Hello, Friends! The activity that surrounds summertime at the church has a strange duality to it. On one hand, things slow down a little and weekly activities and patterns change. On the other, our church puts finances and volunteer efforts toward large-scale projects and experiences that bless others. Katelyn served our local and regional Friends High School and Junior High students by directing camps at Quaker Haven this year, along with a host of volunteer counselors, workers, and drivers. Tena did the same with our 4th and 5th grade Dude Camp and is hard at work training workers and preparing for Vacation Bible School along with many of you! Don Powell and his facilities team have been hard at work continuing maintenance and improvement projects around our church facilities; summer is a great time to finish these projects in preparation for a new school year, and it makes a big difference in how we can serve one another and our community. Currently, those projects are working on major renovations to our playground and “education building,” which continues to serve the Shower Ministry and in-and-out storage for other church ministries. During all of this, I believe it is good to stop and think about the true nature and purpose of the Church. The Church exists to glorify God and to be on-mission for God. Jesus left a mission for his followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” By loving God and loving others well, we are to both be followers of Jesus and help others to follow Jesus. The author of Hebrews notices this mission in his letter. Hebrews is largely a discussion about Jesus, celebrating what God has accomplished in Christ Jesus. The author, in chapter 6, then writes, “So let’s press on to maturity, by moving on from the basics about Christ’s word. Let’s not lay a foundation of turning away from dead works, of faith in God, of teaching about ritual ways to wash with water, laying on of hands, the resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment—all over again. We’re going to press on, if God allows it.” Then later, in chapter 10 after further discussion of Christ, the author writes, “Therefore, let’s draw near with a genuine heart with the certainty that our faith gives us, since our hearts are sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies are washed with pure water. Let’s hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, because the one who made the promises is reliable. And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.” I have the same hope for our church—that we would be deeper followers of Jesus ourselves and that we would help others to do the same. We press on to maturity in Christ, continuing to go deeper. We spark love and good deeds amongst one another. We hold to the confession of hope that we have in Christ. And we do so together, continuing to meet together and encourage one another. This summer, what are you doing to go deeper with Christ? How are you looking to help others come along with you, pointing others to Jesus? I pray that our church, more and more, would be a community of believers who go deeper with Christ and encourage others to follow as well. Grace and peace to each of you as you enjoy both the blessings and heat of summer! Bobby Kirkpatrick |
Vacation Bible School |
Vacation Bible School is just around the corner! We will welcome over 270 kids ranging from 3 years old through 5th grade on our campus to dive into a friendship with God. There are a couple of VBS save the dates to add to your calendar. July 3rd 9:00 AM-Noon | VBS Shirt Pick-Up in the Church Office. If you can’t make it to pick up your shirt before VBS, they will be with your child’s crew leader on Monday, July 8th. Saturday, July 6th 9:00 AM | Deep Sea Decorating begins in the Coffee Cafe. All are welcome to help decorate. Contact Tena Roher with questions. July 8th-12th 9:00 AM-Noon | VBS! Sunday, July 14th | VBS Program and Picnic. Join us in worship as the children perform and then stay for a picnic lunch to visit with families. Volunteers are needed to help with our VBS picnic! If you are available to help with either food prep before the picnic (Sunday, July 14th at 9 am) or clean up immediately after, please contact Joyce Byrne at the church office. VBS would not be possible without our amazing volunteers. We are SO thankful for you! |
Summer Activities |
Join us each week as we continue to explore different topics and have opportunities to get to know someone new. We hope you can make it to Coffee Cafe Conversations on Sunday mornings this Summer at 9:00 AM! Next week’s Friends Summer Outing is VBS!! Please be praying for the hearts of the children that will be on our campus. Visit our website to see the rest of the summer schedule.Friends Summer Outings Weekly Information |
De La Cerda Meal Train |
Molly, Daniel, and the boys were so blessed by the sprinkle and love shown to their family on Sunday. We have added two more weeks to their meal train to continue supporting them as they adjust to their growing family’s needs. Click below to sign up to provide a meal. |
Meal Train Sign Up |
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 |