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November 2023 Pastor’s Corner — Show & Tell
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? — Rom. 10:13-15
One of my favorite quotations is often attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. “Preach the Gospel always. If necessary, use words.” I love this quote because it emphasizes how important our actions are in backing up what we say we believe. Telling others about the Gospel is good; living the Gospel is better. In last month’s article, we talked about how we live the Gospel in our lives, thinking purposefully about how we live in “uniquely Christian” ways in our areas of influence and the places we go. As the quote above stresses, it is important that we live what we say we believe, and through those actions, proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to those who do not know.
But the quote does not say to not use words. Words are important, and when it comes to sharing the Gospel and good news of Jesus Christ with others, we do need to use our words. As the words of the Apostle Paul at the top of this article make clear, there comes a point where we have to invite others to learn more about Jesus Christ. How are people supposed to know about the goodness of the Lord and the joy of our salvation if we aren’t telling them about it? When God meets you where you are and you experience His love and grace in a new and different way, that is something we should want to share with other people. As Peter says in 1 Peter 3:15, “…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for the hope that is in you.”
Telling others about what God is doing in our lives doesn’t have to be a full exposition of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You don’t have to have all the answers, actually, you don’t have to have any of the answers. Just Jesus. To paraphrase the (formerly) blind man’s answer in John 9:25, “I don’t know everything there is to know or understand about Jesus. One thing I do know, I once was blind, but now I see.” Or even better is Philip’s answer in John 1:46, “Come and see.” Invite others to “come and see” Jesus for themselves. Show people what Jesus has done and is doing by living in uniquely Christian ways, and tell them they can come and see for themselves! It might simply saying something along the lines of, “I had the most incredible experience with God in church this past Sunday. You should come next Sunday so you can experience it too.” Or maybe, “I’m so grateful for my church community because they {fill in the blank}. If you’re looking for genuine community, come with me next Sunday.” It might even be “Yesterday, my pastor said {fill in the blank}, and I’d never realized that about God/Jesus/The Holy Spirit/etc, and I’m so encouraged!” Although, it’ll more likely be, “Yesterday, my pastor put his foot in his mouth so badly, and it was hilarious. Come and hear him do it again this Sunday!”
By all means, seek to love and serve others wherever you go and in whatever you do in uniquely Christian ways. As much as you’re able, live out the Gospel in which we have found our hope and our life. Live in such a way that others want to ask you about your hope and faith in Jesus Christ, and tell them about Him!
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.” — Is. 52:7
Blessings,
Rev. David Garrison
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News & Announcements for October 29, 2023
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Children are welcomed in the service. A nursery is provided for infants – 4 years. Others needing childcare may leave worship after the ANTHEM.
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
HELPING HANDS OFFERING – THIS MORNING
Each 5th Sunday, any undesignated offerings placed in the collection plates goes to Helping Hands, a ministry of churches in the Madison Heights-Elon area of Amherst County to help residents in need. It is administered through Madison Heights Baptist Church. Thank you for helping us meet the needs of those in our community!
MISSION FOCUS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
Our focus for the month of October is Christmas Food Boxes. Peanut butter, canned meats, canned fruits, soups, and jelly or jam are always a good idea. Since we are closer to the delivery date, mid-December, we can now add packaged foods such as mac and cheese, pasta, and pancake mix. Of course, spaghetti sauce and syrup are welcome too! When buying something for yourself, consider getting two and bringing one for this worthy mission. Donations can be placed in the receptacle in the narthex. Thank you for your support!
AUTUMN HARVEST PICNIC, Sunday, Nov. 5
Gather with the NEPC church family on Sunday, November 5th at the Hendersons’ (115 Morcom Place), as we celebrate the beautiful Fall season together! Please plan to bring your favorite soup and/or salad to share – and desserts are always welcome! Bread and drinks will be provided. See Cindy Henderson if you have any questions and to RSVP.
YOUTH MINISTRY HALLOWEEN GAME NIGHT – TONIGHT!
Join us this evening from 6:30-8:00 for our annual Halloween Costume Contest & Game Night. We’ll meet at the Garrisons’ home. Come sporting your best (church appropriate) costume and be ready for fun games! See you there!
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News & Announcements for October 22, 2023
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
HELPING HANDS OFFERING – NEXT SUNDAY
Each 5th Sunday, any undesignated offerings placed in the collection plates goes to Helping Hands, a ministry of churches in the Madison Heights-Elon area of Amherst County to help residents in need. It is administered through Madison Heights Baptist Church. Thank you for helping us meet the needs of those in our community!
