July 2010
Happy 4th of July ... What are you doing to celebrate your independence? Most people get together with family and friends for picnics, fireworks, camping, and other outdoor activities. This year you can add one more activity to an already busy time because the 4th falls on Sunday this year; Church. Yes, I am inviting everyone to church on Sunday July 4th. Not only can we celebrate the freedoms we share as "Americans" we can celebrate the freedom we share as "Christians". There was a time when I looked at July 4th as just another day for time off from work. It was a long weekend in the military. In fact, on many occasions, I requested special liberty on that long holiday weekend. It gave me four days off beginning on Thursday afternoon and lasting until Tuesday morning. I would arrive back at the ship or on the base just before duty sometimes overly tired from the weekend activities or driving all night to make it back for duty. For me, the 4th of July was a weekend pass, a time for parties, a time for fireworks and lake activities. You would think that because I was in the Navy, the July 4 holiday would have a different meaning. Yet, in that time of my life, it didn't. Like many things in my life at that time, I took this time for granted. But I think that is how many people go through life. As I matured (notice I didn't say grew older), I learned to appreciate life differently. I also appreciate the sacrifice people made so that I could take my freedoms for granted. There is one other area of life that we take for granted and it also deals with freedom and sacrifice ... "Jesus".
10 They cried out in a loud voice, saying, "Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!" 11 And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 singing, "Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen." 13 Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, "Who are these, robed in white, and where have they come from?" 14 I said to him, "Sir, you are the one that knows." Then he said to me, "These are they who have come out of the great ordeal; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 For this reason they are before the throne of God, and worship him day and night within his temple, and the one who is seated on the throne will shelter them. (Rev. 7:10-15)
I encourage you to remember the freedoms we share in Jesus and the sacrifice made for you.
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith
and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God
not by works, so that no one can Boast." (Eph. 2:8-9)
Faithfully Serving,
Pastor Frank
Upcoming Events
Other Information
Did you notice the Prayer Request Box in the gathering space? This box is for notes about your prayer requests, surgeries, procedures or other concerns you would like Pastor Gore to be aware of. Note paper and pen are provided beside the box for your convenience.
Charts for Altar Flowers and Bulletins are on the bulletin board across from the church office. Envelopes are available near the charts for you to use. They may be placed in the church offering. Altar Flowers will cost $35.00 per week.
Donations for bulletins are $15.00 for each Sunday.
Memorial Candles may be sponsored by the month and are $4.00 per Sunday.