Church News

Do you know this wonderful blessing?

    Our Sunday School lesson this morning was about the ministry of Jesus found this time in Luke 6:17-23, 27-31.  Branden Dehner led us in this good study of God’s Word.  Sandy Berry and June Grubb were the children’s teachers.  It is truly a joy to see Sandy back in that place where she has been for so many, many years

working with and loving the children.

    Worship began with the announcements and moved to our first hymn  “I Am Resolved”.  We watched a short video clip about one of our North American missionary families working with the Haitian ministries in Philadelphia. PA.

We are reminded that there are no unloved forgotten people with God.  Carl Hill led us in our ministry of prayer.  Our offertory hymn was “God Will Take Care of You”.  Branden Dehner, Jim Berry, Bobby Berry and Tim Blackford gathered the offerings.  Ed Berry brought our special music “Jesus Is Tenderly Calling”.

    Pastor’s message this week was “Dealing With God’s Truth” as found in John 8:31-32.  As disciples, followers of Jesus, we are to be disciples of truth, vs. 32, as our God is the God of truth. God the Father is the God of truth as we find in Deut. 32:4 and Ps. 31:5.  Jesus, the Son of God, is the God of truth as found in John 14:6. And, the Spirit of God is the Spirit of truth as found in John 16:13.  In vs. 31 the Bible teaches us to be steadfast…a vital quality of discipleship.  All of the verse is important but two of the most important words are the words “If” and “then”.  To be a disciple of truth the we must “continue in my word” said Jesus if we are to be a true disciple.  This teaches us that a true disciple, a follower of Jesus, must strive to live their life as God teaches in His Word.  This becomes then an emancipating truth as it sets one free from sin and death.  Pause a moment from your very active life and ask yourself if you have found and accepted this very great truth.

    We had our business meeting after the worship service.  Midweek service is Wednesday evening at 6.  The vision committee meets Thursday evening at 6.  Then the women’s group meets on Friday at 2.  Sunday returns us to our regular service schedule.  We welcome you to come and meet with us.

Eleven 4-H members were present for the first Shelby County 4-H Youth Shooting Sports safety training last week, open to all members throughout the county and held at Heartland Christian Academy. In order to participate in shooting sports, club members must have six hours of mandatory safety training from a certified 4-H instructor. Daniel Ballard taught this first session; the Shelby County team of instructors also includes Tim McClintock, Robert Hambelton, and Blake Conrad.

According to Daniel, “4-H Shooting Sports provide a positive experience for youth and promotes the safe and ethical use of firearms and archery equipment. Program areas include archery, muzzle loading, air pistol, smallbore pistol, smallbore rifle, air rifle, shotgun, hunting and outdoor skills, and western heritage, with each discipline taught by a National or State Certified Instructor. The activities of the program are taught under the guidance of caring and knowledgeable adult leaders who instruct 4- H members in firearms safety and marksmanship, providing young people with opportunities to develop life skills like teamwork, self-confidence, personal discipline, responsibility and decision making.”

Daniel was an active participant in many areas of 4-H when he was young, and it’s inspiring to see him so engaged and active in helping another generation have the same opportunities. Youth clubs like these are such a great resource for our communities. I recently heard a study cited which shows youth in clubs like 4-H are four times more likely to contribute to their community and two times more likely to be civically engaged, participate in out-of-school science programs and make healthier choices. Hats off to all of the parents, adult leaders and mentors who help make this possible!