If we have been watching the news recently, we have learned of multiple court trials. The court case of Kim Potter, the Minneapolis police officer who fatally shot Daunte Wright, will be going to trial on December 6th. In that case there will be witnesses for the prosecution, as well as for the defense.
Perhaps, you have been called at some point as a witness in a court case. As followers of Jesus, we are ALL called to be witnesses. We read in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses . . .” Friends, that is what evangelism means. Evangelism is taken from the Greek word, euangelion, which simply means good news. So, evangelism is announcing or sharing the good news of Jesus Christ – of his death and his resurrection, of forgiveness of sins. Let those who know, tell those who don’t.
Now, where are we supposed to share this good news? We can see from Acts 1:8 that there are three places . . . “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” So, we are supposed to share first in our “Jerusalem”. And “Jerusalem” would be the people closest to us. Okay, that is the people that we live and work with every day.
We are also supposed to share in Judea and Samaria. That would be people who are close to us but have different needs. Maybe in the next county or maybe in the next city, people who are relatively close, but have different needs.
And then thirdly, after Judea and Samaria, it says you will also be my witnesses to the ends of the earth. That is everybody else with whom we have no understanding.
Now notice that it does not say in this verse that we are to be the defense attorney, or that we are to be the judge. It says you are to be my witnesses. And a witness is someone who simply says what they have seen and what they have experienced. That is all! You don’t have to be a great theologian. You are the expert on your life. All you need to do is share what God has done or is doing in your life.
So, will you and I be obedient to God’s calling to be witnesses for our Lord and Savior?
Wish List
We have several items we would like add to our church facility. If you are interested in helping with these items, any gift would be greatly appreciated!
A communion table; a baptismal font; a pulpit
Please contact Richard Jessee (our administrative assistant) by calling the church office on Tuesday or Thursday mornings if you can help with a donation: (540) 221-4370.
Outdoor Workday
We will be gathering from 9:00 a.m. to Noon (or sooner!) on Saturday, May 29th to spruce up the outside of our building, including applying mulch. Please mark your calendars and come out to help!
Caring Calls
We care about you!! If you have NOT been receiving caring calls from members of our team but would like to receive a call every two weeks, OR if you have been receiving caring calls but would prefer not to be included on our calling list, please contact Tim Stewart (tim.stewart30@gmail.com). Thanks so much!
Worship CDs
My Offering is a CD with beautiful piano hymns. This CD is available and can be yours for a contribution to our building fund. We are grateful to Loretta Watkins for recording this music and making these CDs available!
Sunday Worship
We are VERY excited this week to welcome Joe Fleming to share the message, including the wonderful ministry of Training2Send! Joe will be utilizing 3 John 5-8 and Acts 19:8-10. Please read these texts in preparation for worship!
This Sunday is also Pentecost Sunday! As Christians we commemorate the stirring event in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit came in fulfillment of Christ’s promise and the Christian Church was launched into its world mission. Therefore we celebrate the birthday of the Church! It is a great day to wear RED!
An offering plate is available when you enter the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Nursery
We are pleased to offer a nursery for children through pre-school. The nursery is in the Sunday school area, and there is a check-in area at the door of the nursery.
May Birthdays
Sherry Holder (5/20); Paul Childers (5/22); Larry Roberts (5/25)