Message from the Pastor
Galatians 5:13-14 (NRSV)
13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. 14 For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
July is definitely the month to celebrate freedom. For those of us who have been “held captive” throughout the month of June, working on great things, of course like Mission Trip and VBS (also Annual Conference), July comes with a since of being free at last! So what do we do with this time? We all need time to relax a bit an unwind, but even so, we have to remember that God still needs us to remain faithful.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that God will continually bring opportunities for us to engage others with love and hope. Here are a couple of ways that I am inviting you to remain engaged:
Participate in the food drive for the Food Panty. Our children during VBS began our drive by bringing non-perishables and cash to help feed our neighbors. We will be collecting food at the church throughout the month of July to continue the effort. Bring food or cash! Love you neighbors as yourself!
Participate in our Snow Cone Bible Study, July 9, 16, and 23 at 7 p.m. at the Snowball stand. We have the opportunity to share a faith in a fun and unique way. The Snowball stand is a gathering place for people in our community each evening. The Clarkson’s have agreed to let us meet there and talk about Jesus and his love. Engaging people with the Good News of God is an excellent way to love our neighbors as ourselves. Our topics will be: Prayer, Grace, and Forgiveness.
As you are able, please be at worship. July is Hank’s last full month to serve our congregation with his musical talents. You don’t want to miss it.
I hope you all have a safe 4th of July celebration. I’ll see you soon. Blessings, Pastor Joe