ABOUT THIS SUNDAY,
JUNE 29...        

     We will continue our summer series entitled, "Cultivating Character." Character is a word seldom used in the Bible and we don't see it very often in the media.  But we know what it means and immediately recognize its absence.   

     We live in an instant world. But character will never be produced instantly. It takes time... it is built over years... it is built carefully... it is built intentionally. We are using this definition of character for the series... 

     "Character is what we do when no one is looking... character is who we are." As we continue to explore what the Bible says about character, on Sunday we will look at love as a character quality in a message entitled, "Radical Love".   

     This week in Vacation Bible School, our children learned through Bible stories and some very weird animals that Jesus loves them. They discovered that Jesus loves you even when you're left out... even though you're different... even when you don't understand... even though you do wrong... and even when you're afraid! 

     These are good lessons for children and adults as we learn to trust Jesus. We usually think of love as a tender thing. However, in the Sermon on the Mount and in the way He lived before us, Jesus called for a much more radical love.   

     In Matthew 5:39-41 (NIV) Jesus said, "But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles." 

      On Sunday we will look at these three radical requests of Jesus and how He calls us to love people in a radical, non-retaliatory, second-mile way.           

     I want to express appreciation to Jeanette Kirby and her many volunteers for a great Vacation Bible School. This was a great opportunity for us to meet new friends in our community and to communicate the love of Jesus to our children. 

     In each service you will have an opportunity to hear our VBS children sing and you will get to see what they did this week. Don't miss this special day! 

     The patio is not totally completed, but we will be able to use it and enter from the east side this Sunday. Thank you for your patience and your generosity in giving to the patio project! 

     I look forward to worshiping with you in the 9:30 and 11:00 am services on Sunday.


   

Sincerely,

 PS.  Here are the Lectionary Scripture Readings for July.