August Newsletter Available
The August newsletter is now out. Please watch your mailbox for your copy or download a copy below if you have opted not to have it mailed to you:
Bribery
While traveling in a foreign country, my husband noticed that the paved roads had deep indentations. When he asked about them, our driver explained that they were caused by the tires of trucks carrying illegal, overweight loads. When stopped by police, the drivers paid bribes to avoid being fined. The truckers and police officers came out ahead financially, but other drivers and taxpayers were left with an unfair financial burden and the inconvenience of poor roads.
Not all bribery is overt; some is more subtle. And not all bribes are financial. Flattery is a type of bribe that uses words as currency. If we give people preferential treatment for saying something nice about us, it's similar to taking a bribe. To God, any kind of partiality is an injustice. He even made justice a condition of remaining in the Promised Land. The Israelites were not to pervert justice or show partiality (Deut. 16:19-20).
Bribery deprives others of justice, which is an offense against the character of God, who is "God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe" (10:17).
Thankfully, the Lord treats all of us alike, and He wants us to treat each other the same way.
It matters not what race or gender,
Rich or poor or great or small,
The God who made us is not partial;
He sent Christ to die for all.
-D. De Haan, Our Daily Bread July 27, 2011
Bribery displays partiality; love displays justice.
GNVdC Annual Summer Picnic
Sunday, August 14, 2011
3:00-7:00 pm
St. Michael Lutheran Church
7000 North Sheldon Road
Canton, MI
Enjoy outdoor games and fellowship
with friends and family.
Pot blessing picnic (meat will be provided)
Bring a dish to pass
If your name begins A-M bring salad, fruit or veggies
If your name begins N-Z, bring snacks or desserts
This would also be a great time to invite someone who may be interested in attending the fall weekend!
If you have any question please call Debbie Steyaert at (517) 423-4544.
Fall Team Availability
One way to make sure you are considered by the next rector for a team position, if you haven't already done so, is to sign into the www.gnvdc.org website and create a user profile. One of the check boxes on your profile asks, (are you) "Available to serve on a Team?" Make sure to check the "Yes" button. A list of community who indicated they are available to serve is able to be accessed by the next rectors.
Yet another way to communicate your willingness to serve, would be to:
Take this availability survey
This is something new we are trying out this fall. All information will be forwarded to the fall rectors. No need to create a user profile, just fill out the survey and your information will be forwarded.
You can check website for team dates & locations.
Reunion Group(s) needed
There are several people that have expressed the need for a reunion and we need your help finding a group for these people. Below are the areas:
Sterling Heights area, Men
Lake Orion area, Women
Pontiac area, Women
Flat Rock area, Men
Contact Kevin & Joanne
Phone: (888) 468-3295
email: communications@gnvdc.org
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