The resurrection of our Lord Jesus adds a dimension to death that can never be erased. Consider the words of the Apostle Paul, as he wrote the Thessalonians: “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Paul wanted us to be aware of what he had already discovered. We are not to grieve as those who have no hope. By the way, we are to grieve – that is real (and we all grieve in different ways). But if death were the final word, death would be a time of nothing but grief.
Christianity is founded on hope. The simple and great truth about Jesus is hope. This hope is grounded in what the Apostle Paul declared in verse 14 of 1 Thessalonians 4: “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” Friends, our hope is the resurrection of Christ. If Christ is not risen, then our hope is vain. May we rejoice in that hope!!
Worship
Pastor Glen will resume our study of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. Glen’s message is, “To Die is Gain?” based upon Philippians 1:19-26. Please read this text before worship.
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the large Sunday school room. Please join Deborah Kleinschuster and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will continue our study of the Gospel of John. This Sunday we will focus on John 19: Jesus’ Crucifixion!! Please bring your Bible.
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
August Financial Report
Tithes/Offerings: Monthly: $13,350 YTD: $144,766.29
Expenses: Monthly: $12,918.03 YTD: $133,554.36
Capital Campaign: $3,875.00 YTD: $14,923.00
Church Sign Donations: Monthly: $0. YTD: $2,800.00
Golden Oldies
Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports
If you have any concerns you would like to add to the Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports list or give an update, PLEASE contact our prayer coordinator, Janet Coiner (540.447.0918) by THURSDAY at 10:00 a.m.!! Thanks so much!!
Driver Assistance
If you or someone in our congregation needs a ride to a doctor’s appointment or other appointments, please call Tom Reider (540.649.5162). He has agreed to coordinate rides. He has a list of those who have volunteered to give those rides. We are grateful for this important ministry!!
The Gathering
Let’s join other area churches in praying for persecuted Christians around the world! The Gathering will be held on Sunday, October 15th at 3:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church of Augusta.
The featured speaker this year will be our own Dr. Andrew Brunson (an EPC Teaching Elder), who, along with his wife, Norine, started churches, offered training, aided refugees, and started a house of prayer in Turkey. They served there for 23 years until they were falsely accused of terrorism in October 2016. Andrew was held in Turkish prisons for two years. He was dramatically released in October 2018 as a result of a worldwide prayer movement and significant political pressure from the U.S. government.
Mission Corner
Missions Team is active keeping in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Outreach page
October Birthdays
Alicia O’Ram (10/8); Joyce Gordon (10/10); George Wilson and Bob Simmons (10/15); Tyler Bouthillier (10/29)