MISSION FOCUS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
Our focus for the month of October is Christmas Food Boxes. Peanut butter, canned meats, canned fruits, soups, and jelly or jam are always a good idea. Since we are closer to the delivery date, mid-December, we can now add packaged foods such as mac and cheese, pasta, and pancake mix. Of course, spaghetti sauce and syrup are welcome too! When buying something for yourself, consider getting two and bringing one for this worthy mission. Donations can be placed in the receptacle in the narthex. Thank you for your support!
SAVE THE DATE! AUTUMN HARVEST PICNIC, Sunday, Nov. 5
Plan to gather with the NEPC church family on Sunday, November 5th at the Hendersons’ farm for an Autumn Harvest Picnic. More details coming soon.
YOUTH MINISTRY SCHEDULE CHANGE
Please note that the youth group will not meet on Sunday, October 8, 15 or 22 for fall break. We will resume next Sunday, October 29 for our annual Halloween Costume Contest & Game Night. See you then!
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News & Announcements for October 15, 2023
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
GLEANING FOR THE WORLD – WEDNESDAY, 8:30AM
Please join us in the parking lot of the church for carpooling. We will return to the church around 11:30 am.
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB – THURSDAY, 10:00AM
The Women’s Book Club will meet Thursday, October 19 at 10:00am at Sharon Bryant’s home. This month’s book is The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. The next meeting will be November 9 at Mary Wilhelm’s house. Leah Weiss, author of If the Creek Don’t Rise will be a special guest.
MISSION FOCUS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
Our focus for the month of October is Christmas Food Boxes. Peanut butter, canned meats, canned fruits, soups, and jelly or jam are always a good idea. Since we are closer to the delivery date, mid-December, we can now add packaged foods such as mac and cheese, pasta, and pancake mix. Of course, spaghetti sauce and syrup are welcome too! When buying something for yourself, consider getting two and bringing one for this worthy mission. Donations can be placed in the receptacle in the narthex. Thank you for your support!
SAVE THE DATE! AUTUMN HARVEST PICNIC, Sunday, Nov. 5
Plan to gather with the NEPC church family on Sunday, November 5th at the Hendersons’ farm for an Autumn Harvest Picnic. More details coming soon.
YOUTH MINISTRY SCHEDULE CHANGE
Please note that the youth group will not meet on Sunday, October 8, 15 or 22 for fall break.
PASTOR DAVID AWAY ON STUDY LEAVE – OCTOBER 9-20
Pastor David is away on Study Leave from October 9-20. If you have a pastoral need, please contact Bob Mills or one of the Elders. Thank you to Bob Mills for filling in the pulpit while he is away.
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News & Announcements for October 8, 2023
JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to join us Sunday mornings for a intergenerational Sunday school class, from 9:00-10:00. We look forward to seeing you!
MIDWEEK PRAYER – WEDNESDAYS @ Noon
Please join us on Wednesdays at noon for a time of prayer in the sanctuary as we bring our needs before our loving God.
NEW WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – Monday 10/9, 7pm @ Church
The Women’s Bible Study will begin on Monday, October 9th at 7:00pm at the church! We will be using the book, The Love Stories of the Bible Speak by Shannon Bream. In this book, Shannon Bream draws lessons from the good, the bad, and the ugly of Biblical romances, friendships, and families. These insights into biblical relationships will uplift and encourage you and reveal new dimensions to the most central Christian duty: to love God and your neighbor. Please come and bring a friend!
MISSION FOCUS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER
Our focus for the month of October is Christmas Food Boxes. Peanut butter, canned meats, canned fruits, soups, and jelly or jam are always a good idea. We are also looking for packaged foods such as mac and cheese, pasta, and pancake mix. Spaghetti sauce and syrup are welcome too! When buying something for yourself, consider getting two and bringing one for this worthy mission. Donations can be placed in the receptacle in the narthex. Thank you for your support!
SAVE THE DATE! AUTUMN HARVEST PICNIC, Sunday, Nov. 5
Plan to gather with the NEPC church family on Sunday, November 5th at the Hendersons’ farm for an Autumn Harvest Picnic. More details coming soon.
YOUTH MINISTRY SCHEDULE CHANGE
Please note that the youth group will not meet on Sunday, October 8 or 15 for Fall Break.
PASTOR DAVID AWAY ON STUDY LEAVE – OCTOBER 9-20
Pastor David is away on Study Leave from October 9-20. If you have a pastoral need, please contact Bob Mills or one of the Elders. Thank you to Bob Mills for filling in the pulpit while he is away.
Read more...
