Bethel Newsletter
As the tempo of life increases I find myself often hoping for quieter times. I would like to think that I have some measure of control over my circumstances and to a small degree I suppose I do. But when I find myself thinking in sentences that have the phrase “I hope” in them it reminds me that maybe the control I think I have is really only illusionary. The “I hope” phrase has its root in the happenstance of randomness—that the outcome is as likely to be one way as the other. What a contrast this man centered hope is with biblical Christ centered hope.
Biblical hope is a statement of confident assurance and certainty. Its confidence rests in the unwavering character of God and the assurance of what He can do. When I feel discouraged I like to reflect on what kind of hope we have in our Lord. It is in His character and in His covenant to Forgive, to Restore, and to Redeem.
God Forgives. Satan the accuser may right now be warring with you over a past failure. His tactic is to remind us usually constantly; of that failure and that we can’t possibly be children of God because of it. Sin is ugly and God does hate it but if we’ll confess, and repent, God will forgive. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9) I find I can forgive myself easier when I know I am in right standing before the Holy One.
God Restores. Jesus said in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Are there aspects of your life that need restoration – your reputation, health, or even your conviction in hoping in God? If so trust His sovereign will and place the issue in His hands. What does abundant life look like? It is life without irrational fear and worry. It is loving, trusting relationships that grow, and fruitful character that is progressively sanctified by the blood of Jesus. It is a promise of what Heaven will be. It is the very promise of God to what you were saved to and what you were saved from.
God Redeems. You may know Romans 8:28. “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Redemption means that God paid the price to transform a bad situation in life into one that will bring Him honor and Glory. I like the assurance of Psalm 37 especially verse 7. “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.” God is just and He will redeem. He knows what is right, He promises us justice, and offers us grace.
What we ultimately believe about God and His nature will shape our character. Like ripples from a pebble dropped into a pond our character will shape and affect the lives of others. It’s a small ripple but with great opportunities for good if our live shave been molded into Christ likeness. As a body we must desire to submit ourselves to the life changing daily impact of the Word of God.
In Christ alone with you,
Bill Willcutts
Please plan on attending the members meeting on Sunday following the service.
What’s Happening?
Pray for Rain
You’re invited and encouraged to participate Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. at the Island Grove pavilion a Christian prayer service seeking the Lord’s provision of relief from the drought our region is suffering.
This Sunday
On July 30 David Shelley will return to a study of Luke 10 called “Jesus’ Neighbors,” in a series called “Spiritual Awareness.”
July 30 Members’ Meeting
On July 30 during the 10:30 hour Bethel
will have our bi-monthly members’ meeting
to affirm new members, and for updates on
major work in Children’s Ministries, worship review, upcoming Sunday classes, and budget changes. The Elders will respond to questions, and the congregation will pray together.
Pray . . .
For those in medical recovery: Tim Sharp, Bob Staley, Joan Worthington
Quote:
“If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us than a golden slipper on a gouty foot.”
John Bunyan
Lessons in being specific:
Compaq changed the “press any key” prompt to “press return key” because of the flood of calls asking where the “any” key is.
Please Note:
Norma Ackerman has a new telephone number: 689-6520. Her new email address is: njpalms@ Comcast.net.
Week-end worship attendance……………...161 Special funds………………..…….……….$415 Weekly budget needed……….………….$7,553
Giving towards budget…………………..$5,255
YTD giving toward budget……….…..$180.643
YTD expenses…………………….…..$177,781
YTD budgeted amount…………….…$219,037
Next level giving…………..………….......$100
Next Level TD….....…...……………..$187,606
Coming Events . . .
July 29 6 p.m. Jenny Harry/Adam Grusy Wedding
July 30 10:30 a.m. Members meeting
Aug. 5 10 am Baby shower Brunch for Jenna (Daniels) Stoll at the home of Sally
Asmus, 5448 W. 7th St. Rd.
Aug. 13 1 pm All Church Event at Hillside Pool
Aug. 26 4th Annual Nursery Cleaning Party, Saturday
Children’s Ministry News:
Summer Sunday School:
A co-teacher is needed immediately to join Ron and Dolly Hirsch in sharing Jesus with our toddler & 2 year olds.
4th Annual Nursery Cleaning Party, Sat. Aug. 26, 8:30-2:30 p.m.
Children & families would appreciate your help in washing the toys from the nursery. Please sign up in the foyer or in the bulletin insert for a two hour slot that works best for you. Child care, breakfast, snacks, & lunch will be provided for all nursery cleaning volunteers. Call Christy Aldridge, Early Childhood Development Coordinator, at 356-5858 if you have any questions.
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Ladies—mark your calenders for an upcoming
Baby Shower Brunch for Dan and Kendra Daniel’s daughter, Jenna Stoll on Saturday, August 5 at 10 a.m. at the home of Sally Asmus. Donations toward the purchase of a new rocking chair for Jenna can be given to Sally or other gifts are welcome!
ALL CHURCH EVENT at Hillside Pool, Sunday, August 13 from
1-4 p.m. Bring your own picnic lunch. Cost is $2 per person. Sign up in foyer.
Weekly Praise Factory Highlight: BIG IDEA: God’s People Say “No” to Temptation. Memory Verse for the week: I Corinthians 10:13.
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Harry
and
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Grusy
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage uniting their children
Jennifer Lynne Harry
and
Adam Jeffery Grusy
in a covenant before our Lord
at Bethel Community Ministries
Saturday, July 29
6 p.m. in the evening.
A reception will be held in the College house backyard
immediately following the ceremony.
MISSIONS CORNER
Dan and Melinda Nelson, appointees to Mexico:
Pray for us as we say good-bye to family and friends over the nest week.
At this time we still lack about $16,800 of our outgoing expenses till we can leave for Mexico. Pray that this will come in over the next 3 weeks so we can travel to Mexico before the children start school this fall.
Pray that the Lord would lead us to the right vehicle to purchase for our trip down to Mexico.
Thanks again for you sustaining prayers and financial partnership that keep us going during this transitional time.
Danny Mendez Spanish church plant in Loveland:
In Loveland we are going to start playing soccer at the park twice a week as a new outreach. We had a youth team come in from Iowa to do a Soccer Sports camp for us last month which launched this fun outreach. The team also blessed us with some really great soccer balls (complete with logos of various Mexican teams). We played last Wednesday & last night. This week we’ll go out again Wednesday. Last night we had 30 men, women and children at the park for soccer, 2 men we just met that night at the park and invited them over to play. During the half-time break, Danny will be doing a brief “talk” – helping point our friends to God. Pray that this outreach will be of lasting effect. We’ve had families come out for soccer that have not joined us for any previous events.
Tony Melendez concert!
Join us for an evening of hope and inspiration with Tony Melendez in concert at the UNC Ballroom on Tuesday, August 8, 7 p.m. Tony is a wonderful guitarist that plays with his feet! This concert is sponsored by United Way and the Faith Community Services with all the proceeds going to Faith Community. Bethel is a member of this organization with a monthly donation sent to help people in need. Tickets are available in the church office for $10.
Like to have fun and be creative?
Love people and like to plan
special events?
We would invite anyone interested in becoming part of our Women’s Event Team to contact Christie Roberts at 339-5348.
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posted by bethelbaptist | 8:07 AM
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