e-news… watch and pray

Posted by Tom Welch on July 29, 2009 under News | Be the First to Comment

::truth::

A Healing Community

I felt it when I woke up this morning. After my drive from Georgia I felt it. After my third wipe-out on the kneeboard I really felt it!  An ache and pain in my right hip (Okay – my right “cheek” to be specific!) that modulates between searing and tolerable. But it is always “there”.  Paul said it true, “our outer self is wasting away” – to that I can attest. Is having this constant ache “healthy”?

What exactly does it mean to be “healthy”?  Does healthy mean free from every pain, ache, and condition?  Does healthy mean I’m the biological equivalent of the six million dollar man? How about spiritual health? Does spiritual health mean we never struggle with the weaknesses of the flesh or bear the wounds of living in a broken world?

No, healthy means we are moving toward wholeness; spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Healthy means we are aware of our weaknesses, but we keep moving forward, even though we limp.  Healthy means we can be honest and open about our scars, sins, and struggles. We can begin to “confess [our] sins to one another, and pray for one another that [we] may be healed” (James 5:16)

We can do this because the debilitating effects of shame are cured in the gospel. We can do this because the exhausting work of projecting “I’ve-got-it-togetherness” is no longer necessary.  In the gospel we find that Jesus has both exposed and taken our shame. In the gospel we find that only Jesus had it all together.

So we are in “gospel rehab” together. We care for one another’s souls as wounded-healers.  We journey as a healing community together.  And I kinda think the world is waiting for this kind of church. How about you?

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,

Pastor Tom

::prayer::

Childress’s: Pray for Helen Hoekstra and her 3 teen children in the aftermath of her husband taking his life on Friday.  He was a successful GI surgeon in Indiana and a Christian.  Pray for comfort and peace for them as they have many ‘whys’ unanswered.

Jim P: Pray for truth and righteousness to be exalted in America.  Pray for Whitney to find a good church.

Betsy W: Thanks be to our gracious Father – Samuel had his almost 2 year follow up with the cardiologist this week and everything looks great!  Next follow up echocardiogram isn’t needed for 2 years.

Praise for Bruce’s job, prayer for the challenges ahead as he prepares for a trip to Asia at the end of August.

Julie V.: I pray for endurance and strength to deal with situations at work and home.

Benders: The Benders will be traveling to PA Friday, returning in 2 weeks.  Pray for a wonderful time and a safe journey.

Joe R: Please pray for my brother-in-law, Chris, as they have found a tumor in his intestine.  Pray that it is benign and for strength for my sister as they go through this test.  Please pray that we see the joy in our trials and tribulations.

Sandee L:  Maxine L. recently had to move into a shelter with her children.  Pray they would make it through a difficult situation.  Jordan, Nichole & Brett- keep their focus on God.  Praise God that Jordan’s foot is no longer painful.  Pray that He would continue to heal.

Tricia P: Pray for my friend, Chris Kirven, diagnoses with her 3rd type of cancer in 3 years, as she has a mastectomy in Thursday.  Peace, healing and trust.  She is a believer who is full of faith and hope, feels God love every day and has remained positive through all of this.

Pray for Lindsey’s “re-entry”!

Barbara B.: Please pray for my friend, Doug Hill.  He had emergency surgery on Sat. for an aneurism in his heart.  Surgery went well, but the next 30 days are critical.

Nancy: Praise the Lord for Jonathan’s continued recovery.  Pray for wisdom for decisions regarding school that need to be made.  Ask God to give our congregation a greater vision and outreach for Winter Garden.

::community::

This Week:

  • Governing Board Meeting: This month we will meet at the Phillips at 7:00 PM on Wednesday, July 29th..
  • Farewell Party!: Saturday, August 1. We will have a farewell party for the Warrens to bless them on their move to Texas. We’ll meet at the Tindall’s at 5:30 PM this Saturday.

Sunday, August 2nd –

  • 9:15 AM – Family Bible Classes for all ages.
  • 10:30 AM – Worship Service. Message: “Healing the Whole Person” from James 5:14-18
  • Special Congregational Meeting – Sunday, August 16. We are committed to seeking the Lord for growth opportunities for our church. We are seeking the Lord for new direction and initiatives for ministry in our community. We are planning a special congregational meeting early this fall to plan and prepare for the future. You will be asked for your participation!
  • All Church Prayer Gathering: In anticipation of our congregational meeting we are planning a series of prayer gatherings (which begin today!) to seek the Lord. Our all church gathering will be Sunday Evening, August 9th. Plan to participate.

THIS WEEKS SERVANTS:

  • Set-up: Glenn Tindall
  • Prayer: TBA
  • Nursery: Susan Feltman
  • Greeters: TBA

::mission::

Operation Christmas Child – Pray for the child(ren) that received your shoebox from last Christmas.  Start praying for the upcoming season and the lives that will be touched.  (School supply sales are a great way to get some items for your box(es) early)

Keith & Krista Ellenberger (Mali) – Praise that over 160 children attended a recent day camp.  Pray that the message they heard will have a lasting effect on their lives.

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