This Sunday I will begin a new series on the work of the Holy Spirit. This series will involve 7 or 8 sermons beginning with how the Holy Spirit works in the life of a non-Christian. I will also be speaking on the Holy Spirit’s work in conversion, how He builds Christian character, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I will not be touching on the doctrine of the Trinity. I assume all of you believe that the One true God exists eternally in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If requested, I am willing to add that topic to the series. 
Our Wednesday Bible study is off to a good start. The series featuring Dr. Timothy Paul Jones sharing a  30 minute video followed by a 30 minute discussion period will continue at 3:30 on Wednesday. This weeks’s topic is “How We  Got The Old Testament.” 
It is Official Board time again on Tuesday August 13th. at 6 PM. Watch for announcements concerning Choir, FCM and FCW resumption. September is not far away! 
Pastor Bowman

This weeks Bible study will conclude our examination of the Sermon on the Mount. Mark Simmons will lead the study. The following week we will begin a 6 week video study on “How We Got The Bible.” We will view a 30 minute video featuring Timothy Paul Jones, professor and vice president at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Then we will have a 30 minutes discussion time. This series will strengthen our faith in the authority of the Bible.

This weeks sermon is entitled “Be Prepared” and will continue our study in 1st Peter. Following our study of 1st Peter I plan to do a sermon series on the Holy Spirit. Several years ago I wrote a study booklet for Disciple Heritage Fellowship entitled “The Holy Spirit in Today’s Church.” I will be editing the chapters in that booklet into a sermon series. 

Remember the all church potluck following the worship service this Sunday. 

We want to welcome Marion Keith into our fellowship. She has been our organist and choir director for several years and Sunday decided to become an official member. Welcome Marion!

Wednesday Bible study will continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount. We will be looking at one of the most misunderstood passages in the New Testament: “judge not.” What exactly does that mean?  I hope to throw some light on the subject at 3:30 
Then on Thursday we will have our first summer movie night. Eat sandwiches etc. at 5:30, film “Tortured for Christ” at 6. We will learn first hand what some Christians experience simply because they believe in Jesus. 

Next Sunday’s sermon will be a continuation of our study of First Peter. We will be examining   Chapter 2:11 through 3:9.  The theme will be on how Christians are to live their lives when we are visible to an unbelieving world. I hope to throw some light on the controversial passage which calls for wives to submit to their husbands. 

Things are a little quieter in the summer. The FCM, FCW and choir do not meet again until September. Bible study continues at 3:30 on Wednesday with our continuing study of the Sermon on the Mount. Mark Simmons will be leading this week’s study. 

Sundays sermon will continue an examination of 1 Peter.Our focus will be on chapter 2:4-10 where we learn that Jesus changes everything! He changes those who trust in Him, and He changes God’s great program for the world. Well, God’s plan doesn’t really change. Jesus reveals how the ultimate plan of God changes with His coming. God’s plan reaches its fulfillment with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. 

Just a reminder that our first summer movie night is next week, Thursday, July 18. Eat at 5:30, movie at 6. Details are in last weeks report. In this country we are free to worship God without fear. China is at the top of the list for countries that persecute Christians today. Also on the list are Iran, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and and host of smaller countries. Our film will focus on communist persecution of Christians after WW2 in Romania. It’s an eye opening film.

The sermon series from 1 Peter will resume this week. The series was interrupted by several special Sundays. This week is # 3 in the series. We will be examining the first few verses in Chapter 2 where Peter continues his discussion of what it means to be holy. True holiness involves a combination of negative and positive actions. We will see what these are and hopefully apply them to our lives.

We continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount in Bible study at 3:30 on Wednesday. We will be covering Matthew 6:1-14. Jesus talks about giving and prayer, especially the Lord’s Prayer. I will be teaching, but I always look forward to input from others.  We have some very good discussions. All are welcome, of course. 

Just a reminder to plan to join us on July 18th for a summer movie night. We will be viewing the true story of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, imprisoned because of his Christian faith by  the Romanian communist party for 14 years. It will serve to remind us of how blessed we are to live in the United States of America.  Bring food to share ; sandwiches provided. Eat at 5:30 with film to follow. 

Pastor Bowman