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Ephesians4:16: "From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
As I look back at the first half of the year, I’m amazed at how God has really pulled us together as one body, with each part working properly, and growing! Plus, all the love. Think about it…
In January we had our outdoor anniversary kickoff Community Worship Service – it was a TON of work, but together and with the other ministries help, we had the perfect day for it. Glory be to God!
In February and March – Pastor Ludder and Pastor Arnold joined us for special Sundays, helping us recall our history, and remind us how far we’ve come, and how God has blessed us so richly.
In April – We finished Lent and celebrated Holy Week, with a glorious Easter service. Then, a week later, we had our big Centennial Celebration. Festivities included artist Paul Oman painting murals for us, Bishop Selbo preached. There were special soloists, choirs, and musicians to help us sing God’s praises. A delicious meal was served while the kids played games, petted animals, and jumped in a bounce house. We even have hats, shirts, stickers and historical displays for people to look at.
In June and July – we went “Up North” through our Vacation Bible School, a second year, which grew! Grace Notes Strings Camp came and filled the church from sunup past sundown for four weeks, with their teachers sharing special music on two Sundays.
Property – we have made incredible progress on improving the property that last few years – invested $313,000 in repairing and replacing roofs for the sanctuary, chapel, & sawtooth wings, over $70,000 of A/C repairs just last year, $23,000 for new pew cushions; repaired or coated windows, replaced the pipe organ fabric, updated the sound system and livestream for $18,000. Many other important details that all help make this place a powerful instrument for ministry and service. The church is looking the best it has in years; and is getting used all the time. So many answered prayers!
Missions – special memorial gifts came memory of Cyndy Sellari for our missionaries in Egypt, helping expand their ministry. We gathered 208 pounds of food for the Food Shelf and gave special gifts to several other ministries, including Pastor Paul’s Luther Museum.
Ministry – We’ve had a few baptisms earlier this year and welcomed their parents! They will be taking part in our New Member Sunday in August, with a group of around ten joining us. That’s wonderful! Vacation Bible School and Flame continue to bless our children and provide for the future of the church.
New Playground Coming – Our young parents had the vision for a playground for children and remodeling of our nursery, coming in the next few months. A compliment to the basketball courts!
As the scripture says: “when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Do you agree? Can you see that all around us? Let’s praise God for all that has been done.
We wouldn’t be able to do any of these things without your prayers and support, including your faithful giving. Let’s keep this church growing, for the mission God has called us to. Amen!
In the name of Jesus;
Pastor Dan
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Join us for worship this Sunday at First Evangelical and Holy Cross Churches. We will have new member orientation on July 26 after worship, and welcoming new members in worship on August 23rd. If you know anyone who might be interested in joining the churches, please contact one of the pastors or the church office
- Help kids at Conniston Middle School by gathering items for our “Back to School Supplies Drive” through the end of August – Drop off items include: mesh backpacks, 6 tab dividers, 1 subject spiral notebooks, three hole punch pencil pouches, three hold punch rulers, sharpened #2 pencils, magic rub erasers, black-blue-red pens, college ruled notebook paper, reinforcement labels, glue sticks, highlighters. Please leave them on the table and in the boxes at the back of the church.
- Holy Cross Congregational meeting is after worship this Sunday in the Sanctuary.
- First Evangelical Church Council will meet after worship this Sunday in Classroom #1.
