Road by Walking.
OTHER NEWS
Fundraiser for the Well Project - This month when you go out to eat, we are challenging you to only order a glass of water instead of your usual coffee, soda, tea, or whatever. Take the money you save and put it in a jar to go towards the well we want to fund. Another option is to take the change out of your purse or pocket at the end of the day and put that in to a jar. Or you can do both ideas. Keep your jar at home and fill it for the month and into early August. We will collect them on Sunday August 9 during the morning service.
Flowers for the altar - We are in need of flowers for the month of July and August. Interested? Contact Jennifer. Strong Spirits - Gary does a weekly email devotional for the YMCA staff. If anyone else is interested in receiving it, send Gary an email and let him know.