Midweek Update: July 22

Is there anything in this life that can provide greater comfort than knowing that we are children of God? More than ten times in his letters, the Apostle John calls his readers “children.” Yes, John refers to them in this way in order to express his concern and care for these believers, but on an even deeper level, he calls them “children” because they are first of all children of the heavenly Father. “See what kind of love the Father has given to us,” John says, “that we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1).

This week Debby Juzwiak, our beloved sister in Christ, went to be with the Lord. Debby was, and is, a child of the Father. We are deeply saddened because she has departed our presence, but at the same time we rejoice in knowing that she is now in the presence of her Savior. What a comfort to know that one day we will enjoy the real and present company of our beloved brothers and sisters once again in the transforming presence of Jesus himself.

A memorial service in honor of Debby Juzwiak is being arranged by the family and will be held at the church. We will be sending additional information regarding the date and time of the service as soon as it is confirmed.

Please take note of the following:

This Sunday, July 26: Outdoor Fellowship Time Begins (9:50-10:15 am).

We are thankful to resume a modified fellowship time between our two Sunday morning services (9:50am-10:15am) under the carport on the east side of the building. We want this to be a time when attendees of both services can connect and fellowship with one another on Sunday mornings. We ask that you continue to follow social distancing guidelines and to wear masks during the fellowship time. Folding chairs will be available, though feel free to bring your own. Prepackaged refreshments will be provided by the church!

Meals for the Vilands: If you are able to take or send the new parents a meal, please contact the church or Valerie Austin.

Prayer Requests:

Jerry Juzwiak and Don, Shannon, and Hannah Thompson: Continue to pray for Debby’s family as they grieve the loss of their beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

 Donna and Ernie Siefert: Please pray for the Sieferts as Donna continues to work on the organization of the estate and the funeral arrangements for her father, George Slivinski, whose family memorial service is scheduled for this weekend.

Dave Wright: Praise God for a successful hip replacement surgery for Dave Wright. Please continue to pray for his recovery.

Carissa Wetherington: Carissa will be moving to Black Hawk College in Galva, IL the first week of August. Please pray for protection in her commute and that she would find a solid church community in Galva.

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)

In Christ,

Pastor Rhett