PORCH: The next PORCH sort date is August 13. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area. FeedingAmerica.org indicates that 15.4% of North Carolinians are challenged with food insecurities; so about 1 in every 6-7 people don’t have enough food. Let’s keep helping!

Continuing Education at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Cary, NC: Rev. Dr. Greg Seltz is giving two evening seminars (focused on laity). Permitting people to learn firsthand some of the great work being done for our church through the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty. Evening Seminars (Designed for Lay Audience) Sunday, August 12: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Two Kingdom Engagement of the Culture for the Sake of the Mission of the Church. Monday, August 13: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Religious Liberty in America: Concerns, Trends, Victories and Engagement.

Readings for Sunday, August 12, 12th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read 1 Kings 19:1–8, Ps. 34:1–8, Eph. 4:17—5:2, John 6:35–51

From Fear to Hope – Engage: In May, an LCMS Mercy Medical Team traveled to Sierra Leone for the first time, bringing physical healing and the Word of God. For the seven-person team, work and challenges were ahead. It was, as one team member said, “mercy for those who know no mercy.” By God’s grace, their efforts helped people, and they hoped the effect might be eternal. Read about them here.

The Kingdom Grows: Sometimes smaller congregations think they can’t be involved in church multiplication, or hope that when they grow larger or have more funds available, they will be able to start thinking about multiplication. The fact is that God has programmed multiplication into every congregation – regardless of size! He invites you and me to partner in the growth of His Kingdom. What’s your role? Read more here.

Readings for Sunday, August 5, 11th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Exodus 16:2-15, Psalm 145:10-21, Eph. 4:1–16, John 6:22–35.

Retirement Celebration for Pastor Bryan Chestnutt of Grace Lutheran Church in Durham. The celebration will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1200 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham on Saturday, August 4th at noon. St. Paul’s (ELCA) partners with Grace in the Duke Lutheran Campus Ministry. Please RSVP by this Sunday, July 29th with the RSVP form online or by phone at 919-682-6030. The celebration will include a cookout themed lunch.

Worship – Why What We Sing Matters: God, in His infinite wisdom, gave us an instrument of worship that deepens our understanding of Him and helps us recall what we know about His goodness and grace every time we use it, … Our worship must focus on Jesus and tell the story of the gospel. Our songs must give us language to use in our response of worship. And the praise coming from the believers gathered in worship must be more than listening; it must engage the people of God to join in the celebration of Him. Read more here.

Readings for Sunday, July 29, 10th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Gen. 9:8–17, Ps. 136:1–9, Eph. 3:14–21, Mark 6:45–56.

Men’s Retreat: The Men of Advent look forward to another great weekend of fellowship, studying God’s Word and growing together in Christ in 2018! We have currently reserved 10 rooms, which hold up to 20 men double occupancy, at the Trinity Center in Salter Path, NC from October 5-7. The costs for the Men’s Retreat are: $184 per person (two per room); $224 (single); the cost includes 2 nights and all meals dinner Friday through breakfast Sunday. Let Dave Neely, Bill Ackerman or John Stow know if you can attend.

Joy:fully Lutheran – Rejoice. Pray. Give thanks. Christ has done it. Even as our world changes, the Word of God remains the same. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod proclaims this truth here and throughout the world in mission work, disaster response, universities, seminaries and especially in our congregations. True joy is found in the Good News that God is for you. We rejoice in this. We vigorously make known the love of Christ. Watch the video here.

Continuing Education at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Cary, NC: Rev. Dr. Greg Seltz is giving two evening seminars (focused on laity). Permitting people to learn firsthand some of the great work being done for our church through the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty. Evening Seminars (Designed for Lay Audience) Sunday, August 12: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Two Kingdom Engagement of the Culture for the Sake of the Mission of the Church. Monday, August 13: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Religious Liberty in America: Concerns, Trends, Victories and Engagement.

Readings for Sunday, July 22, 9th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Jer. 23:1–6, Ps. 23, Eph. 2:11–22, Mark 6:30–44.

We the Church: Please join us this Sunday, July 15 at 9:45 a.m. to watched a video titled “We the Church: The Priesthood of All Believers.” The video, produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries, looks at how God has worked through pastors and laypeople to preserve His church during difficult times, giving us the assurance that He can do it again.

PORCH: The PORCH sort dates for summer are July 16 and August 13. Please keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area. FeedingAmerica.org indicates that 15.4% of North Carolinians are challenged with food insecurities; so about 1 in every 6-7 people don’t have enough food. Let’s keep helping!

Readings for Sunday, July 15, 8th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Amos 7:7–15, Ps. (1–7) 8–13, Eph. 1:3–14, Mark 6:14–29.

Pastor James McDaniels will be leading our Worship Service this Sunday while Pastor Lohman is on vacation. Pastor Lohman will return next Sunday, July 15.

