Dear Friends,
On Sunday, we will be celebrating two occasions that remind us of sacrifice: Holy Communion and the Fourth of July. Indeed, this will be the theme of the next parable we read from Luke, The Good Samaritan. During the summertime, we’re usually just thinking of having fun, relaxing, beating the heat, getting neglected projects done, finally getting around to some family time or road trips. Let’s be honest, these are activities that are pretty self-centered although some catching up is necessary and some self-care is important. But the name of the game around the 4th of July is usually “FUN.” So, I must admit I feel a bit like a party-pooper talking about sacrifice.
Yet, I think we would all agree the reason we can celebrate our political & social freedom is because of the sacrifice made by soldiers, families, statesmen, etc. of the past who took a stand for a new way of life. And we rejoice in that sacrifice. Why shouldn’t we rejoice in the greater sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us that we may have new life eternally? Our worship time this week will give thanks for the greatest freedom of all…the freedom from sin and death that Jesus bought when his blood was shed for our souls. I look forward to seeing you Sunday, and talking about what sacrifice means in our lives today.
Next week, there won’t be an eDevotional email as we’ll be in Leesburg at the Warren Willis youth camp. Although we don’t have any CRUMC youth attending, Paul and I will be speakers at the evening worship. Please pray for our time at camp next week and all camp sessions—there are 3,000 youth attend the camp throughout the summer. We will be speaking to children and youth from small & large churches, some with lots of church experience & some with none, some with friends attending & some coming alone. Pray for the words we use, relationships in small groups, worship time, and even travel mercies! Thank you!
Peace,
Pastor Amber
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· The Food Pantry needs food donations. Last week we gave away all prepared bags, and sent Jean Welsh immediately to the grocery to re-stock. Please pick up those “buy-one-get-one” specials and bring them next time you come to church. Thanks!
· Little ones love the new nursery in room 201. Starting THIS SUNDAY, we need 1 volunteer per Sunday to help Miss Star especially for bathroom and playground time. You can be a parent, teen, or just “young at heart” to help this ministry.
· Children’s Church will be on “summer break” for the month of July. Activity bags will be provided for kids ages 4-10 for use during the worship service. Please consider getting involved in this growing ministry; we’ll be re-organizing supplies and looking for additional volunteers for the fall. Contact Pastor Amber if you can help.
· No Men’s Breakfast this Sunday but we look forward to seeing everyone in church on this 4th of July Sunday.
· Please note the church office will be CLOSED all next week (July 5-9) while Pastor Amber and family are at Leesburg. Please call Dot Bardsley (305-238-8824) for pastoral care needs or Marilyn Horne (305-992-0470) for building use needs. All announcements for the bulletin on 7/11 should be sent to the office by this Thursday, July 1st, at 1pm.
