Friends-
I am writing this just before heading out to points west, and the continuation of my sabbatical. I want to thank all of you who have extended best wishes and prayers for our time away. Already God is showing me some things I need to see. I imagine that He will continue to do so. So, please, keep us in your prayers to that end.
Our recent discussion about flags did not so much cause division among us, as it did reveal division that was already there. Jesus prayed to his Father that we would be one, and we are. But that doesn't mean we all have the same opinion. In fact, I suppose there are any number of topics I could name that would be cause for division. We don't need to discuss them all. But we do need to realize that we do have differing opinions on many matters, and that our charge is to love each other despite the differences. What we have in common- Jesus, his love for us, our love for him, his call to us to serve him- is far more important than whatever differences we might find.
I pray that August will find our congregation growing stronger, deeper, and freer in the love Jesus has for us. You are a great congregation. Let's continue together to grow into Christ-likeness and greater service to Him.
With you in Him,
Gary
I am writing this just before heading out to points west, and the continuation of my sabbatical. I want to thank all of you who have extended best wishes and prayers for our time away. Already God is showing me some things I need to see. I imagine that He will continue to do so. So, please, keep us in your prayers to that end.
Our recent discussion about flags did not so much cause division among us, as it did reveal division that was already there. Jesus prayed to his Father that we would be one, and we are. But that doesn't mean we all have the same opinion. In fact, I suppose there are any number of topics I could name that would be cause for division. We don't need to discuss them all. But we do need to realize that we do have differing opinions on many matters, and that our charge is to love each other despite the differences. What we have in common- Jesus, his love for us, our love for him, his call to us to serve him- is far more important than whatever differences we might find.
I pray that August will find our congregation growing stronger, deeper, and freer in the love Jesus has for us. You are a great congregation. Let's continue together to grow into Christ-likeness and greater service to Him.
With you in Him,
Gary
August Events
Sunday August 3 - Worship Service with Communion - 10:30 am
Adult Bible Study - before church - 9:15 am - church basement
Friday August 8 - Cookout/Movie Night - 7 PM - Church lawn. Free event! Bring a friend or neighbor!
Sunday August 10 - Worship Service - 10:30 am
Adult Bible Study - before church - 9:15 am - church basement
Thursday August 14 - Church Board Meeting - 7 PM - Church Fellowship Room
Sunday August 17 - Worship Service - 10:30 am
Adult Bible Study - before church - 9:15 am - church basement
Thursday August 21 - Community Dinner served by our congregation - Sign up in fellowship room.
Friday August 22 - Cookout/Movie Night - 7 PM - Church lawn. Last one of the season! Don't miss this fun night!
Sunday August 24 - Worship Service - 10:30 am
Adult Bible Study - before church - 9:15 am - church basement
Sunday August 31 - Worship Service - 10:30 am
Adult Bible Study - before church - 9:15 am - church basement
STUDY OPPORTUNITIES
Sundays - Adult Bible Study - 9:15 am - church basement - Becky Brauer leading a study on the book of John.
Wednesdays - Potluck and Bible Study - Taking the month of August off, will resume studying the book of Acts on Sept. 3
Saturdays - Men's Book Study - Will resume after the summer. Talk to Cam Staman if you have questions.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Greeters - Please sign up in the fellowship room.
Refreshments - Please sign up in the fellowship room.
Community Dinners - Please take a turn at this great chance for service. Sign up sheet in the fellowship room.
Cookout/Movie Nights - Food and volunteers needed. Sign up in fellowship room. Talk to Nikki if you have questions.
Toothbrush Collection - We are collecting toothbrushes to be taken to Haiti in September by the Friends of the Children. Look for the big white basket next to the big tooth in the fellowship room. Dollar Tree is a great place to get them.
OTHER NEWS
New Directory - Please email Jennifer any corrections or additions to your information in the church directory.
Old Chairs and Tables - Please talk to Bob Lyford if you are interested in any of the old chairs or tables. LOOKING AHEAD Sunday September 14 - All Church Picnic - Lunch will be provided outside after church. Plan on staying for great food and fellowship. Saturday September 27 - Fall Luncheon and Bazaar
New Directory - Please email Jennifer any corrections or additions to your information in the church directory.
Old Chairs and Tables - Please talk to Bob Lyford if you are interested in any of the old chairs or tables. LOOKING AHEAD Sunday September 14 - All Church Picnic - Lunch will be provided outside after church. Plan on staying for great food and fellowship. Saturday September 27 - Fall Luncheon and Bazaar
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