News & Updates: Week of 2021-04-19
A Note from Pastor Brad
I pray that Sunday was a sweet time of worship for you. I went home after our time of worship and fellowship so full — not just with food but with the Holy Spirit! I was so encouraged by the singing and the talking and, of course, by God’s Word. I have found a renewed fervor in my own devotional life through the course of studying for my current sermon series on 1 & 2 Kings. What a wonder it is to see God’s handiwork on display throughout history! And, what’s more, what a blessed thought to know that this Governor of all history is the God of all grace, whose love is unending and whose power extends to the raging seas!
I didn’t have time for it on Sunday, but I wanted to share with you a psalm that goes right along with my message from 1 Kings 11. It’s Psalm 89. Throughout the lines of this psalm, Ethan the Ezrahite considers the promises of God in light of both human failure and divine faithfulness. Here are a few lines that stand out.
Psalm 89:5–18:
Lord, the heavens praise your wonders — your faithfulness also — in the assembly of the holy ones. For who in the skies can compare with the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord? God is greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, more awe-inspiring than all who surround him. Lord God of Armies, who is strong like you, Lord? Your faithfulness surrounds you. You rule the raging sea; when its waves surge, you still them.You crushed Rahab like one who is slain; you scattered your enemies with your powerful arm. The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours. The world and everything in it — you founded them. North and south — you created them. Tabor and Hermon shout for joy at your name. You have a mighty arm; your hand is powerful; your right hand is lifted high. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; faithful love and truth go before you. Happy are the people who know the joyful shout; Lord, they walk in the light from your face. They rejoice in your name all day long, and they are exalted by your righteousness. For you are their magnificent strength; by your favor our horn is exalted. Surely our shield belongs to the Lord, our king to the Holy One of Israel.
It is this same Lord God of Armies and Ruler of the Raging Seas that covenants to enfold you in his faithful love. Notice, Psalm 89:28–37:
I will always preserve my faithful love for him, and my covenant with him will endure. I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as heaven lasts. If his sons abandon my instruction and do not live by my ordinances, if they dishonor my statutes and do not keep my commands, then I will call their rebellion to account with the rod, their iniquity with blows. But I will not withdraw my faithful love from him or betray my faithfulness. I will not violate my covenant or change what my lips have said. Once and for all I have sworn an oath by my holiness; I will not lie to David. His offspring will continue forever, his throne like the sun before me, like the moon, established forever, a faithful witness in the sky.
Today, may you find tremendous hope and courage and comfort in this God who patiently preserves his faithful love for those who are his sons and daughters.
Blessings 🙏 Pastor Brad
Be encouraged by reading more of Pastor’s devotionals and theological reflections over on his blog.
Worship with us!
We are back to our regular worship schedule this coming Sunday, with worship services at 10am and 6pm. Join your church family as we gather around around God’s Word and fellowship with God’s people. If you aren’t able to be with us, we invite you to tune-in via our livestream! God bless 🙏
We have Sunday School every Sunday at 9am.
Don’t miss out on some wonderful opportunities to grow in grace with your church family. Join Matt Shively as he walks through “The Names of God” throughout the Bible and gleans timeless truths from God’s titles.
Events & Announcements
Men and brothers, there’s another Men’s Bible Study THIS Saturday, Apr. 24, at 9am. Join us for another time of sharpening in the Word of God.
All hands on deck! There will be a church work day THIS Saturday, Apr. 24, at 10am. There are several projects that will be tackled that day, and many hands make light work, so come for a little or as long as you can. Here’s a list of the projects we are aiming to tackle:
Replace backboard in gym
Finish drain cleaning out front
Clean up brush around shed
Weeding around the church building and sign
Change filters and chlorine tablets in church building
Clean up and add mulch around the church building
Put seal in church parking lot cracks
Check electrical in sanctuary lighting
Clean the maintenance closet in gym
Clean and organize the shed next to gym
If you’re able to come, and are able to bring any of the following tools, that would be helpful: chainsaws, weed whackers, shovels, rakes, etc. Thank you!
Worship team leaders and planners, please plan on meeting Tuesday, Apr. 27, at 7pm to review the worship plans for the next month. Thank you!
The next board meeting is schedule for Tuesday, May 4, at 7pm.
This year’s Walk-Run-Ride for Life is being held at Knoebel’s on Saturday, May 8. Registration begins at 9am. The walk will start at 10am. Sponsorship forms are on the table in the church lobby. If you have questions regarding this event, please see Brenda Snyder.
We have booked dates for this year’s Word of Life Summer Camp, for June 27—July 2! Tickets are now available for students entering 9th grade through graduating 12th grade. The cost is $240. To reserve your spot, please submit a $50 deposit to either Pastor Nathan or Christa Kersey.
We are still moving forward with plans to visit Poland THIS summer, July 8–20. Thank you for praying for this opportunity to bring the gospel to the nations! 🙏
Resources
Your faithful giving and support allows us to keep spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you 🙌
Thank you for being a praying church by taking your church family to the Lord in prayer. If you have a prayer request you want added to the list or if you have an update on any of the requests listed, please contact Pastor Brad. Thank you! 🙏
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