June 15, 2011
FOOTBALL FREEDOM
I’m watching my son run a ladder drill in South Medford’s Football Camp. It’s a little bit surreal. He’s out there running, throwing, catching, and really just having the time of his life! I sit in the crowd fighting every urge to jump up and cheer, or run out and correct someone who wasn’t nice enough. Every part of me wants to stand up and coach him, correct things that are wrong and “fix” what needs “fixing.”
But, I know that I cannot do that. I know that I HAVE to let him learn on his own. I know that I have to let him experience it himself. I know that ultimately, I have to give him the freedom to grow.
It makes me think of our Father in heaven. What must it be like for Him to daily watch us “running our drills?” What must it be like to watch us fail? He sees us make mistakes. He sees us do things all wrong. He watches when others abuse us.
How hard must it be for Him to “stay seated?” Surely He wants to jump up and correct everything? Surely He wants to coach us and say, “you’re doing it all wrong.” But day after day, God chooses to watch us. He chooses to give us freedom!!
I wonder if we realize how much LOVE that shows us. God could do anything He wants with us. He could FORCE us to do His will. But He restrains. He chooses freedom for us. If we make the wrong choices, or do the wrong things, I am sure He would love to jump up and make an instant correction…but HE loves us too much. And love involves freedom.
My son just made a REALLY good pass. And there are times, when I should jump and scream. THIS is on of those times. With pride swelling through me, I cheer and encourage the good efforts I see.
How much more does our Father in Heaven cheer? I would love to hear His heavenly voice shout out, TOUCHDOWN! I am thankful for freedom. And I hope that I use it to honor my God.
----Pannell
NEW ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES
There have been some changes made recently to the adult education schedule. There will be a two-month period during the summer for a special subject class that will be designed for all adults. This year the combined class will be during the months of July and August. We will be studying several hot topics or social issues that affect each one of us either directly or indirectly through work or people that we know.
As God’s children we need to understand these issues in light of the Word that he has provided to us. Beginning in July, Terry will teach on July 3, 10, and 17, covering the subject of Marriage and Divorce. Dan Beeks will cover the subject of Law and Grace on July 24 and 31. Lance Lake will teach on August 7 and 14 and will discuss the subject of Alternative Lifestyles, specifically homosexuality. Gerry Flock will teach on August 21 and 28 on the subject of Death with Dignity.
There are many differing viewpoints in the world about these subjects. Some of the arguments are made in a very reasonable fashion and seem to make sense. It is important that Christians understand Biblical teaching on each of these subjects so that they fully understand God’s desire and can lovingly and gently teach, live and support His teaching.
Beginning in September the Fireside Room and Auditorium class will remain combined through December. Terry will teach a class on Revelation during this period. So, get out your notepads and plan to come and be encouraged about the victory that is in Christ.
Beginning in September there will be another opportunity for you to grow in your knowledge and understanding of God’s word. The West Main Institute of Bible Study (WMIBS) will begin operation. This is an opportunity for anyone that desires a greater in-depth knowledge of God’s word to be instructed by the same teachers and with the same materials that the students that attend Sunset receive. The school will meet one night a week for two hours. There is a brochure at the information desk that will provide some information about the school. Additional information will be provided in the next few months as we get closer to September.
As you plan your activities for the next few months, remember to make time for building yourself up spiritually by setting aside time for a focused deliberate Bible study and a time for prayer.
If you have any questions please contact Dan Beeks.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Our theme this year is “Be Strong in the Lord.” We will be studying the Courage of David, the Strength of Samson, the Selflessness of Esther, and the Faith of Noah. VBS starts next week, June 21-24 from 9:00-11:45 a.m., and is for children who have completed kindergarten through sixth grade. Lunch and activities will be provided on Friday after VBS. Please invite your friends and neighbors to come join you for VBS.
***Please remember that our cookies can have NO PEANUT PRODUCTS OR BY-PRODUCTS. Please read the labels carefully if you buy cookies.
*****VBS Workday will be this Saturday, June 18, and Monday, June 20, at 9:00 a.m. each day. Please come and help - we need you!
ELDER AND DEACON INSTALLATION
Our planned installation of our selected new leaders will be June 26. We will be having a potluck fellowship celebration following the morning services. Please bring a favorite dish to share on that day. Please plan to be a part of this wonderful day of celebration.
OUR SYMPATHY
Our sympathy is extended to Carlena Eddy and family on the passing of her mother, Ruby Newberry, this past Sunday. Services for Ruby will be held this Friday, June 17, at 1:00 p.m. at the building. We will have a cookie fellowship following the services.
PRAYER REQUESTS . . .
Please continue to pray for Doris Sutherlin who is recovering from colon surgery at Providence Hospital...no visits or phone calls yet please...(for updates on Doris’ progress please call Angie or Lorraine)...For Sharon Englert who is recovering from colon cancer surgery at home..Brian Pannell who lost a friend tragically in a rafting trip in Tennessee...Darren Dixon is asking prayers for a friend who is having ocular migraines - please pray for his healing...Jennifer Rogers requests prayers for the family of Brittany Cox who passed away...Jenny Way requests prayers that she will be a strong Christian woman and will be able to complete her brain book...Terry & Debra Burchett ask you to pray for their friend, Jo Schimmerhorn, as she continues her battle with cancer...Melodie Miller has a new grandson, Dominic Michael Perez who was born this past week (proud great-grandmother is Marian Groth). Dominic was born with a cleft lip and palette and he is being taken to Dornbecker’s hospital for surgery....For our President, military men, women and families.
EVENING SERVICE CHANGE
We will have NO evening services on June 19, 26, and July 10. Please mark your calendars for these changes
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to John and Rosie Irish on the birth of their daughter, Ava Marie, on Wednesday, June 8th. Ava weighed in at 6 pounds and 5 ounces and was nineteen inches long. Mom and daughter are doing fine.
THANK YOU NOTE
Thank you for all of your prayers, cards, flowers, and concern for me while I have been in the hospital following surgery. I am slowly getting better. Please no visitors or phone calls yet, as I am still weak. Please continue your prayers for me. With Love, Doris Sutherlin
CAMP IS COMING !!!!!!
Don’t forget to turn in your registration form by June 27th. Camp cost is $180.00; Camp is July 10-16.
CAR WASH
Please come and support our youth this Saturday, June 18, at a car wash at the building. We are trying to raise funds to go PUMP. Thank you for your support.
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Come join us for a music festival at Union Creek Resort on July 15-17th. This is fun family entertainment. For complete information, please see the notice posted on the courtyard bulletin board.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
June 21-24 - Vacation Bible School
June 25: Burns/ Rennels Wedding; Cantrall Buckley Park, Area A, 2:00 p.m.; Please R.S.V.P. on the sign-up sheet on the courtyard bulletin board.
June 29: Service Project
July 6: Service Project
July 10-16: Church Camp at Box R Ranch
July 20: Service Projects
July 23-29: Pump
