Friday, June 21, 2024

Happy First Day of Summer!

As we mark the start of this new season, my reading continues in the Psalms where I read these words...

                     "Your promises are backed by all the honor of
                                your name."   (Psalm 138:2 NLT) 

Your unsaved friend is in the hospital undergoing heart surgery. You send him an encouraging note including your heartfelt prayer for a smooth procedure and a complete and quick recovery, and include several scriptures telling of God's will to heal and deliver. You wait, hoping he has not only made it through the surgery successfully, but also that he wasn't offended by your spiritual overtones.  
   
God will make himself known through each word you share. Release your concern, and allow the Holy Spirit to minister God's grace. God works through God's Word. And God's Word is spirit and life and will not return to God void. You must be ready to deliver it to those who inwardly seek after the hope that is outwardly evident in you. Lift up the word and let it go. Pray for God to reveal himself, and know that it is through God's Word that God makes himself known in the hearts of all people -- including those you love. 
   
So you can join me in praying, Make yourself known, O God  whenever loved ones are suffering or the world around you seems so hopelessly ignorant. Or whenever you feel weak or are praying for the sick. Make yourself known, O God. Amen.   

+++ This week we begin our summer worship schedule with one worship service at 9:00am in the Sanctuary! The church is both prayer conditioned and air-conditioned and I think this week we will appreciate both! We will hear once again the story of young David and the giant Goliath from 1 Samuel and my message is entitled, "Overcoming the Odds". How do you overcome the odds that often seem stacked against you? I will share with you a time in my life when the odds were definitely not with me. The Facebook live-stream begins at 9:00am this week and then we will "upload" the completed worship to the church YouTube channel when completed. We will save you a great seat in the Sanctuary on Sunday!  

+++ A couple of dates to save on your calendar this week:

• Our annual Mini Golf for Missions event at the Fairmount Glen course on Saturday, August 10th! Begin getting your team together for a fun morning of fellowship and laughs. Mark your calendars to save this date! 
• Vacation Bible School will occur each Wednesday night during August. Our theme this year is "Food Truck Party" and you can register on the church's  webpage. Registration is open now and we are planning on a fun time each week at our VBS!  

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+++ This week we received an email communication form our Bishop, Bishop Hector Burgos-Nunez about some staffing changes in the appointed Cabinet and additional information about decisions made at General Conference and how we will live into these. Click on this link  to read Bishop Hector's thoughts for the church.  

Make this day a great day and always be ready to pray, Make yourself known, O God. Amen. 
​Pastor Jack