On Who’s Authority?

Referees are a great help in football, where the object is not only to score touchdowns but to score them in a way that does not infringe on the carefully laid-down rules.  Likewise, umpires are indispensable to baseball where the outcome of the game may hinge on close decisions that are best made by a trained expert who is not committed to either team.

But our relationship with God is not a game.  Its success or failure cannot rest on human authority.  But that is what happens in legalism.  Somebody besides the Lord judges whether we are out of bounds in our conduct, whether our performance is fair or not.  Paul asks the Romans, “Who are you to pass judge the servant of another?”  But there are always those in the church who will answer, “I’ll be the judge.”

So, listen to the Apostle Paul’s language in Colossians 2:16, “Therefore, let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath.”  These are human-made regulations enforced by self-appointed judges. 

False teachers wanted the Colossians to accept what can only be called additions to Christ.  They taught that Jesus Christ himself is not sufficient; that He is not unique; that He is one among many manifestations of God; and that it is necessary to know and to serve other “divine authorities” in addition to Him.  May we not bow down to human authorities or false teachers but lean wholly on the authority of God’s Word . . . the Word of God in Jesus Christ and the Word of God written, the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments.  

Worship

 
Pastor Glen will continue his sermon series on 1 John.  This Sunday’s sermon is “The Importance of Discernment,” based on 1 John 4:1-6.  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 1 Corinthians 5: “Sexual Insanity and Church Discipline.”  Please bring your Bible.

Church Shower

The church shower is this Sunday after our worship service.  After the unveiling of the gifts, there will be a reception in the Adult Sunday school room.

 

 

 

 

 

     

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.
  • We moved forward with replacing our existing lighted sign.

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 September:   $22,992.15    YTD: $231,587.69

Total Expenses for September:             $16,109.54    YTD:  $150,856.28

Election Eve Prayer

Area pastors are joining together to invite the Church to gather for prayer on the eve of this year’s election: Monday, November 4th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Event locations include:

Common Ground (15 Angela Court, Fishersville, VA)

Wayne Hills Baptist Church (877 Ladd Road, Waynesboro, VA)

Wayside Baptist Church (45 Turk Mountain Lane, Waynesboro, VA)

Jerusalem Chapel United Brethren in Christ Church (935 Jerusalem Chapel Road, Churchville, VA) 

Golden Oldies

Our next gathering is on November 13th for a lunch out at the Wood Grill in Harrisonburg.  Please see Harold or Janet Coiner if you will attend so that reservations can be made.

There will be NO meeting in December.  Celebrate with church services and family gatherings!!

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

Tyler Bouthillier & Terry Coffey (10/29)