Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Each one of us desires to be deeply joyful in our lives. Not just happy when things are “going our way,” but truly joyful. This is because God has created us with this desire for joy. In fact, the first question in the Westminster Shorter Catechism addresses just this: “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” The biblical path to rejoicing, however, is one which few people would ever choose. It is the path of suffering. In Acts 5:12-42, the Apostles choose the path of suffering as they are taken before the council in Jerusalem, questioned, and then beaten for preaching in the name of Jesus. But Luke makes a point to tell us how they were filled with joy after suffering for the sake of Christ: “Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” (Acts 5:41) This is joy that comes through the working of God in someone’s heart when they are living all out for the glory of their King. This is Holy Spirit joy! Deep commitment to Christ leads to deep joy.
Click here for the link to the livestream of our Sunday morning service (9:30am).
Our COVID-19 Guidelines
A reminder that in following with the CDC and state guidelines, this past Sunday we revised our COVID-19 protocol. Per the guidelines, face masks are not required for anyone who has been fully vaccinated. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the final dose of their vaccine. As we navigate this final stage of Coronavirus mitigation measures, let’s continue to put into practice the exhortation of the Apostle Paul: “I… urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:1-3).
Congregational Meeting (Sunday, June 13 Following Worship Service)
Mark your calendar for our June congregational meeting on June 13 to pray together and to review the budget for the 2022 fiscal year. The meeting will take place in the Mission Center following the worship service.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Rhett