Family Recap for July 27, 2008

Wow – what a week it was. The excitement in the church this past week was contagious. Kids, teens, adults all were filled with wonder as we looked at God’s power. A great big thank you goes out to all who participated in making this another wonderful time of introducing children to the love of Jesus Christ. I still smile when I think of my youngest grandson and his conversation with his mother. She asked him what he liked best about VBS and after a long pause said “B”. I’m sure there were many glorious stories shared with mom’s and dad’s throughout our community as a result of coming to Vacation Bible School. I would also like to offer a special word of thanks to Mike and Jan who before heading off to NY to visit family, spent several hours cleaning the church – true servants.

On Sunday, I continued with the second message in the series of Witnesses of Jesus as we looked at the story of Jarius and the death of his daughter. The main point I tried to make is simply that God doesn’t know “hopeless.” That there is no time in which we are without hope! This was driven home clearly this past week as we were celebrating VBS with dozens of kids, one of our own was ushered into the presence of Christ. For years many of your have been praying for Deb Fey, even daring to ask God for healing of her MS. God, in his love for her, chose to take her home. That does not diminish our hope in any way for ultimately that is the destination all of us long for – to be at home with our Savior. We will mourn her loss, especially the ladies in the bible study, but we will also rejoice for her as she is now free of suffering and in the company of her loving Savior.

On August ninth, over a dozen will head out for Osnaburgh. Pray for this team that they will go with a loving heart and will be used of God to lead others to the throne of God’s grace. They need your prayers. They also need your financial support – so if you can help out, label your gift “Os Team.”

Some of the upcoming events include:

Update – Help Needed

Custodian – I want to express a word of thanks to those who have stepped up to help keep our facilities in good shape. I’m not sure what God has in mind but I know He is preparing to provide for this need. Until the Lord does each of us will have to make a special effort to maintain our facilities. That means, picking up that wrapper, that bulletin, that paper towel that’s lying on the floor. That means wiping up the spill rather than leaving it for another. Simple things that that can go a long way toward keeping our church ready for services.

repeat – “Baptismal Service” – Our baptismal service will take place this Sunday, immediately following the morning service and fellowship time. We will meet at the McVean’s at noon for the service and a picnic lunch together. We currently have two candidates for baptism but there is still opportunity for you to consider it. Give me a call or speak to me on Sunday. If you have never been baptized as a follower of Jesus Christ – the bottom line is that – you’re living in disobedience.

revised – “Jonah – it’s not about a big fish” – Join us Wednesday evening 6:30 pm as we continue our study in this familiar story.

Repeat – Osnaburgh Trip – Our next team will leave for Os on August 9^th – There is a need for financial help – Make your check out to the church and note it for Os trip. I would also encourage you to pray for each team member. A list of them was recently placed in your mailbox.

Repeat – “Family Festival” – The fun gets underway on Saturday, August 23^rd with several activities at the Community Center. There will be music and the opportunity to do the limbo and the chicken dance with your wife, mother, child, or sweetheart. We are looking to have food available. This will be a fun event for the entire family and your neighborhood from 6-10 pm. On Sunday we will have an outdoor service along with potluck picnic followed by games. Last year was such a wonderful experience we want to build on that and give opportunity to invite you friends to a positive event. The service will get underway at the usual time followed by the picnic. Make plans to join us for the end of summer festival.

Update – “Couple’s Retreat – Marriage EKG” – Looking into the Heart of Marriage – Anne and I will be the speakers again this year for a couples retreat over the Labor Day weekend at Deeper Life Bible Camp in Black Duck. Brochures are on the back table. The retreat runs from Aug 29^th through noon on Sept 1^st. .

It is a joy to be your pastor!

Pastor Glenn

Phil 1:3