As we come to the first weekend of July, we pause to give thanks for all the blessings of freedom we enjoy – and the freedom to worship God, which we should never take for granted, especially on this weekend leading up to the 4th! This Sunday, we’ll start our pre-worship summer hymn-sings a little early, around 8:00 and 10:15, to have opportunity to sing various hymns of national prayer & thanksgiving from our hymnal, as well as pray some of the special prayers for our nation, found in our worship book. We continue our theme for the year, “God’s Growing Hope!” This week, we saw the Growing Hope of God in many young lives, through our ArtSmart Camp at Living Springs and our campfirmation week at Lutheridge. Special thanks to everyone who helped with ArtSmart, as well as all those who sent care items for our two LS Lutheridge counselors, Sydnie & Rylee. They send their thanks and love to everyone! If you were not able to attend the ArtSmart Biblical drama presentation from our children on Thursday, you can find it posted on our YouTube channel. You will truly be inspired! We are gearing up for a July with many ways to experience & share God’s Growing Hope! Our 4-day Adult Mission Experience Trip takes off on July 8. Then, on July 9, our Youth Mystery Mission Trip will depart with a special blessing at the 8:15 service. We have GraceWorks servant Week from July 17-20 for all youth AND adult volunteers. Mark your calendar for our big LS “Christmas in July” Celebration on July 17. There will be a Christmas-themed unity worship at 10:30, followed by a fellowship lunch. Our “Christmas in July” dove tree collection for Transitions Homeless ministry begins this weekend! This Sunday, we hear Jesus’ teaching focusing on the importance of welcoming others – even with acts as simple as sharing a cup of cold water. The apostle Paul speaks how God’s grace in Jesus sets us free to live new lives of love in Christ. And the words of Psalm 89 inspire us: “Your love, O Lord, forever will I sing – from age to age my mouth will declare your faithfulness!” There was so much joy resounding in the voices of our ArtSmart children & Lutheridge campers this past week. May the joy of knowing God’s faithful love fill your heart, as we prepare to worship this weekend in Jesus’ name! Christ’s Peace!
