God helps those who...

Apparently it was Ben Franklin, and not God, who said "God helps those who help themselves."  What the Bible says is this:  "God helps the helpless." The apostle Paul went out preaching the gospel.  But it wasn't Paul who caused a woman to accept Jesus.  It was God who opened Lydia's heart (Acts 16:14.)  Our God doesn't do things half way; he will never drop the ball.  We celebrate that promise this Sunday, Jan 22, 8:30 a.m. at WilsonHub and 10 a.m. at the church on Garner Road.

Emerson Shane Huisman's baptism

Yesterday we celebrated the baptism of Jake and Michelle's baby, Emerson Shane.  What a wonderful worship service! The church was packed, the praise team joyfully led us in worship, and one little guy, watching Emerson being baptized, said out loud, "that was amazing!"  And it was.  It was amazing to see this picture of grace.  God's grace. Congratulations, Michelle & Jake!

XDon'tX Rock the Boat

It's one of those sayings that is NOT in the bible:  "Don't Rock the Boat."  Jesus had a way of rocking the boat everywhere he went. This Sunday we begin a series from Acts 16. We begin with verses 6-10 where we find Paul struggling to figure out what it is that God wants him to do. God has plans for him alright.  No status quo stuff- God expects Paul to rock the boat.  He expects the same of us.  We gather for worship at 8:30 am at WilsonHub and at 10:00 am at the church.  Both services will include the sacrament of holy communion.  Our 10:00 o'clock service will also include the sacrament of baptism:  Emerson Shane Huisman, baby boy of Jake & Michelle, will be baptized.

The year in pictures

https://plus.google.com/113583219180765800050/posts/UomaZwW9hcq

To see part of the year end slide show that was featured at our New Year's Eve service, click on this link.

It's not in the Bible!

This Sunday, January 8, Pastor Adam leads worship. The following Sunday we begin a sermon series called, "It's Not in the Bible."  We'll look at some un-truths to which people too often subscribe.  The sermon series will be based on Acts 16.

Actions AND Words

As we begin the new year, it is a good idea to remember who we are, where we stand, and what we believe.  We can do lots of good things - great things, even, but unless we remember that we serve a living God, our actions will be confusing at best, misleading at worst.  I Timothy 3:16 is a statement of what we believe - a creed. We'll profess this creed on January 1, and take it with us into 2017.  Worship with us, New Year's Day at 10 a.m.

The best of times, the worst of times

What was 2016 like for you, was it the best of times or the worst of times?  As we look back on the past year, we also look forward.  Endings and beginnings. At the end of the bible we find an epilogue (Revelation 22: 12-21).  That epilogue shows us what happens in the story after the final chapter of the bible has been written.  Those who have been washed by Jesus "live happily ever after." Come out for our church service at 7pm on Dec 31 as part of your New Year's Eve activities.