In just over two weeks, our daughter, Kristen, and her fiancé, Ryan, will be joined together in marriage. Kim and I are excited for them, as they are both committed Christians, and they desire to build their marriage on the foundation of Jesus Christ. They hope to establish their home on God’s truth.
We all need to apply God’s truth to our homes. We read in Nehemiah 10:30, “We will not give our daughters to the peoples of the land or take their daughters for our sons.” The people are agreeing that they will not permit intermarriage between their children. God warned Israel of intermarriage in Deuteronomy 7:3-4, “You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, for they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly.”
The temptation of mixed marriages as a snare for God’s people is an ongoing problem that the Evil One has used for centuries and is still using! Significantly, we do not encourage Christians to marry unbelievers. I have known of situations where a Christian marries an unbeliever and by the exemplary behavior and lifestyle of the Christian, the non-believing spouse comes to trust Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. But that is the EXCEPTION, not the rule.
I encourage parents to teach God’s standards in this regard. In today’s age, this needs to be encouraged in children way before they enter their teen years. Therefore, it behooves us to pray for our children and grandchildren that they value relationships that honor the Lord!
Friends, if we do not apply God’s truth in our everyday lives, including in our homes and families, it will not have lasting value. It may be a great text or a great message . . . but does it lead us to change our behavior and pattern of living? May our homes be rooted and grounded in the truth of God’s Word!!
Worship
Pastor Glen will continue our study of the wonderful letter of 1 John. His message this week is “Abiding Amid Deception,” based on 1 John 2:24-27. Please read this text in preparation for worship.
We will also celebrate the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Per 1 Corinthians 11:27-31, please take time to examine yourself before coming to the Lord’s Table.
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 Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will focus on Romans 11: Who is Israel in the Eyes of God? Please bring your Bible.
Pastor Search Committee Update & Prayer
Your Pastor Search Committee is in the process of searching for our next lead pastor.
We invite you to covenant to pray for the next pastor and specifically for the Pastor Search Committee, as they seek the Lord! You may even wish to fast for a meal or a day or more as the Lord directs. Corporate prayer is so needed! Join with other sisters and brothers if you can.
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” (Psalm 37:4-5)
Will you claim the promise of God’s direction to those who seek to know His will?
PRAYER: “Gracious Heavenly Father, today I commit myself to join our church family in crying out to You for the man who is to shepherd this flock. You already know him and we pray you would reveal him to us. Guide our Search Committee in their great responsibility. For the sake of Christ’s Kingdom and in His glorious Name. Amen.”
Tithes & Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
Financial Assistance
In the wake of Jeff Forbis’s serious accident, we would like to help raise some funds to help assist with medical expenses. If you are interested in helping, you can contribute on his GoFundMe site: https://www.gofundme.com/jeff-forbis
Individuals may also contribute directly to Hope Community Church. Just indicate for Jeff Forbis Support to the Caregiving and Relief Ministry. Thank you!
Session Highlights
Our Session met on July 22nd at 5:00 p.m. The following are some of the highlights:
- Study and Reflection on Joshua 1:1-9, Esther 4:13-14, and Matthew 28:18-20 led by Elder Bob Simmons
- Review of the budget by Elder Tim Stewart
- Orville & Laurie Bame were in attendance and shared their thoughts regarding the proposed choir loft redesign, etc.
- We were updated on the HCC website redesign, which is in process
- Discussed the potential of Fifth Sunday Fellowship Lunches after worship
- Outreach Ministry Update, including plans by the team (Co-chairs, Nina Gross & Candi Brown). We also discussed utilizing the ALPHA Course and exploring a Trail Life Troop for youth
- The Air Conditioning unit in the welcome center area is scheduled to be replaced in August.
- We discussed asking Karim Spencer (one of our new members) to send prayer requests about different Middle Eastern countries regularly which will be in our weekly Prayer Requests and Praise Reports.
- Discussed upcoming Congregational Meeting (July 28th) to elect new officers.
Please pray for the Session, as they will meet next Monday, August 19th.
Budget Update
Total Tithes/Offerings for June: $24,566.75. YTD: $165,906.71
Total Expenses for June: $24,757.14 YTD: $110,120.99
Memorial Service
All are invited to attend the memorial service for Teresa Marshall on Saturday, August 10th at 1:00 p.m. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” (Psalm 116:15)
Golden Oldies
We will meet on August 14th at 11:30 a.m. for lunch at Sooner BBQ & More in Stuarts Draft.
We will meet on September 11th at 10:30 in the Waynesboro Panera Bread Community Room. Attorney Bill Watkins will be the speaker to give help on navigating legal paperwork. In addition to the Golden Oldies, other church folks are invited to join us! Have your questions ready!!
FALL FEST 2024
Mark your calendars now for our Fall Fest on October 5th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fun, food, music, and games! This will be a craft fair with BBQ chicken, giveaways, a cake walk, and games for all!
We need your help to donate craft or art items, man your own table if you would like, help set up, volunteer during the event, and we will also need cakes. Sign-up sheets will be available in the welcome center at the church this Sunday. More information to come!
THANK YOU
To all the wonderful church ladies . . . THANK YOU!! I am overwhelmed by all the love and generosity you each poured into me at the bridal shower last weekend. It was so incredibly fun catching up with old friends and getting to know all the new friends! Each one of you is so immensely special to me, and I am grateful to know such strong, Godly women. I cannot thank you all enough for celebrating with me as I enter into marriage. I hope you all have a blessed week/month!
Love, Kristen
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!!
Mission Corner
Mission Opportunity
Our congregation will be serving the meal for the Love INC dinner at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, September 24th. We need people to make sloppy joes. (The recipe is available in the welcome center, and the sloppy joes can be made ahead of time, frozen, and delivered to Kim Holman). We also need cookies made and workers for that evening to set up, serve, and clean up. A sign-up sheet is in the Welcome Center. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those taking the “Change Your Life Class”!
Love INC Support: From July through September, we will be collecting paper products (Paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, etc.). May we be a blessing to those desiring to improve their lives.
The 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 Mission Page
August Birthdays
Jeff Forbis (8/14); Harold Cook (8/16); Glen Holman (8/20); Tim Stewart (8/21); Basil Futrell (8/23); Janet Land (8/27); Kitty Coffey (8/28); Dianne Stewart (8/31)