Are you sure of your salvation? If we want to be sure of our salvation, we must trust in God’s work of salvation in us. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Philippians 1:6. I often write this verse on birthday cards – “. . . And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Salvation is God’s doing from start to finish. God began our salvation, and He will finish the job. If salvation is, even in part, the work of you or me, there is the chance that it won’t be finished. But if God has begun it, and we see evidence of it, then we can be sure that He will bring it to completion when Jesus Christ returns.
As Paul states in Philippians 3:12-14, “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
Perfection in trusting in God’s work of salvation in us is not going to happen until we are with the Lord. By the way, the fact that God does it does not imply that we are passive. God is at work, but we work with Him. As Paul states in Philippians 2:12-13, we must continue to “work out our salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work his good pleasure.”
Our assurance and confidence are never in ourselves or our working, but only in God and in the evidence we see of His faithful working in and through us. If there is evidence that God has begun the work of salvation in us, we can be assured that He will complete it as we participate in the gospel. So, if you desire to be sure of your salvation, trust in God’s work of salvation in you!
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 Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will focus on 1 Corinthians 4: “Be Wise about the Christian Ministry.” Please bring your Bible.
Fall Fest 2024
Our Fall Fest is THIS SATURDAY (October 12th) from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fun, food, music, and games! This will be a craft fair with food, giveaways, a cake walk, and games for all!
Please plan to attend this fun event to reach out to our community! If you have not already volunteered to help, please contact Candi Brown (540.241.2021) or Nina Gross (540.480.3441). See you Saturday!!
Hurricane Relief
If you would like to contribute toward hurricane relief in the wake of the tremendous losses of Hurricane Helene, we have included the EPC connection for making tax-deductible donations. We anticipate that there will be opportunities to also coWe appreciate that our extra giving is above and beyond our tithes to the church. Here is the link https://epc.org/donate/emergencyrelief/
Pastor Search Committee Update & Prayer
Your Pastor Search Committee is in the process of searching for our next lead pastor. They are currently reviewing some initial inquiries about the position.
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.
Tithes & Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
Session Highlights
Our Session met on Monday, October 7th at 7:00 p.m.
- We decided to repair the Millers Supplies at Work warehouse roof.
- We discussed potential responsibilities for deacons with the understanding that we would include the deacons in this conversation.
Our Session met on Monday, September 16th at 5:00 p.m. The following are some of the highlights:
- Pastor Glen led in a study of James 1:2-4, focusing on the importance of rejoicing even in times of trials and challenges.
- We welcomed our new ruling elders, Richard Ammons and Don Coffey.
- We elected Richard Ammons as our Clerk of Session.
- We approved the Session minutes of August 16th and the Called Session Meeting of September 8th.
- Pastor Glen reported on various items, including celebrating the ordination and installation of new elders and deacons on September 8th.
- We met with members of the Outreach Team, as they shared plans for future outreach opportunities.
- Review of the budget by Elder Tim Stewart, including the st
- We reviewed plans for welcome center upgrades, as well as purchasing additional chairs for the sanctuary and updating the lighted sign in front of our building.
- We reviewed the responsibilities of the Board of Deacons.
- Please pray for the Session, as they will meet next on Monday, October 21st.
Budget Update
Total Tithes/Offerings for August: $22,014.54 YTD: $208,595.54
Total Expenses for August: $12,526.66 YTD: $136,732.00
Golden Oldies
Golden Oldies met on October 9th at 10:30 in the Waynesboro Panera Bread Community Room. Lori Showalter was our guest speaker. Lori is the Director of Volunteer Services for Augusta Health and Hospice of the Shenandoah (of Augusta Health). She gave a very informative overview of hospice, among other topics of interest.
We will meet next on November 13th for a lunch out at the Wood Grill in Harrisonburg. Please see Harold or Janet Coiner if you will attend i order that reservations can be made.
There will be NO meeting in December. Celebrate with church services and family gatherings!!
Fall Fest 2024
Mark your calendars for our Fall Fest on October 12th 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 by donating craft or art items, setting up, and volunteering during the event. We will also need cakes. Sign-up sheets are available in the welcome center at the church. If you are interested in volunteering to help, please contact Candi Brown (540.241.2021) or Nina Gross (540.480.3441). More information to come!
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
The Prayer Room is an outreach ministry in downtown Waynesboro, caring for people practically, as well as sharing the good news of Jesus Christ! We are collecting personal hygiene items and wrapped food items to support this ministry. Any donations can be brought to the church, and they will be given to the Prayer Room.
We are collecting cleaning supplies (e.g., dish detergent, all-purpose household cleaner, laundry detergent) from October through December for Love INC.
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
October Birthdays
George Wilson & Bob Simmons (10/15); Tyler Bouthillier & Terry Coffey (10/29)