13 Sep This week at Hope 9/13/2021
Yesterday in worship we observed the Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost and focused on this age-old observation from James: The tongue is untamable. I know the truth of that in my own life. Even as I commit to godly language, I still erupt with angry filth in competition on the tennis court (and elsewhere). It is embarrassing and shameful and destructive to a good Christian witness, but I still do not manage to control my tongue. So this is a persistent sin that needs to be confessed to God again and again. Genuine repentance admits it rather than excusing it. Then we’re led to a fresh spring provided by the Holy Spirit. The strong love of Jesus can flow in us and from us so that we only praise God for His goodness and speak kindly and truthfully about all that He has made. It helps, too, to be surrounded by faithful Christians who can encourage us!
We are off to a great start with our new Bible study of Galatians! Stimulating discussion ensued yesterday just in the first chapter. Stick around on Sundays at 10:30 and discover how the Holy Spirit works through the holy word of God.
**A tremendous opportunity! Soon we will resume our Wednesday evening program with BUMP and you’ll have a second weekly occasion to be centered in the Lord and His wisdom and work. The topic is especially relevant for these anxious times—Fearless: Imagine Your Life without Fear. Sign up at church or send me a message that you want to join in, and I will make sure you have the study material. There will be a weekly video component, as well. We will be meeting in Hope Harbor at 6:00 pm for a fellowship meal, with study and discussion at 6:30 pm, and wrap-up with prayer by 7:30 pm. This could be just the thing to take your spiritual life to the next level!
Hope is partnering with Education Connection to build relationships with our neighbors at Blanton Elementary. To start, this will involve volunteers reading for 30 minutes a week with third graders. Can you spare a half-hour to help transform the lives of two children? A half-dozen members have already signed up to do it, and you can join them. Fill out a response card at church and give it to Carl Repp so that your participation can happen.
Tacos and Prayers this Saturday! Come join in this fun and relaxed outreach effort. Show up at church at 9 am to help with food prep. We will head over to MBC service station to eat and pray from 10 to 11 am.
The Lord has supplied each of us generously with daily provision. I encourage you to make regular and faithful Offerings at Hope in faith and gratitude for God’s loving care. Here are three ways to do that:
• In-person at the offering plate;
• On the church website by the Give with Us button;
• Through the Vanco mobile app GivePlus.
Scripture readings for next Sunday—Jeremiah 11:18-20; James 3:13—4:10; Mark 9:30-37.
Birthdays—9/18 Jean Haney, Mary (Peace) Whiteaker
Anniversaries—9/15 Toni & Pamela Ceasar
“We all make mistakes often, but those who do not make mistakes with their words have reached full maturity.” James 3
Be Bold!
Pastor Heckmann