Dear Brothers and Sisters,
God’s timing is always perfect. The last verse of Sunday’s sermon described how the risen Lord appeared to Paul in order to encourage him after such a difficult struggle in Jerusalem: “The following night the Lord stood by him and said, ‘Take courage, for as you have testified to the facts about me in Jerusalem, so you must testify also in Rome’” (Acts 23:11). Little did the Apostle know that in the morning there would be more than forty men gathering to take an oath “neither to eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.” (Acts 23:12). In the verses that follow we are given a powerful example of how God’s plans for his people can never be overturned by those who desire to do us harm. Our sermon text for this Sunday is Acts 23:12-35.
Click here to access the livestream of this Sunday’s service.
This Saturday: The Power of God’s Word (6:00pm)
It’s not too late to register for The Power of God’s Word, an in-person and livestream event, which centers on celebrating the work God has done through the ministry of WordPartners. Dinner will be provided. If you would like to register for the event, you may do so through our church’s registration page or by contacting the church office.
Community Lunch Invitation Cards Sunday, May 22 at 11:00am
In your bulletin this Sunday, you will receive an invitation card for our Community Lunch on Sunday, May 22 (11:00am; Mission Center). Our goal is for each person to invite one family member, friend, relative, or co-worker to join us for the lunch. The Community Lunch is an excellent opportunity for others to experience our church community and to hear what the Gospel is all about. While no RSVP is required, in order to get a general idea of how many people to expect, we ask that you email or call the church office if you will be bringing guests.
A Word of Thanks
Thank you to everyone who joined us last Saturday morning for Donut Day to clean, pull weeds, and remove brush! Thank you also to our Property Team leaders for organizing the event.
West Chicago Neighborhood Food Pantry Donation Drive
The local West Chicago food pantry is in need of items not covered by the Link card. Items include: toothpaste, toothbrushes, dish soap, deodorant, baby wipes, bath soap, shampoo, Kleenex, feminine products, laundry detergent, adult & children’s diapers. Beginning this week, our church will be collecting these items in the west coatroom by the mailboxes. If you have any questions, please see Kay Campbell.
Prayer Requests
Dave Wright: Please pray for healing for Dave Wright as he was diagnosed with Covid this week.
Phyl Hold: Please pray for healing for Phyl Holt as she was diagnosed with Covid this week as well.
Karla and Gary Van Der Molen: Please pray for continued encouragement and strength for our sister as she continues to manage her ALS.
Bryan Van Zanten: Praise God that Bryan has completed his last treatment for Lymphoma and is in complete remission.
In Christ,
Pastor Rhett