The Westminster Shorter Catechism states that sin is “any want of conformity unto, or transgression of the law of God.” This echoes 1 John 3:4, “sin is lawlessness.” Most of us would much rather define our sin as a “dysfunction” rather than use the blatant label SIN. We often prefer hiding our heads in the sand when it comes to us AND pointing our fingers when it comes to others.
Jesus came to give forgiveness of sin. Remember how the angel came to Joseph as he was struggling with the pregnancy of his fiancée, Mary? The angel reassured Joseph in a dream that this was God’s activity, the advent of God into human history, with these words in Matthew 1:20-21, “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Years later, the Apostle Peter wrote this about Jesus in 1 Peter 2:24, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
Friends, this is Good News, not bad news. The bad news is that we are sinners. The Good News is that we can be forgiven. This is GRACE – God’s unmerited favor. One definition of grace is, “God no longer tries to collect what you owe Him.” He already did that through Jesus Christ. May we be reminded again of God’s amazing grace and give thanks for His redemption through Jesus Christ!!
Sunday Worship
This Sunday, Pastor Glen will continue his Ephesians series: Ephesians: Our Identity and Purpose. His sermon is entitled, “Redemption,” based upon Ephesians 1:7-8a. Please read this verse in context in preparation for worship!
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Hope Adult Sunday School Class Beginning in November!
The Gospel of Matthew: The first Sunday is November 7th – Matthew 1:18-25 – An Angel Appears to Joseph
ALL are welcome to join Janet Coiner for Sunday School immediately after worship in the large Sunday school room. And, PLEASE bring your Bible!
Men’s Bible Study
Our Men’s Bible Study meets every Tuesday morning from 7:00 to 8:00 at Panera Bread in the Community Room (to the left of the main entrance). We encourage men to arrive early (although Panera Bread opens at 7:00 a.m.) to purchase breakfast or a drink. Panera Bread is so generous in allowing us to use the Community Room! We are continuing our study of the Letter to the Romans in chapter 15. ALL MEN ARE WELCOME!!
Missions & Outreach Feedback Surveys
Last Sunday we were all invited to complete the Missions and Outreach Feedback Surveys. They are to be returned THIS Sunday, October 31st at the Welcome Table. PLEASE take the time to fill out these brief surveys!! If you have not received a copy, they will be available at the church. Thank you!!
OUR VISION: To see Jesus Christ become the hub of every home in our community and beyond. It is a big vision, but we serve a BIG God. We believe that God will greatly use our efforts for His glory. And it all starts with prayer.
We will NOT knock on doors or ring doorbells. We will simply walk in pairs, PRAY and share door hangers. The most important thing we can do to reach our community for Jesus Christ is to pray for the people in our community. JOIN US in participating in this exciting ministry!! If you have not done so already, please sign up to participate in this ministry! Bob Simmons is our coordinator! Let’s attempt GREAT things for God!
A Call to The Church of Augusta County to engage in Corporate Praise and Prayer in a Spirit of Humility
The Saturate Augusta Coalition is hosting a mass meeting of the Church NEXT Monday, November 1, 2021. This meeting will take place at Church on the Hill in Fishersville, just off of I-64 and Rt 608. It will convene at 7:00 p.m.
The Gathering: International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians
We will gather at Cornerstone of Augusta on Tinkling Springs Road in Fishersville at 3:00 on November 7th. (That’s the day the clocks change.) This year we will have reports via Zoom from those actually suffering. One in Malaysia, one from the Ivory Coast and one from Afghanistan. It should be very relevant and informative. And we will PRAY!
Mark your calendars NOW for these TWO important days of prayer!!
Senior Choir – An Invitation from Harold Coiner
Rehearsals will be the second Sunday of each month, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The first rehearsal will be NOVEMBER 14th. We will sing old songs not used as often anymore.
I will be glad to listen to suggestions, music selections, or personal requests, and the like. Please share with me your interest or suggestions at (540) 447-0434 or buckomh@aol.com. Thanks so much!
Contagious Disease Preparedness Plan
The Session recently adopted a Contagious Disease Preparedness Plan to support our church family, as well as our visitors. We want to be supportive of our entire church family, as well as our community in this season of increased cases of COVID-19, including the delta variant. The plan has been sent to our members for reflection and feedback and is available at the church.
Mission Corner
The Justines (YWAM) are finally back in Thailand. Please keep them in prayers as they re-orient to life in that context!
Dr. Stephanie Black shared in her recent email update: Greetings from… Richmond, Virginia! Since my last email update, I’ve said fond good-byes to my Irish friends and colleagues after 4½ years in Dublin. In September I returned to the US to begin this end-of-term ‘home assignment’ through April 2022. After that, God willing, to Prague, Czech Republic! My main focus remains serving as international Theological Education Specialist with travel to various parts of the world. But home base shifts from Dublin to Prague, and I’ll get to help out at Faith Community in various ways. Since about 80% of Czech people consider themselves atheists it’s a new and different context for me after Catholic – or really, post-Catholic but still very ‘spiritual’ – Ireland.
On another encouraging note, she will be with us in worship on December 12th, and we will have an all-church event, including a meal, after worship that day. So, mark your calendars now!
October Birthdays
Tyler Bouthillier (10/29)
