August 12, 2018
We started off our service last Sunday by singing “Happy Birthday” to seven members who have August birthdays and then we sang “Happy Anniversary” to three couples who are celebrating their anniversary this month!
Pastor Ken Lunsford led us in a “back to school” litany of responsive reading and scriptures. He also gave a blessing upon the teachers, students, and all the school district workers.
Jeannie Wendt was very happy to tell us her sister, Terri Tinsman, has new, adopted, granddaughter, a little girl named Jessie. Congratulations to them. Also, her sister’s husband, Mark Tinsman, has become a chaplain for hospice in Pennsylvania. Best wishes and our prayers for Mark.
We continue our prayers and concern for Debbie Harrell who is going for tests, and Pastor Ken will have cataract surgery this week. Pat Leatherwood will see a specialist for his difficulties.
Lisa Leatherwood reports that their grandson Liam and his baby sister, Landry, are full of pep and vinegar. Well, we do get what we pray for sometimes, and it is a handful.
Community Table is on August 29th and we need your help and prayers. I ask a favor, please tell people about this ministry. Surely there are more families in our area that would enjoy a free meal and some time visiting and laughing. The whole idea of a “table for all” was to get people to come and enjoy themselves. Don’t eat alone at home, if possible, come and meet a friend.
Our Worship Leader was Lisa Leatherwood, she read the scriptures from Ephesians 4:25 through 5:2.
These words from Paul tell us not to lie to your neighbor. He says, “Don’t provide an opportunity for the devil.” Paul tells us, “Don’t let the sun set on your anger.” He admonishes us not to steal or use foul language. We should put aside bitterness, anger, shouting, and slander. What we should be is kind, compassionate, and forgiving to one another in the same way God forgave you in Christ.
We live in a divided, angry world and seem to be drifting farther apart. Calling people unflattering names, Bitterness, rage, and anger are dangerous emotions. Unfortunately, displays of these emotions are becoming routine in our society. This has led scientists to say the United States is in the middle of an anger epidemic. And the American home is where most of this rage happens.
Is there hope for us? Yes, follow God’s example. We can pray for the ability to follow that example. “Walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”