We the Church: Please join us this Sunday, July 8 after the service or on Sunday, July 15 at 9:45 a.m. to watched a video titled “We the Church: The Priesthood of All Believers.” The video, produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries, looks at how God has worked through pastors and laypeople to preserve His church during difficult times, giving us the assurance that He can do it again.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS): For almost 80 years, LIRS has been a champion for refugees and migrants from around the globe. Our history reflects American Lutherans’ deep immigrant roots and passionate commitment to welcoming newcomers, especially those who are most in need. In recent months, many children have been cruelly separated from their families at the border, including 148 children that are in the care of LIRS. Immediate support is needed to help as many children as possible. If you feel moved to contribute, you can find out more info and donate here.

Readings for Sunday, July 8, 7th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Ezek. 2:1–5, Ps. 123, 2 Cor. 12:1–10, Mark 6:1–13.

We the Church: Please join us on Sunday, July 8 after the service or on Sunday, July 15 at 9:45 a.m. to watched a video titled “We the Church: The Priesthood of All Believers.” The video, produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries, looks at how God has worked through pastors and laypeople to preserve His church during difficult times, giving us the assurance that He can do it again.

Council: The following members were elected to the council for the 2018-2020 term: Vice President – Ron Hinkle, Treasurer – Jennifer Simis, Fellowship – Co-chairs Lois Durr and Maryanne Warne, Outreach – Co-chairs Lydia Berrong and Carolyn Jones, Worship – Peggy Earnhardt, Elder (2018-2021) – John Stow.

Readings for Sunday, July 1, 6th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Lamentations 3:22-33, Psalm 30, 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-15, Mark 5:21-43.

Voters Meeting: Our Voters Meeting will be this Sunday, June 24 immediately after the worship service. The meeting will include the election of Council members and Elder. The slate for the election for the 2018-2020 term: Vice President – Ron Hinkle, Treasurer – Jennifer Simis, Fellowship – Co-chairs Lois Durr and Maryanne Warne, Outreach – Co-chairs Lydia Berrong and Carolyn Jones, Worship – Peggy Earnhardt, Elder (2018-2021) – John Stow

We the Church: Please join us on Sunday, July 8 after the service or on Sunday, July 15 at 9:45 a.m. to watched a video titled “We the Church: The Priesthood of All Believers.” The video, produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries, looks at how God has worked through pastors and laypeople to preserve His church during difficult times, giving us the assurance that He can do it again.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS): For almost 80 years, LIRS has been a champion for refugees and migrants from around the globe. Our history reflects American Lutherans’ deep immigrant roots and passionate commitment to welcoming newcomers, especially those who are most in need. In recent months, many children have been cruelly separated from their families at the border, including 148 children that are in the care of LIRS. Immediate support is needed to help as many children as possible. If you feel moved to contribute, you can find out more info and donate here.

Readings for Sunday, June 24, 5th Sunday a. Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for next week’s lessons, please read Job 38:1-11, Psalm 124, 2 Corinthians 6:1-13, Mark 4:35-41.

New Volunteer Opportunities at Abundant Joy:

• Basic Peer Counseling: The next Basic Peer Counseling class is scheduled for Thursday mornings from August 16-November 8 from 10 a.m-12:30 p.m. There is also a possibility of an evening class.
• Receptionist Training: Requires one half-day training session.
• Administrative help: Abundant Joy is looking for women who would be able to help with web design, newsletter, and e-mail distribution.

To apply for any of these positions, please contact abundantjoycwm@gmail.com, 919-943-0789, or apply online. If you have questions, you may also contact Peggy Earnhardt at pjearnhardt@triad.rr.com.

LWML NC District Convention: Carolinas District LWML District Convention is Sept. 14 and 15, 2018 at Lake Junaluska, NC. See Maryanne Warne for more information.

Readings for Sunday, June 17, 4th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for this week’s lessons, please read Ezekiel 17:22-24, Psalm 1, 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 (11-17), Mark 4:26-34.

Confirmation: Emma Richie, Simon Walker, and Caitlyn Wriedt will be confirmed this Sunday, June 10. Please join us as we celebrate with them.

Choir will be singing ‘The Lord Bless You and Keep You” this Sunday, June 10. We will have a short rehearsal at 10:10 a.m. Everyone is welcome to join us; we will have music available. This will be our final time singing before summer break.

Summer Schedule begins this Sunday. Sunday Adult Bible Study, Confirmation, and Sunday School will be on break until September 9. Worship time will continue to be at 10:30 a.m.

PORCH: Keep bringing non-perishables and canned goods to church. These items are taken to those with food insecurity needs in the area. FeedingAmerica.org indicates that 15.4% of North Carolinians are challenged with food insecurities; so about 1 in every 6-7 people don’t have enough food. Let’s keep helping!

Readings for Sunday, June 10, 3rd Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for this week’s lessons, please read Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 130, 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1, Mark 3:20-35.