The Apostle Paul stated in Colossians 1:9, “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.”
Paul desired for us to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will. He didn’t desire just a small measure of God’s will but that we would be satiated with a full measure of God’s will. What does it mean to be filled with the knowledge of God’s will? Often, when we talk about the will of God we think of his will for me – is it God’s will that I should be a teacher, or go to college, or get a second opinion, or go on vacation? This, however, is not what is meant in this context; rather, it refers to that revelation of God’s will as it impacts upon what we believe and the way we live.
The Greek word for “knowledge” in this passage is epignosis, which means knowledge that is the result of practical and personal experience not just academic or intellectual knowledge but genuine recognition of God and God’s truth. Thus, our knowledge of God’s will is something we have discovered through practice and application in our lives.
As the Apostle Paul prayed for the Colossians, may we be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, which will impact the way we live our lives before the face of God!
Worship
In Pastor Glen’s absence, Ruling Elder Bob Simmons will proclaim God’s Word. His message this Sunday is “The Perfect Lamb,” based on Exodus 12:1-11. Please read this text in preparation for worship.
Adult Bible Study Class
Our Adult Bible Study class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the large Sunday school room. Please join Lowell Gross and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will focus on Romans 13: “Citizen, Debtor, Garment Exchange.” 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.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” (James 1:5-6).
PRAYER: “Gracious and loving God, we confess our lack of wisdom. You know all things, and we do not, but you have told us that if we ask you will give it to us. Grant wisdom to the pastor search committee that they may only hear your still, small voice. We do not want to be like waves tossed by the wind – for the church to be drifting toward disaster; we pray in the strong name of Jesus Christ our Lord. 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 July: $20,674.29 YTD: $186,581.00
Total Expenses for July: $13,518.34 YTD: $123,689.33
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, host your own table, 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!
Bible Study Fellowship
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
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)