Back in 1993, an advertising campaign began that encouraged people to enjoy milk and dairy products. The slogan was “Got Milk?” So, do you thirst for milk? We read in 1 Peter 2:2, “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” Peter is referring to a mother’s milk, as the analogy of newborn infants makes clear. He isn’t contrasting the milk of God’s Word with meat, as Paul does in 1 Corinthians 3:2. We are always to be feeding on this nourishing milk. It is simple enough for the youngest infant in the faith, but solid enough for the most mature saints.
God has designed a mother’s milk as the perfect food for newborn babies. It will immunize her baby from many illnesses and nourish her baby for growth. God’s Word will protect Christians from many spiritual diseases, as well as nourish them to grow in the Lord. A mother’s milk will make her baby grow for months without any other food. God’s Word will nourish Christians so that they “grow up into salvation.” Peter means salvation in its ultimate sense, which includes everything that God has provided for us who are His children. We never reach a place in this life where we can stop growing.
One thing about children is that they’re excited about growing. When Kristen used to go over to one of her babysitters, she enjoyed going back to their closet, where the couple placed marks on the wall of Kristen’s growth. She would get excited about her growing. I am still waiting for my growth spurt!!
God’s children should be that excited about growing into their salvation. Just as physical growth is not instant or readily seen, this is also true with spiritual growth. You probably won’t see it day to day. But if you keep feeding on the milk of God’s Word, you will be nourished toward growth. That’s what the Word of God is like. It’s pure; it’s rational; it’s nourishing milk that will make you “grow up into salvation.” Got Milk?
Worship
Pastor Glen will continue the study of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. His sermon this Sunday is: “The Real Thing,” based on Philippians 3:1-3. Please read this text in preparation for worship.
For your information, we have moved name tags to a table inside the sanctuary door to alleviate a bottleneck of traffic coming into the church!
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 Lowell Gross and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will continue our study of the Acts of the Apostles. This Sunday we will focus on Acts 13: Saul and Barnabas preach the Gospel! Please bring your Bible.
Bible Reading Plans
If you are interested in reading the Bible this year, I have attached a link to several Bible reading plans. It’s never too late to start reading the Bible regularly!! https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/
Annual Congregational Meeting
Our annual congregational meeting will be THIS SUNDAY immediately after our worship service. We will be given a state of the church report, including a financial report, elect a church treasurer, and approve the pastor’s terms of call. Please plan to attend this important meeting!
Ministry Fair
There will be a ministry fair on February 11th. There will be opportunities to explore various ministries within the church and sign up to serve in a particular ministry area. Please mark your calendars for this exciting time of learning and serving.
Men’s Bible Study
Our Men’s Bible Study meets every Tuesday from 7:00 to 8:00 a.m. in the Community Room at Panera Bread. We are currently driving down Rt. 66, exploring the 66 books of the Bible. Since we did not meet this past Tuesday (because of weather) this Tuesday we will be exploring Titus. All men are invited and encouraged to join us!!
Parking
Since our parking lot on Sundays is becoming fuller (which is a wonderful problem!!!), we encourage members and friends who can park in the lots to the west of the church facility. There is a path with pavers to walk around the building to the main entrance.
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
Are You Receiving Church Emails
If you or someone you know would like to receive periodic emails, including This Week @ Hope and the weekly Prayer Requests and Praise Reports, please provide your first and last name, as well as your email address. You may give this information to one of our elders: Albert Danraj, Marty Porter, Tim Stewart, or Bob Simmons. Thank you so much!
Golden Oldies
We will meet next on February 13th from 10:30 to Noon at Panera Bread Community Room. A representative from Social Services will be our speaker. All church members and elders are invited to join us for this session.
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!!
Mission Corner
We will continue to collect Baby Bottles to support the ministry of ComfortCare Women’s Health once again this year. Baby bottles are to be filled with extra change or any other donations. They need to be returned by February 18th! If anyone needs more baby bottles or has a question, please contact Pay Layne.
Candi Brown shares her gratitude to all our folks who have donated various items to support families through Love INC! Beginning in January through March we will be collecting baby diapers and wipes. We are grateful for our partnership with Love INC and your support in making donations to this ministry!!
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 Outreach page
January Birthdays
Candi Brown (1/22); Janet Coiner (1/27)