What does it mean to be “great?” I want to suggest that genuine greatness is defined by humility! Jesus declared in Matthew 18:4, “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
If you are saved, you have come to the place where you recognize and admit your sinfulness. You also recognize your complete inability to do anything about your condition on your own. In humility, like a “child,” you respond to God’s invitation for salvation by humbly trusting Jesus!
We enter the “kingdom of heaven” by humbling ourselves as “little children”. The disciples of Jesus asked the question, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” The answer: It is the one who continues to humble him/herself! The Kingdom’s economy is quite different from the world. We don’t ascend! We descend into greatness by humbling ourselves.
The world encourages its citizens to ascend, to rise up to greatness. Heaven encourages its citizens to descend, to go down in humility. The flesh cries out for recognition, for greatness. The Spirit leads us in the path of servanthood and lowliness.
I like what C.S. Lewis wrote: “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less!” May we truly humble ourselves by thinking of ourselves less!!
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 3: “Be Wise about the Local Church.” Please bring your Bible.
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 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 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
Our next gathering will be on October 9th at 10:30 in the Waynesboro Panera Bread Community Room with Lori Showalter as our guest speaker. Lori is the Director of Volunteer Services for Augusta Health and Hospice of the Shenandoah (of Augusta Health). She will give an informative overview of Hospice.
We will meet 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
ComfortCare Women’s Health Annual Fall Fundraising Banquet, featuring guest speaker, Rebekah Hagan at Cornerstone Church of Augusta. We will host a table on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about ComfortCare Ministry.
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.
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
Joyce Gordon (10/10); George Wilson & Bob Simmons (10/15); Tyler Bouthillier & Terry Coffey (10/29)