The Apostle Paul declared in Ephesians 2:8, “For by GRACE you have been saved.” This means that we did NOTHING to earn or deserve our salvation. A more literal rendering of this phrase “for by grace” is “by the grace”. “For” is a term of explanation, which always calls us to ponder. Reformers like Luther and Calvin used the watchword “Sola Gratia,” which means by grace alone!
There are only two principles by which God deals with people – grace and law. According to the principle of grace, God deals favorably with people in a way they do not deserve. The only other principle by which God can deal with people is the law. This principle requires God to deal with people in a way they deserve. Since sinners deserve hell, they cannot be delivered from this penalty by law. The spiritual blindness of humanity is evident in that all human religions teach that people are saved by their works – the principle that bars them from acceptance by God. But no one can ever be saved from his/her sins apart from God’s grace.
The grace of God is the expression of God’s goodness toward the undeserving. In salvation, people who deserve hell obtain heaven because of grace that flows from the Cross. We read, for example, in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
This provision of heaven instead of hell cannot be explained apart from God’s free, yet costly grace. Grace is a gift that costs everything to the Giver and nothing to the receiver. That is why the hymn . . . Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me . . . is SO incredible!! May we give thanks for God’s astonishing, amazing grace!!
Worship
Pastor Glen will continue our study of the first letter of the Apostle John. His message this Sunday is, “Understanding God’s Grace,” based on 1 John 2:1-2 Please read this text in preparation for worship.
We will celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper this Sunday. We encourage you to examine yourself before receiving the Sacrament per 1 Corinthians 11:27-32.
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 2: Judgment. Please bring your Bible.
Pastor Search Committee Update & Prayer
Your Pastor Search Committee has finalized the Church Information Form and will begin the search 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 together with you, seek the Lord! This week we pray for wisdom – not the wisdom of the world, but that which comes from the Word, God’s light to lead the church.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 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 Heavenly Father, we confess our lack of wisdom. You know all things, and we do not, but you told us 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! So, grant us wisdom in the process of discerning your call for our next pastor. We pray in the strong name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”
Ladies Luncheon
Tithes and 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 May 20th at 5:00 p.m. The following are some of the highlights:
- Study and Reflection on Daniel 6:12-15
- Reception of 23 new members; they will be welcomed during worship on June 9th
- Received a report regarding our HVAC system by John Berry and potential parking lot reparations by Blake Porter
- Pastor Glen reported on the New River Presbytery meeting on May 3-4
- Budget Report, including $77,000 available for various projects, and our giving has significantly increased; quarterly gatherings will give more specific financial information
- Update: we have received quotes from two organizations for Audio/Visual upgrades
- Reports from Spring Fling (successful outreach event that took in more than $640); Women’s Ministry; Compassion & Care/Relief Ministry; Hospitality Team
- Called Congregational Meeting – June 30th to elect church officers; currently nominating potential elders and deacons (Decision to add two elders to our Session, making the total 6 elders; and creating a Board of Deacons with four deacons)
Golden Oldies
The next gathering of the Golden Oldies will be June 12th at 10:30. Meet at Panera Bread Community Room to play Bingo! We request for everyone to bring a wrapped gift so all can be winners! $10 max amount for gift.
There will be NO meeting in July due to the fun trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. If you signed up for the trip, please make your checks out to Shenandoah Tours, and give your check to Harold or Janet Coiner by June 1st.
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!
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
Love INC Support: From April through June we will be collecting household cleaning items (all-purpose cleaners, dish soap, laundry soap, etc.). May we be a blessing to those desiring to improve their lives.
Again, this Sunday a Mission Support Survey will be distributed for you to make suggestions of potential missionaries, missions, or ministries to support.
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
June Birthdays
Mike Adams (6/1); Lynn Scott & Berty Mahanes (6/3); Kim Holman (6/17); Paige Hölder (6/24); Phyllis Plyler (6/25); Brenda Daniels (6/30)