Weekly Newsletter July 8

Fourth of July sparklers were always my favorite, even if I was a little scared of them. Residents of New York State were prohibited from setting off fireworks, but we did have those old sparklers that shined bright and scattered hot sparks of many colors. I remember holding the metal tip while Dad lit the other end. My sisters, brother and I would swing the sparkler around in circles. We’d write our names in the air, and for a millisecond our names were written in the light. Then as the sparks got closer to my tender finger tips, the metal rod got hot and I dropped it to the ground where it fizzled out. “Happy Fourth of July” we would shout and run around the yard. Then we’d settle down for some ice cream or watermelon on the hot summer night. Great memories.

Jesus calls us the light of the world. He says, “Don’t hide your light under a basket.” Many scriptures talk about our role in shining the light, the truth, of Jesus throughout this world. We have that task. But how do we get that spark started? How do we keep it hot and bright?

Just like my father brought the igniting fire to my little sparkler, which always had the potential to burn bright and hot, God our Heavenly Father sent Jesus to ignite the fire of life, hope, peace, joy, and many other good words, in our lives. It’s not a fire for us to hide or keep to ourselves. So share it. Celebrate it. Keep it burning by staying close to Jesus and being fueled by the Holy Spirit day by day.

We also need to encourage each other to keep those spiritual fires shining to others. So let's get together to pray, worship, and listen to God’s Word. He keeps us on fire to complete the task he has for us. And we all are very aware of the darkness in this world, which flees in the light of Christ. So let’s shine Christ’s truth everywhere!

I look forward to seeing you this weekend.

Below are several ways you might use your abilities to serve God and others with grateful generosity.

Pastor Roger
Lead Pastor

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the spark of life that ignited each person on earth and their potential to burn your light brightly. Forgive us for not reaching out to you so you can ignite the spiritual fire that creates new life within us and shines your love and truth everywhere. Fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we can stay warm, and even hot, with your love and power, in Jesus’ name .Amen.

We are here to love God and all people so that all people may experience the

life-changing love of Jesus!

LOVE - We meet every weekend to experience God's love for us and show His love for others.

SERVE- We use our abilities, talents, skills, and passions for the good of others.

ENGAGE - We engage with friends to care for one another and to make new friends so they may experience God's kindness too. 

Family Vacation Bible School at Both Campuses!
Elsmere: Every Saturday, 11AM-1PM, starting June 25
Bear: Every Wednesday, 6PM-8PM, starting June 22.

Can you share non-perishable food items to restock our food pantry to assist others? Please include pop-top cans for our ministry with homeless persons in the area. You can drop off your donation at either campus.