July 1, 2016
Sunday, July 3
Worship 8:30 & 11:00am

Reverend Sam Martin, Pastor  
american-flag-wavy.jpg
Reverend Cameron Smith , liturgist 
Scripture references:
Galatians 6:7-10; 2 Kings 5:1-14

Adult Sunday School Classes will have a combined class this week, in Fellowship Hall (aka the gym) 
 
Click Here to see Sunday's full bulletin (including insert)
Click Here to see just the insert with weekly calendar & announcements
Click Here to see our July Calendar
Click Here to see our Youth Calendar

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Due to scheduling conflicts, the afternoon & evening events initially planned for today have been postponed or rescheduled. Please watch future e-news & bulletins for more information. This includes the youth activities, the Sunday supper, and committee meetings. We apologize for this inconvenience, and we wish everyone a happy & safe holiday weekend. WORSHIP WILL BE HELD AT 8:30 & 11 AS USUAL, AND COMMUNION WILL BE SERVED AT BOTH WORSHIP SERVICES.
From Pastor Sam

July 1, 2016

"On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus," (Luke 24:1-3, NIV)
 
Independence Day is the National Day of the United States. Celebrations, in many forms, are well planned, much anticipated and enjoyed by all. It is a milestone of every summer. July 4th-the day we celebrate our declaration that the thirteen original colonies claimed to be a new nation and separate from the British Empire. The United States of America!

It might come as a surprise to think the date of our independence occasionally comes into question.

Did you know the legal separation of the thirteen colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2nd, 1776? That was the day the Second Continental Congress voted to approve the move. By the time the "Declaration" was edited, revised and finalized-led by Thomas Jefferson in its finalized form today-it was finally approved on July 4th, 1776. Thus our July 4th celebration! Confusion about the date of our Independence.
Our Independence from the enemies we fear the most-sin and death-has never been in question. Luke's Gospel, with absolute certainty-proclaims our true independence. Our independence comes from God, through the person of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. It was early. It was the first day of the week. The ladies found the stone rolled away. The tomb was empty. They did not find the body of Jesus. Raised from the dead. Independence in Jesus. Sort of....

I say "sort of" for the word "independence" has always concerned me theologically speaking. It connotes an ability within ourselves. An achieving or working hard to receive an award or obtain something by our own effort for our own benefit. Though we have independence in Christ, we are still dependent on Him. So as we celebrate our independence this 4th-let's remember Jesus isn't looking for independent folks. He is looking for those dependent people. Dependent on the right thing. Dependent on the right person. In Him, comes our true independence.

This July 4th celebrate heartily our nation's proclamation of independence. And don't forget to celebrate as well the person of Truth who makes our genuine Independence a reality and grace gift.

Hope to see you in worship soon!
Grace and Peace,

Inquirers' Class begins July 10

Our Inquirers' Class is for those who've been visiting our church and are interested in becoming a member or just learning more about us. It runs for 4 Sundays, during our Sunday School time, beginning at 10am. You'll meet our staff, learn our history and what we believe, and hear about the many opportunities for ministry here at JIPC. Those wishing to join as members may do so on Sunday, July 31 (the fourth Sunday). If you'd like to participate, or just want more information, please contact our church office by calling 843-795-3111 or clicking here.

New Wednesday Women's Bible Study begins July 13

New Women's Bible Study Begins July 13th: All women are invited to join us for this seven week study on the letter to the Hebrews by Lisa Harper on Wednesday nights at 6 p.m. The Book of Hebrews is a rich, dense section of Scripture that can intimidate the most scholarly biblical student, but Lisa Harper makes digging into Hebrews fun and doable, as only she can, without losing an ounce of depth. Contact Teressa Gamble or the church office for more information.
  

Camp Sonshine!
Mondays through August 1, 9:30-12:00pm. All elementary school children are invited to join us in the gym for a great time learning about God, playing games, and making fun crafts & snacks.  Moms are welcome to join our Ladies' Bible Study while the kids are playing. The Bible Study meets at 10:30 in the choir room.  Nursery is provided for preschoolers & infants.


Youth Choir Concert

Youth Choirs from First United Methodist Church of Montgomery, Alabama and First Presbyterian, Charlotte, will present a concert here on Friday, July 15, at 6:00pm. The FPC choir is led by Will Smith, who many will recognize from his years as service organist and seminar leader at the Montreat Concert on Worship & Music.

Youth in July (with hints of August)

11, 18, & 24: Camp Sonshine, 9:30-noon
17: Preschool and Elementary Riverdogs Game, 4:00 pm
23: Flag Football, 10:00-noon
31: Big Youth Sunday: Paintball, noon-3:00 pm

STEPS 2016
Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church
August 27

STEPS is an annual leadership event held by Charleston Atlantic Presbytery for church members, elders, deacons, Sunday school teachers, youth advisors, clerks of session, musicians, pastors, and Christian educators.  The day includes worship, three workshop sessions, lunch, a bookstore, and great fellowship!  The workshop offerings are diverse - there really is something for everyone! EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS JULY 15.

5th ANNUAL JOY EVENT
Saturday, September 17 

SAVE THE DATE!
Ladies, mark your calendars!  The James Island Presbyterian Church's Fifth Annual JOY Event will be Saturday, September 17, 2016.  We can't wait to see you there!


It's Here!
JIPC PICTORIAL DIRECTORY UPDATED
We hope you received your email on Tuesday night with a link to the updated directory.  If you did not, please contact the church office.
  
Did you know that we have a secure online pictorial directory for members of JIPC? Did you know that there's an app so that you can  view it all on your smart phone or tablet? We do, and it is a great resource to help us stay connected as a church body. Please follow these easy steps to help us out:
  1. Visit the directory by installing the "Instant Church Directory" app on your smart phone or tablet or by visiting www.instantchurchdirectory.com. Use the email that the church has on file for you to log in. You will be issued a password to gain access.
  2. Check to be sure that your contact information is correct and that you have a photo on file.
  3. Email cameron@jamesislandpc.org with any changes or with a new photo.While they won't be in the print directory we just distributed, they'll be in the online directory.
  4. If you do not have access to a computer, contact the church office so that we can check your information and mail you a printed copy of the directory.
Instant Church Directory
James Island Presbyterian Church | 843-795-3111| Email | Website

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