Pastor Jack Kroeze

To my dear brothers and sisters who are growing in their awareness of our Awesome God… This is the 1st copy of the Beacon since I, along with 11 other people, returned home from our Missions Trip to Uganda. I am still adjusting to the jet lag and getting back into the flow of things but as I reflect on my time away I find myself with pictures of my time in Uganda. Many people have asked how the trip was. As we were debriefing on our final night in Uganda we were encouraged to select three words that we could then share when people asked about the trip. In this Friday’s Beacon, let me share with you the three words that I have used when asked about the trip.

It was challenging… Just the long flight over and back is a challenge as we were in the air about 15 hours and flew half way around the world. The culture change was also a challenge. The way that people drive, the dust and red dirt that is everywhere and the many people that are always seen on the roads and in the countryside as we traveled around. But I must admit the greatest challenge for me, as well as others on our team, was being placed in situations that were not very comfortable. We slept for five nights on mats on a dirt floor in huts, ate food that was not always familiar to us and we had to get along without the amenities of showers and hot water. We bathed the way it used to be done with a bucket. One of our team members shared a Christian song with lyrics that talked about taking us out of our comfortableness so that we might seek our dependence in Jesus. That certainly was happening in my life. I saw that I like my “creature comforts”. When those were taken away, I found myself more focused on God and seeking Him more for the basic needs of my life. In a culture where they do not have a lot that I do, I found that god was speaking to me about Himself and my desperate need to depend upon Him for everything in my life. I do not believe that I could learn that lesson while I enjoy the comforts that living where I do affords me. Thank you, Lord for teaching me.

It was awe-inspiring… The bigness of the land and the unhindered views of sunsets and starry skies. We could see the Milky Way so clearly. I kept thinking in my mind “God of all creation…” As we awakened every morning we saw the brilliance of the sun rising on the horizon. But beyond the creation wonders that inspired me, I was inspired by the deep commitment to Christ of those who have very little. I taught a Pastor’s seminar one day and shared a number of thoughts with nine men. They just couldn’t get enough. They have a deep heart to serve God and make a difference for Him but lack training. One of the men had traveled 40 kilomoters by bike to be there. That is three hours each way on dirt roads. What commitment. In our group studies and devotionals the thought of scarcity and plenty came up. We have plenty, materially, here in America but perhaps a scarcity of dynamic, deep, passionate faith but in Africa they have just the opposite, a scarcity of the material but an abundance of deep trust in God. Many shared stories of the ravages of the war with us but would state over and over that God had been gracious to them. I was inspired by the work that God is doing throughout Africa and was humbled to be there, especially among people of such vibrant faith.

It was refreshing… The days were very low in humidity and the mornings and evenings were cool. The fact that “Africa Time” does not run according to a clock but according to events and that relationships are very important was refreshing. The way that you took time to greet each other and listen to each others stories was precious. The way our team of 12 different personalities worked together, encouraged one another, and journeyed together through the challenges was so wonderful. I was so uplifted as we worked so well together. The part that refreshed my spirit most was the love and excitement for Christ that I saw in so many Ugandans. I come away so thankful that I am a part of God’s worldwide family and that our God is a big God.

I look forward to seeing God work in marvelous ways among us as we turn the corner and enter into the Fall Ministries of God’s church in Blairstown.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE (August 22nd )… I will be continuing our sermon series on the names of God entitled “Our Awesome God”. This Sunday we will look at 1 Samuel 1 & 17 as well as Psalm 46 as we think about “The Lord God Almighty”, “The Lord of Hosts”. The Jimenez Family will provide special music and Diane Roman will lead our musical worship. Pray that God will mightily work among us this weekend.

NEEDS AS WE ENTER THE FALL… We need some more teachers and workers in our Sunday Bible School and the Nikoi Class. See the bulletin this Sunday for details. We need a number of people to step forward and be an aide for Beth Woyzichowsky this year during Sunday School time. What a wonderful privilege to serve in this way! If God is nudging you to serve in this way contact Judy McCrea.

MUSICAL MINISTRIES STARTING…

Ø Ladies Ensemble… There will be a rehearsal at 7:15 pm on September 7th at Lindsey Horsey’s home for all those ladies who are interested in singing.

Ø Choir Rehearsals… resume on Thursday, September 9th at 7:15 pm in the choir room at church. We would challenge those who love to sing to consider joining with the choir this fall.

FALL WELCOME SUNDAY & ALL CHURCH PICNIC… Sunday, September 12th is our Fall Welcome Sunday. It will begin with our Sunday Bible School Rally @ 9:00 am and be followed by our Worship Service @ 10:15 am. Our all church picnic will follow the service. There will be a sign up sheet in the bulletin next Sunday. Plan now to kick off our new year with us.

LADIES BIBLE STUDIES START…

Ø The Precept Bible Study will begin on Wednesday, September 8th @ 9:00 am. They will be studying “What is thye sign of His coming and of the end of the age”. See Jogi Terhune or Karen Woodcock for materials.

Ø Ladies Bible Study will begin on Wednesday, September 15th @ 9:00 am. They will be studying the Gospel of John. Contact Lisa Young with any questions.

SACRED MARRIAGE ADULT BIBLE FELLOWSHIP… Starting on Sunday, September 12th @ 9:00 am we will be offering a 13 week class based on Gary Thomas’ book Sacred Marriage. In order to have enough books and materials we are asking you to sign up in the bulletin this weekend. The class time includes a DVD lesson, teaching, and small group discussion. This is an important course for all who are married. Eva and I will be facilitating the class. We will be meeting in the downstairs open room.

CONGRATULATIONS… to Bob and Alicia Terhune on the birth of Anderson Jeremiah on August 19th. Alicia and baby are doing well. The proud grandparents are Bryan and Jogi Terhune.

COMING ON SUNDAY NIGHTS THIS FALL… We are planning some special Sunday Night times of coming together to be encouraged and challenged:

Ø September 19th – An Evening of Team Uganda Sharing

Ø October 17th – Traditions Hymn Sing

Ø November 14th – A Journey to the Potter’s House Presentation

Ø December 19th – Christmas Musical

EVENTS TO LOOK FORWARD TO THIS CHURCH YEAR:

Ø The Advent Conspiracy – During the Christmas Season

Ø Financial Peace University – A 13 week course that will be offered on Sunday Nights beginning in January.

God is at work among us…what a great opportunity we have to be partners with so many in this journey where we can see God at work so clearly.

Listed in the bulletin this weekend are many other opportunities in our area. Take a look and see which ones will fit for you…

As we continue through the summer, I look forward to what God has for us. God is at work among us. I hear the stories every week from many. Let’s keep exalting God, encouraging one another, being equipped for service, and evangelizing our community and beyond.

Pastor Jack