As most of you know Bonni and I missed the service last Sunday because I was in the Hospital with atrial fibrillation. At approx. 9:40am while you guys were just finishing church I converted back to sinus rhythm, thank you for your prayers. Here is what I have to say about that service that I missed. I have heard nothing but great reports about how wonderful it was with Gary and Jennifer leading. That makes me very happy because it means our church family is trusting God and stepping up for what ever is needed when it’s needed. This is just another wonderful example of what the church of Jesus Christ is really all about. Coming together in times of need and stepping out in faith trusting that God will give us the words, the direction, and anything else we need to Glorify Him! And that is the most important thing to always remember no matter what we change or try at our services. Jesus is always the star, the headliner, the reason, and the purpose for everything we do. When a congregation glorifies God and His son Jesus, look out because He will have bigger and more challenging things for us to accomplish. He is always looking for vessels (people) who are willing to empty themselves of their own goals and priorities so He can work through them to accomplish His plans! That is what makes trusting God so exciting. Like what Jennifer talked about this past Sunday, (I got a readers digest version while still at the hospital thanks to my special visitors) many times God just uses a small nudge or prompting so we know where to step into what He wants to accomplish through us. The key to utilizing His power is acting on those promptings and stepping out in faith trusting God to fill in when we don’t completely see the end goal. Trust Him! Trust Him! Trust Him! in All things. While I was laying in the hospital this past weekend I listened to sermon after sermon, read my bible and prayed, God show me how to glorify you in this circumstance. As I did not get any special prompting I decided to be extra kind to all my nurses and aids and bring up the name of Jesus as often as I could! Be bold for Jesus. He will reward that kind of faith. Brothers and sisters in faith we have a huge job to do right here in our town, in out neighborhoods, with our neighbors, and friends and relatives. You remember how many people stood up a couple of weeks ago when I asked for anyone who is suffering some type of problem either personally or someone you know and love to stand up? Every person in the congregation stood up. “The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few!” I will go out on a limb and tell you that most people including Christians, really have no clue how much God has for them. They don’t know because they haven’t emerged themselves in bible study and prayer. We are all guilty of filling our idle time with Facebook, TV, movies, games, reading magazines, books and articles that are trashing our brains and our spirits. No wonder so many people think Christianity is dead. Why, because we have become what Jesus said could happen in Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. The good news is, God will restore our saltiness if we return to Him. Give God the highest place in the priorities of your life a watch and see what happens. You will never be the same! AMEN
Important News! Mark your calendars because on Sunday September 9th IUMC and Praise Community Fellowship will each have their own service. IUMC will have their service at 8:45am and Praise Community Fellowship will have service at 1030am. Pastor Jackie and I both agreed that we felt God leading us in this new direction for the benefit of both churches and we believe that this will actually help bring more people into our flock because they will know what there is a choice of services to attend. Both service are open to both congregations. Jackie and I both have the desire to bring more people to know Jesus. That’s it! The end Goal. Lets get more people to understand having a relationship with Jesus will give life a brand new meaning! This Coming Sunday Jordan Grammer will be leading worship at the only service at 10:45am. There will be no 8:45 am service this next Sunday September 2nd.
Prayers Please:
Linda Klingle . Linda and Steve moved to South America a little over a year ago but they are coming back home to Edwardsville because Linda has developed a rare autoimmune disease which is affecting her organs. We pray for God’s healing and Peace for Linda and Steve as we also welcome them back to Edwardsville.
Pete Fornof Please pray for God’s healing touch and for strength as he continues his treatments.
Mike Portell continued prayers for Mike’s healing and recovery from surgery.
Linda Cassens Linda will need more tests regarding her bladder cancer. We pray for God’s healing touch for her.
Pastor Jackie healing prayers as she continues her treatments for skin cancer and recovers from the surgeries.
Pastor Kent healing prayers for heart arrhythmia issues
Exciting times! See you soon. Love, pastor kent