Friday, July 25, 2025

Happy Friday!

Today's scripture comes to us from the Acts of the Apostles... and tells us a little more about the adventures of Paul and Barnabas...

                  "Some of the Jews, however, spurned God's message and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against Paul and Barnabas."   (Acts 14:2 NLT) 

It shouldn't surprise you to learn that we live in a pretty toxic culture. Constant social media use is driving up depression and anxiety, and steady, doom-laden news feeds are snatching away the hope that keeps us going. The background noise, once a mere static that could easily be ignored, has become something far more sinister -- a soul-sucking, vampiric force that seems to prey on the spiritual well-being of all those careless enough to pay it too much heed. It's poison of the most insidious sort. So, what's the cure, you ask? What could possibly cut through such a thick fog of despair and hostility?
   
Frequent meditation on the truth on God's Word.
   
The Bible doesn't exist simply to fill a slot on your shelf or to provide good reading material for when you can't sleep. No, it's less a book than it is a weapon -- a force that can cut down the enemies' temptations and unlock enduring power in the hearts of those who meditate on its words. It's also an antidote -- a well of life-bringing promises that can cleanse our hearts and minds of the stale, toxic air to which we've become so accustomed.
   
Don't succumb to the poison of this world; use God's cure.  

                 I feel so worn down and defeated by the toxicity all around me, O God. Please strengthen my soul with your love and reassurance. Amen.

+++ Many of us will gather for a Celebration of Life service for June Lawrence on Saturday here at Immanuel. There will be a calling hour from 11:00am-12:00noon, and the Celebration of Life worship begins at 12:00noon. We look forward to thanking God for June's time among us and celebrating the lessons she taught each of us!  

+++ We gather for worship on Sunday at 9:00am and this week we welcome Aaron James and Brooks Ryan through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. We will be hearing from Ephesians 6 and 1 John, and my message is entitled, "What Kids Wish Their Parents Knew". What do our young people need, in today's world, to safely navigate childhood? And how can we, as adults, offer those needs? Join me as I think this through for myself, as well! If you can't be with us here in our air-conditioned Sanctuary, look for us on our Facebook page for the "live-stream" at 9:00am and then on the church's YouTube channel for the completed worship, as well. We look forward to "seeing you" in worship at 9:00am on Sunday!  

+++ Next week Pam will be away on vacation and the office will be staffed each morning by church volunteers. Volunteers.... thanks for helping out as our staff is able to refresh and renew.

+++ Vacation Bible School is coming! Each Wednesday night in August we will gather at 6:00pm for an evening of stories, songs, games, crafts, food and fun. Our theme this year is ROAD TRIP: On the Go with God. Make sure your kids are registered and ready for a great time of fellowship and learning together each week.  You can register online here.

+++ Our 16th annual Mini Golf Tournament for Missions is on Saturday, August 9th.  Get your team organized and see Shelley to get your registration form!  Forms are also available on our website here. Thanks for supporting the mission work we do here at Immanuel!   

Make this day a great day and always be ready to turn to God's Word!   
​Pastor Jack