Skip to main content

Orlando Shooting, Happy Father's Day, Donations Needed During VBS (Pastoral Emphasis for 6/19)

It has happened again. Another mass shooting. In Orlando, a man shot and killed 49 people and injured at least 53 people in a nightclub. As Christians, our response should be to pray for the victim's families and those injured and look for ways to love and serve our neighbors. Sadly, because this was a "gay" nightclub, some "Christians" are showing hate instead of love. I even heard a report of one Baptist pastor who rejoiced over this tragedy, saying more of "them" should have been killed. But this is not even God's attitude.  God said in Ezekiel 33:11: "Say to them, As I live, declares the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn back, turn back from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?"

How should we think about a disaster like this? Read Luke 13:1-5. People often try to find a connection between disaster and iniquity (deeming victims of a disaster as "worse sinners"). But Jesus responded by saying that such a calamity was not God’s way to single out an especially evil group for death, but as a means of warning for ALL sinners to repent. Final judgment is eventually coming to all if they did not repent.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads who are raising and caring for their children! Here's an encouraging word from Paul Tripp about fathering the fatherless within the community of believers (the church).

 
RSS or Email Subscribers click through to see the video


Today is the last day to register for VBS. VBS starts Wednesday, June 22nd through Sunday, 26th. The theme is "Egypt: Joseph's Journey from Prison to Palace". And as we have been seeing in Bible Study, Joseph is a type and shadow of Jesus Christ. On Saturday, we'll be serving at With Love From Jesus and the Helen Wright Center. We want to collect some items to bless the ladies at Helen Wright.


Here's what you can donate based on Zones...

Zone 1
Bars of Soap
Wash Cloths

Zone 2
Lotion
Deodorant

Zone 3
Toothpaste
Shower shoes

Zone 4
Shampoo
Petroleum Jelly

Please pray for my family & I as we'll be leaving for vacation tomorrow. I will see you all when we get back!

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Recently Came Forward, Series Break, Book Launch Party (Pastoral Emphasis for 8/10)

Recently Came Forward We’re excited to share that Kiara Avery has come forward as a Candidate for Baptism . We rejoice with her in this step of faith and look forward to celebrating her baptism soon! Series Break   We’ll be taking a short break from our Plumb Line sermon series next Sunday, as Anita and I will be away for Gabrielle’s college move-in weekend . Thank you for your prayers for us and for Gabrielle as she begins this exciting new chapter.   Book Launch Party   I’m thrilled to announce that we’re hosting a Book Launch Party for my new book on Tuesday, August 26 at 7:00 PM — and everyone is invited! This will be a special evening to celebrate together, hear more about the book, and enjoy fellowship. If you’ve reserved a copy, you can pick it up and pay at the launch party. We’ll also have additional copies available for purchase. Please register ahead of time so we can plan for seating, refreshments, and other details. Let’s make it a night of joy, conne...

Minnesota School Shooting, Music Ministry Recruitment, Ark Encounter Trip (Pastoral Emphasis for 8/31)

Minnesota School Shooting Our hearts are heavy over the tragic school and church shooting in Minneapolis at Annunciation Catholic School, where two children lost their lives and many others—some as young as six—are recovering from serious injuries. Sadly, we couldn't get through a full week of traditional school before something like this happens. In this time of profound sorrow, let us hold close in prayer the grieving parents, families, and the entire Annunciation community. Though we cannot fully comprehend their pain, we can stand alongside them in faith, offering compassion, and intercession. May God bring comfort to those who mourn, healing to the wounded, and peace to a terrified community.  Of course, a mass shooting always brings up the issue for stricter gun laws. I agree we do need good legislation and sensible gun laws because it is the government's responsibility to protect its citizens. Ultimately, that will not solve our problem. For a country that has been ...

November Birthdays & Anniversaries, Speaking at CFC, Call to Fast & Pray (Pastoral Emphasis for 11/2)

November Birthdays & Anniversaries This month, we celebrate the lives and love stories within our church family. Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating this month — may God bless you with continued joy and grace in the year ahead! Happy Anniversary to these wonderful couples marking another year of love and faithfulness: Mickell & Aprile Daley – 3 years (11/28) Van & Joann Johnson – 4 years (11/12) Jonas & Alicia Welcher – 5 years (11/13) Quincy & Stephanie Amekuedi – 8 years (11/9) William & Patricia Weeks – 14 years (11/26) James & Sharon White – 24 years (11/26) Lawrence & Kim Roberts – 27 years (11/14) Wil & Contina Lucas – 28 years (11/15) Elder Larry & Susan Fortenberry – 40 years (11/21) Elder Sean & Angelique Cherry – 41 years (11/24)   Senior Birthday Surprise A special birthday blessing to our Minister of Music,  Spence Martin — may your day be filled with love and joy from your Mt. Zion fami...