What is “salvation”? To understand salvation, we need to back up and understand who God is and who we are. As one pastor put it, “God is the infinitely holy sovereign of the universe. He spoke the universe into existence for His glory. He made man as male and female in His image to reflect His glory.” But the first couple (Adam and Eve) listened to the serpent (Satan) and disobeyed God’s direct command. And, because of their disobedience, God imposed His threatened penalty, as we read in Genesis 2:17, “. . . but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
While God graciously didn’t strike Adam and Eve dead on the spot, the instant they ate from that forbidden tree they experienced spiritual death (separation from God), and the process of physical death set in. As a result of their sin, everyone since then is born separated from God and under His just curse of death. And in addition to being born in sin, every one of us has added plenty of our own sins against the Holy God.
Friends, God is not obligated to “save” any sinner from His just penalty of eternal separation from Him. We all deserve His judgment. But because of His sovereign love and mercy, He has graciously provided a way of salvation. He sent His own eternal Son, the second member of the Trinity (Jesus Christ), to bear the penalty we all deserve. Because the sinless Son of God paid that price, God now can, according to Romans 3:26, “be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” In a basic sense, that is the meaning of salvation. Bottom line, do we have genuine faith in Jesus as our justifier? Have we trusted Him as our Savior, and are we serving Him as our Lord?
Annual Worship Service and Church Picnic
Our annual ALL CHURCH worship service and picnic is THIS SUNDAY (September 10th) at the Lake Forest Lodge (near Sherando Lake – directions below).
Chicken and beverages will be provided. Please bring covered dishes and desserts to share. Feel free to bring a lawn chair although church chairs will be there. We will have corn hole boards and bocce ball. There is great fishing if you want to bring your own pole, tackle, and bait. There is a 4×4 to ride and great hiking opportunities. Dress comfortably. Sunday school will be held in the sanctuary at the church facility at 9:30 with worship at the lodge at 11:00.
You can GPS 21 Page Hollow Lane, Sherando, VA to get directions.
Pastor Glen will continue the study of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians. His sermon this Sunday is: “Assurance of Salvation,” based upon Philippians 1:3-8. Please read this text before worship.
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. 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 15: The Vine and the Vinedresser!! Please bring your Bible.
Exploring Hope Class
Come to our next Exploring Hope Class! Exploring Hope is a gathering designed to communicate a brief overview of what is important to us here at Hope, including our history, what we believe, our values, our focus, our direction, and how to get connected. Our next Exploring Hope Class will be on Sunday, September 17th, after worship. The two-hour class will include lunch in our main Sunday school room. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Pastor Glen if you plan to attend!
Golden Oldies
Golden Oldies will meet on Wednesday, September 13th at Panera Bread from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. There will be a talk regarding Smart Phones, and future events will be. And mark your calendars for the next gathering on Wednesday, October 18th. The group will meet at 11:30 a.m. at Traditions Restaurant in Harrisonburg for lunch!
Men’s Group
Men’s Group will meet next on Tuesday, September 19th at Panera Bread from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Among other items to be discussed will be a church security system and fundraising in the spring.
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
July Financial Report
Tithes/Offerings: Monthly: $32,275.25 YTD: $131,416.29
Expenses: Monthly: $16,303.57 YTD: $119,947.94
Capital Campaign: $1,080.00 YTD: $6,653.00
Designated Giving: $0. YTD: $3,225.00
Church Sign Donations: Monthly: $0. YTD: $2,700.00
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 be serving a meal for Love INC next Tuesday (September 12th). We will be serving individuals and families wanting to turn their lives around! Please sign up to serve or provide cookies or financial support at the Table in the Welcome Center!
We continue to collect “Hope Blessings” donations every three months for Love INC. From July 1 to September 30, we are collecting various paper products: paper towels, tissues, napkins, and toilet paper. May we be a blessing to those families in need! 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
September Birthdays
Kristen Holman (9/11); Pat Layne (9/13); Russell Fisher (9/14); Kerry Keyes (9/16); Christopher Haynes (9/24); Dede Hamilton and Marge Sass (9/26)