June 6, 2021
Dear Congregation:
When I turned 40, Leonard and Susan Coston gave me birthday card. Within it, Leonard had simply written, “Deuteronomy 2:7.” I looked it up. Moses, speaking to the 2nd generation in the wilderness as they were getting ready to enter the promised land, said to them there, “The LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the LORD your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.” They had been kept and sustained, in the midst of enemies seeking to destroy them, a harsh wilderness that would not provide for them, and in spite of their own disobedience. God had been faithful to all His covenant promises. While it was spoken to Israel in the desert, it was also true for me from birth to age 40. Since that time I have stolen it from Leonard, placing that text within every birthday card and birthday text that is sent to anyone turning 40.
Another 40 year milestone just passed. Yesterday, June 5, was the 40th anniversary of the commencement ceremony of the Chicago Christian High School class of 1981. Many events have unfolded in the past 40 years of which, on that night, I had no idea were coming. So many wonderful things: marriage to Carrie, 3 children born and raised, enjoyable work in teaching and the church, homes with great memories, among many others. You know these types of blessings as well. Difficult things have also transpired: disobedience in sin, deaths of close family and friends, other failures so personal and painful they can’t be listed. You know these types of things, too.
But Deuteronomy 2:7 is as true for this most recent 40 year time period as it was for the first measurable 40 year time period of birth to the age of 40. And it will continue to be true for the last 40 year time period measured in earth’s time looking back at the time of my death, whenever that takes place. Yours as well. At that moment we will all be able to say not only of the previous 40 years, but also our entire lives, “we have not lacked anything,” no matter how much pain or trial we may endure in the meantime. Come to the Lord’s table today knowing this is always true in Christ. Come in faith, eat and drink, be assured of all the blessings that are yours in Christ by your union with Him. Then let us continue our pilgrimage in the wilderness walking in the grace of obedience.
Here are some regularly scheduled events in our congregation:
Bible Study: We will meet tonight, June 6, at 4 p.m., continuing our study of Acts. We will also meet June 20 at 4 p.m.
Sunday School: Classes begin each Sunday morning at 9:45 a.m. The adults are working through a video series consisting of a broad overview of church history, followed by a time of q and a. The middle/high school class is studying the Westminster Confession of Faith in the library and will continue to do so through summer. The elementary class continues meeting downstairs. It is a great time of fellowship and education.
Youth: MVP camp is being planned for Monday, July 19 through Saturday, July 24 at Camp of the Rising Son in French Camp, MS. The Bible teaching will focus on the parables of the Kingdom. All youth from ages 8-18 are encouraged to attend.
Women’s group: The next meeting will be held Wednesday, July 7, at 6:30 p.m. A new series of study will begin on that date, “Anxious for Nothing” by Max Lucado. It will cover Philippians 4:4-7. Each study will consist of a 15 minute video with a time of discussion. Please sign up if you would like a workbook purchased for this study.
Prayer time: We will meet in the sanctuary on Wednesday June 23 at 5:30 p.m. for approximately 25-30 minutes if you are able, and interested, in attending.
Food pantry collection: We gave a total of 17 bags of groceries for the food pantry at First Presbyterian, Covington in May. Thanks for your generosity.
OTHER THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:
Thanks for answered prayer/need for ongoing prayer for:
Sustaining grace and endurance for our persecuted brothers and sisters throughout the world. .
Wisdom for our leaders in Washington, Nashville, Tipton County, and all of our local towns.
Our families as children are raised and taught the truth of the Lord. Pray for the Spirit’s regenerating work in the hearts of our children.
Our students and schools as they enjoy a break this summer. Pray for those who will be moving to new places of study in the fall.
The Holy Spirit to bless the word of God in our congregation as well as all the other congregations of this area.
For the EPC as TE Dean Weaver prepares to become the Stated Clerk of our denomination. Hold up the new missionaries who will be commissioned at the GA in June.
LONG TERM DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR:
We are planning a church get together on Saturday, June 12 at the home of Kerry and Lisa Cook from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All are invited. If you wish, bring a dessert or finger food for our time together. The Cooks live at 11908 Cranston Drive, Arlington.
The General Assembly of the EPC is scheduled to meet June 22 – 25 at Second Presbyterian in Memphis.
We will once again be gathering school supplies mid/late summer for Atoka Elementary. A table will be set up in the backroom off the sanctuary on Sunday, July 18 and will be up until Sunday, August 8. Keep in mind that the sales tax free weekend for school supplies is Friday, July 30 – Sunday, August 1.
We’re planning a back to school potluck on Sunday, August 15 after the morning worship service. It’s time. Mark your calendars.
Here’s the coming texts for our worship service:
Date Text Sermon
June 6 Luke 11:14-36 Your Kingdom Come
June 13 Luke 11:37-54 The Prophet Thunders
June 20 Luke 12:1-21 The Prophet Continues
June 27 Luke 12:22-59 Kingdom Character
July 4 Psalm 138 The King’s Praise
July 11 Ecclesiastes 1 Introductory Matters
July 18 Ecclesiastes 2 Continuing to Reflect
July 25 Ecclesiastes 3 Appointed Times
August 1 Ecclesiastes 4 Creation’s Brokenness
August 8 Ecclesiastes 5 Wise Ways
August 15 Ecclesiastes 6 Solomon and Paul
August 22 Ecclesiastes 7-8 Living the Good Life
August 29 Ecclesiastes 9 Two Reflections
Sincerely,