Pastor Scott is on medical leave. In Pastor Scott’s absence, Advent Worship will be led by, Pastor McDaniels on September 8 and Pastor Williamson on September 15. If pastoral assistance is needed during the week, please contact the Elders: John Cangelosi or John Stow.
Rally Day is this Sunday, September 8. Most activities will resume after summer break including:
Sunday School and Adult Bible Class – Sunday, September 8, 9:15 a.m. Classes will be offered for all ages. Adult Bible Study Leaders: Sept. 8 – Bob Serpas; Sept. 15 – John Cangelosi; Sept. 22 – Joe Schradie; Sept. 29 – John Stow
Men’s Bible Study – Tuesday, September 10 at 10:00 a.m. Please contact John Cangelosi for further information.
Women’s Evening Bible Study – The Women’s Group continues to meet on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Contact Karen Baker for further information.
Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday, September 11 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Please join us!
Readings for Sunday, September 8 (Prop. 18), 13th Sunday after Pentecost: For those who wish to prepare for Sunday’s lessons, please read Deut. 30:15–20, Psalm 1, Philemon 1–21, Luke 14:25–35
Christ Jesus Has Paid the Cost of Discipleship for You: A disciple of Jesus Christ will “bear his own cross” (Luke 14:27) and follow the Lord through death into life. Discipleship is costly because it crucifies the old man with “all that he has” (Luke 14:33), in order to raise up the new man in Christ. The disciple disavows “his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life” (Luke 14:26), in deference to Christ. That way of the cross is impossible, except that Christ Jesus has already paid the cost. His cross is set before you as “life and good, death and evil” (Deut. 30:15). Taking up His cross is to “choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him” (Deut. 30:19–20). To live that life in Christ is also to bear His cross in love, “that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord” (Philemon 14).