Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Get ready to press the fast forward button this week in our Exodus series! This Sunday, our prayer ministry intern, Lawrence Owinya, will share from Exodus 25-27 and 35-40. These passages include regulations about all the temple decorations and the people’s contributions for the temple, and many of our earnest efforts to read through Scripture end here. Strangely, this was the exact area of Scripture where I remember the Lord warming my heart to Himself around when He saved me as a child. What on earth should we do with commands about curtains and golden bowls?
Remember that the people of Israel was to be a kingdom of priests with God as their king. This temple was to be His royal palace as He lived among them! As the people came into the temple and see all the ornamentation in the temple, they recalled their King and their purpose as priests of that great king.
This Sunday, we will have the opportunity to practice our royal priesthood. For Sunday School, we will do a prayer drive around the city of West Chicago to intercede on behalf of our city – much like priests interceded for the people before God – that God might bless it with an eye toward its welfare and the regeneration of many hearts. Join us at 11:15am in the alcove for the prayer drive.
Click here to access the livestream of this Sunday’s worship service (9:30am).
Do You Have a Praise or Prayer Request?
We are a congregation committed to praying with and for one another. If you have a praise or prayer request you would like prayed for in the Prayers of the People and also by our Prayer Ministry Team, we encourage you to (1) contact the church office or (2) fill out one of the blue prayer cards in the narthex and place it in the offering plate.
This Summer: A Praying Church Book Study
We recently held the A Praying Church seminar at our church and this summer we’ll be digging deeper into what it looks like to be a praying church. In June, July, and August, we will have a monthly discussion and prayer group focused on the book A Praying Church by Paul Miller. More details forthcoming.
Caring Network Baby Bottle Drive: Bring Your Bottles by Father’s Day (June 21st)
The Caring Network Baby Bottle Drive kicked off this Sunday! Caring Network is a Christian ministry devoted to loving and serving women considering abortion. Simply take a baby bottle from the table in the church office hallway and fill it with coins (or a check!) and return it by Father’s Day, June 21. View this video on how your giving saves the lives of the most vulnerable.
Update: Commitment Forms for African Outreach and Church Plant
We praise the Lord for the many commitments received in support of the African outreach and church plant. If you would like to make a financial commitment to the African outreach and church plant, please do so by THIS SUNDAY, May 17. Commitment forms are available in the narthex.
Women’s Ministry Luncheon on Saturday, May 16th (10am)
Simple Owinya will be sharing a message focused on the theme of perfect peace. Ladies, please invite any friends or family members! There’s still time to sign up. Men, a sign-up sheet is also available for serving and clean up. Tickets are $5.00. Please contact the church office to purchase tickets. For any questions, contact Jenn Wright.
Congregational Meeting: May 31st at 11:00am
Our semi-annual congregational meeting will be on Sunday, May 31st right after Fellowship Time. Come prepared to hear about our ministry vision going into the fall, the 2027 budget, and Pastor Rhett’s sabbatical.
Community Celebration: Saturday, June 13th (11am-3pm)
Mark your calendars for the second Saturday of June! Returning from last year, we will host our Community Celebration to kick off the summer for our surrounding community and us. We aim to bless our community with a midday of games, music, and food trucks. Contact Jonathan Keller with any questions.
Prayer Requests and Praises
Women’s Ministry Luncheon: Please pray for the preparations of the Women’s Ministry Luncheon and for the spread of the gospel through the event and spiritual encouragement of all in attendance.
Owinya Family: Praise God for Lawrence’s visa and pray for Simple to receive hers.
Community Celebration: Pray for preparations and for the hearts of those in our community to desire to come and engage in Gospel conversations.
Jonathan Keller: Pray for Jonathan as he prepares for ordination exams before Presbytery next Wednesday, May 20th.
With grace,
Jonathan Keller