Bulletin for May 31, 2009

It is a beautiful day in May as I write this article. Last weekend I graduated from Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan College with a Masters of Divinity. I want to thank my wife, Sheryl, and Kathy Christner for all of their hard work and all those who brought food for the celebration on the Saturday evening. Many of you gave me such thoughtful cards and gifts. I was overwhelmed with all of your kindness and glad to be connected to the body here at Word of Life.

Many of you commented how much you enjoyed fellowship together at the Saturday dinner of my graduation because you were enjoying one another around some pasta. I want to use the opportunity to encourage you to make time for various events at church to continue to build relationships. (This is just a reminder. I do not sense any problem with this in the church.) There are many opportunities to build relationships at Word of Life and it encourages all of us when we show up. Years ago someone said to me, “I don’t show up for a particular event that the church offers because I don’t get a lot out of it.” My response to them was, “But you encourage all of us with your presence when you show up.” Sometimes as pastor I can tell you that when you walk in the door for a service or an event you encourage me greatly just by your presence.

Sometimes we can feel that as mature believers we will not lose our salvation by not being related and involved in the church. This may be true but you miss out on something the Lord has intended for you, and that is to be connected to a body. This may be difficult at times because some have been hurt by the body, but that does not mean that God wants you to be an orphan. He wants you to belong, and that, at times, means pushing beyond past hurts and committing to press through the hurt. I cannot promise you that Word of Life is perfect or that you will never be hurt again, but I can promise you that God does not want you to be isolated like an orphan. I want you to have a sense of belonging and of sitting at the table with the rest of the family. Your personal growth in God depends on having Christian leaders and other believers in your life. Scripture is clear on this.

Word of Life has been this family to me and I am grateful for all of you and your kindness to me and my family. Watching you all fellowship at my graduation party was as much of a blessing to me as finishing the degree.

Pastor Phil

On June 6, 2009 starting at 7pm, we will be watching the movie, “Faith Like Potatoes.” The setting for the movie is in South Africa and the story is about the moving life journey of a man, who, like his potatoes, grows his faith, unseen until the harvest.

Since it is the beginning of summer, we thought everyone would be ready for some ice cream. Ice cream and toppings will be provided so everyone can make his or her own sundae.

Due to busy schedules for so many, the Women’s Movie Night for tonight at 7PM has been canceled.

The following events have been cancelled:

• The College and Career group meeting after church
• the Corporate Prayer meeting at 4pm.

Bulletin for May 24, 2009

The sermon by Dr. Nelson Grimm on May 17, 2009 (one of Pastor Phil’s professors) is now available.

• Dr. Nelson Grimm (MP3 Version – 31M)
• Dr. Nelson Grimm (RealAudio Version – 3.8M)

Bulletin for May 17, 2009

Beginning June 3, 2009 there will be a Wednesday night service at 7pm every week until July 22, 2009.  The youth will be leading the worship and there will be a series of speakers. Childcare for children through age 3 will be available in the nursery.

The sermon for May 10, 2009 “Mother’s Day” by Sheryl McNeill is now available.

• Mother’s Day 2009 (PDF Version)
• Mother’s Day 2009 (MP3 Version – 42.5M)
• Mother’s Day 2009 (RealAudio Version – 3.8M)