We read in John 16:13, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” In the context of this verse, we understand that truth has been made known by Jesus to the disciples, but their grasp of it (and ours) is limited.
So, the task of the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of truth) – is to lead us, so that we may comprehend the depths and heights of God’s revelation. The reality does not change; the vision of it and version of it seems to change because humans can only take in so much truth in one dose. In his wisdom, Jesus gave us the power to gradually grow in the truth by giving us himself for all time in spirit form to guide, direct, and empower us.
The Modes of God: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not three realities or entities, but three modes through which the one God reveals himself to us and relates to us. We worship and serve ONE GOD in THREE modes or Persons. The words Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are human words for divine reality. We might say they are three sides of the same “coin”. The upside or front side heads, the downside or back side tails, and the inside or edge.
So, why is it important, whether or not we believe in the Trinity? I would suggest that the reason is that our salvation hangs on the fact that the Father sent the Son to accomplish the work of redemption. The Son sent the Holy Spirit to bring conviction of sin and to apply to us what Christ has accomplished. While we do not grasp the depth and breadth of the Trinity, may we acknowledge its factuality and reality, as well as the importance of this mystery in our salvation!
Worship
Pastor Glen will continue the summer sermon series, “The Essentials,” focusing on what we believe. Glen’s sermon this Sunday is: “One God,” based upon Matthew 3:13-17. 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 Deborah Kleinschuster and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will continue our study of the Gospel of John. This Sunday we will study John 5: Healing and Jesus’ Authority! Please bring your Bible!
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
May Financial Report
Tithes/Offerings: Monthly: $20,902.28. YTD: $88,465.52
Expenses: Monthly: $14,996.47 YTD: $83,397.88
Capital Campaign: $0. YTD: $6,030
Designated Giving: $0. YTD: $4,816
Golden Oldies
The Golden Oldies’ initial gathering was filled with great fellowship and fun! The group will meet again on July 12th from 11 to 1 at Panera Bread! Please bring a gift for bingo as we will be playing, and we have a New Jersey retired policeman as a guest speaker! They will also be hosting a wonderful adventure to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, including Dutch Apple Dinner Theater (Guys and Dolls) and Sight and Sound Theater (Moses). More information is available in the Welcome Center at the church.
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 NOON!! 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
Hope Blessings Donations for Love INC. We continue to collect donations every three months. From April 1 to June 30, we are collecting personal hygiene items: toothpaste, toothbrushes (single packs), shampoo, soap, deodorant (male and female), brushes, combs, and small washcloths. May we be a blessing to those families in need? There is a challenge to have 100 toothbrushes and 50 bottles of shampoo by June 30!! Let’s go for it! We are grateful for our partnership with Love INC!
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
July Birthdays
Lowell Gross (7/2); Jake Kleinschuster (7/5); Marty Porter & Nina Gross (7/27); Ted Brown & Bill Watkins (7/31)