Pastor’s Corner
Today, I sat down to write and thought about the last article I wrote for The Messenger.
I mentioned that there would likely be storms that would come with new leadership, and the storms have come for sure. With every storm comes new challenges. How do we weather these storms?
Will there be casualties? These questions require God’s infinite answers, and God calls us to remain faithful to why we exist as a church, no matter what the storms may bring.
We are a church, and we exist to proclaim Christ to a lost world. Our worship must reflect who God is, and in our worship we are told by Jesus Christ Himself, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34. Matthew tells us in chapter 10 verse 38 that “whoever does not take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me” To follow Christ Jesus, we are all required to deny our selfish desires and exalt Him. We will move forward as God directs and worship Him and Him alone.
Pastor Al
A Prayer Of Confession
Dear God, we admit we’ve fallen short in all areas of our lives. We haven’t followed you faithfully, and we haven’t shown love to our neighbors. We don’t deserve your forgiveness. But we confess our sins, knowing that you are a God of grace. Thank you for offering us your riches at Christ’s expense. Give us a clean slate and help us live for you, now and always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
V V V V V V V V V V V V
“Great are the works of the LORD!” (Psalm 111:2): long summer days, meteor showers, lakes and forests, time for vacation and rest. Let us worship our generous God.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sunday School – 8:30 AM in the Community Building
Choir Practice will resume in September
You may reach Pastor Al at #609-529-7526, or Abh5676@yahoo.com
Thursday, August 3rd – PW meeting 10:30am at the home of Deb Hickok
Thursday, August 9th to Friday, August 11th – Vacation Bible School in the Community Building.
Ages 2 through 6th grade. 9:00am to Noon each day.
Wednesday, August 16th – Men’s Breakfast at 8:00am
Saturday, August 26th – Session meeting 9:00am
Tuesday, August 29th – Newsletter Deadline
Plastic Grocery Bags – Please give bags to Bonne Travis – these are used to crochet sleep mats for the homeless.
Please sign up to host one of the social hours on the Sunday after Communion Service on the first Sunday of the month. Hosting only means setting out what is brought and cleaning up afterward. It does not mean bringing everything to share.
Don’t forget our card ministry – If you would like a card sent to a particular person to give them a lift or let them know they are missed or offer encouragement, etc. etc., just give the name and address to Cathe. Cards, envelopes and postage will be provided and placed on a table in the Community Building the first Sunday of each month. As we file past the table on our way to the coffee pot, we will be able to sign each of the cards and Cathe will address the envelopes and mail them.
Loose Change Offerings ( coins and bills)
1st Sunday – Local Missions
2nd Sunday – General Fund
3rd Sunday – Kenya/Rev. Malabo
4th Sunday – General Fund
5th Sunday – Trehab Local Food Bank (whenever there is a 5th Sunday)
