“Since we live by the Spirit,
let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let is not become conceited,
provoking and envying one another…” (Galatians 5:25,26).
Pastor’s Report – October 2019
This
quarter we finished our preaching series on Galatians, “Getting the Gospel
Right.” I hope together we have been reminded that the message of the Cross is
not something that is relevant only to showing the unsaved the way to peace
with God, but it is also the foundation and motivation for believers to live
life in a fallen world. We love because He first loved us. We have value
because, incredibly, we have a place in God’s story. Because our new life is by
grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, we can’t take the credit, so
there is no room for boasting. Because Jesus paid it all He gets the glory.
That understanding is the foundation for a healthy Christian life, and healthy
Christians together make a healthy church!
In follow
up to Vacation Bible School in the summer and our September FASCAR event, our
Word of Life Olympian ministry has relaunched for the Fall. Our ministry to 1-6th
graders has had a good start, as we come in alongside of our young parents in
helping teach the children the truth of the Word. Bible stories and memory
verses, music, game time and discipleship huddles all combine to build
relationships and share the truth with these young ones. I am excited that
Pastor David and Celeste will be working with teens starting this month, as
this will potentially provide continuity between our ministry to the younger
children and the church, as one ministry feeds into the next.
Our
Sunday School year also restarted in September, following an all-church
breakfast on September 8th. We currently have two adult classes
running, with Lisa Conn doing a special class for women, combining drama and
teaching to tell the story of 4 women who were included in the genealogy of the
Messiah. In the other adult class, I have been leading a study of the prophet
Isaiah, “Messiah, the World’s only Hope!” We also have a teen class plus two
children’s classes covering all age groups, and I am thankful for the teachers
who pray, prepare, and lead these classes weekly. In addition, we have an
excellent Children’s Church ministry which presents an age appropriate lesson
during the sermon time to younger children.
A ladies’
Bible study led by Fay Murphy meets on Wednesday morning in the Fellowship
Hall, and we have a men’s coffee and prayer time on Tuesday morning at 6:30 AM.
During that time we read through and discuss the passage I’ll be preaching on
the following Sunday, and I am appreciative of the men who have made the time
to come to that early morning meeting. We also pray together for some of the
needs on our prayer list. The elders, deacons, and deaconesses have shared in
the shepherding ministry of the church, and I am encouraged how many in the
church body take seriously the admonition to “bear one-another’s burdens…”
Our
Wednesday night prayer meeting and Bible Study in the parsonage usually begins
with a time of singing together, led by Bob Conn. We then discuss the study
questions that were in the bulletin the previous Sunday, centered on the
message that was preached, and then have a time of prayer together, usually
followed by snacks and fellowship around the table.
There are
many opportunities for ministry, and the biblical model is clear: every
member is a minister. No one can do everything, but everyone can do
something. Please be praying about how you can be involved, look at the
ministry board openings in the back of the sanctuary, and come talk with me or
with one of the elders if you need direction about where to serve. In light of
what God has done for us in Christ, let’s stay faithful and engaged until He
returns!
Your co-workers in Christ,
Pastor Steve and Mary
Ann
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