Shippensburg First Church Of God Blog Site: Let the Good Times Roll

Sunday is Coming!

This phrase is all about celebration. There have been many songs with this title or theme. First it was a blues song written in the 1940s by Sam Theard & Fleecy Moore, and popularized by Louis Jordan. There have also been versions by Shirley & Lee, JD McPherson, Louis Armstrong, The Cars, Jimi Hendrix, & the Grateful Dead.

Did you know this phrase began with some religious significance? It originated in Louisiana French-Creole as “Laissez les bons temps roule.” This expression had connections to Mardi Gras which marks the beginning of Lent, the time of preparation before the Celebration of Christ’s Sacrifice & Victory at Easter. Despite its more widespread association with indulging in “worldly pleasures,” Mardi Gras also reflects a hope for a “Good Time” in the future, when the world is turned ‘rightside up,’ when evil is no more, when the poor & oppressed become rich & powerful, when death gives way to life, and when wrongs are made right.

Let the Good Times Roll!

I think we all want Good Times. Sometime we look back with nostalgia, other times we look forward with hope.

I believe the Bible Tells us that there are indeed good days and good years ahead, and because of Jesus, we have much to look forward to and much to celebrate everyday! Regardless of occasional passing shadows, the Light of Christ is shining even now! Believe it or not, the Bible reveals that “the Year of the Lord’s Favor” is closer (and sooner) than you may think, because Jesus has already come to proclaim it and fulfill it!

Jesus speaks of Good Times (or Times that are Good) when he proclaims “the year of the Lord’s Favor” in Luke 4. We conclude our series this weekend studying how Jesus has “fulfilled” this prophesy from Isaiah, quoted in Luke 4:18-19—

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

The theme of “God’s Favor” develops throughout the Bible, and the New Testament reveals that now, because of Jesus, God looks upon the world with favor! According to Isaiah 61, the conclusion of God’s plans for the world is a time when all people will be drawn to him in righteousness and worship, as Isaiah 61:11 predicts:

For as the soil makes the sprout come up

and a garden causes seeds to grow,

so the Sovereign Lord will make righteousness

and praise spring up before all nations.

Luke develops this theme in his Gospel and expands the theme in his sequel – The Acts of the Apostles.

The Gospel of Luke begins with the Nativity, where the Angels Proclaim,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:14

The book of Acts (also written by Luke) begins with Jesus proclaiming the next phase of the age of the Lord’s favor when Jesus commissions his disciples with the Holy Spirit, and tells them to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth:

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

God wants to show His favor to every part of the globe in our day and age, and he invites—and commissions—us to extend the invitation to others to join in the celebration at the Heavenly feast table!

Because of Jesus, God looks upon us with Favor!

Because of Jesus, there is cause for Celebration!

Because of Jesus, we are invited to the feast table!

Because of Jesus, the promises of old are Fulfilled!

Because of Jesus, we can “let the good times roll!”

This Sunday

Prepare your hearts for worship as we come together to Celebrate our Savior!

8:30 Traditional Worship

147 How Great Thou Art

572 Blessed Assurance

3 Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

236 The Lord Bless You and Keep You

11:00 Contemporary Worship

How He Loves

Open the Eyes of My Heart

Reckless Love

Better is One Day

Contemporary Spotify Playlist

Global Leadership Summit

Tomorrow and Friday we will have about 25 people from our fellowship attending the Global Leadership Summit simulcast on Thursday and Friday at Grand Point Church in Chambersburg. Our group includes pastoral and office staff, several key ministry leaders, and many young adults and teenagers! Please pray that the information shared and the fellowship and discussion that follows will be used by the Lord to advance the discipleship growth of each attendant and that it will help us to learn and lead as God directs.

Staff Availability

Please be advised that our office will be closed on Thursday and Friday due to the GLS conference.

Next week Pastor Gary & Joyce Hornbaker will be away at Adult Fellowship Camp at Camp YoliJwa. Please direct any pastoral and prayer needs to Pastor Rodney or the Church Office.

Ministry Opportunities and Needs

Our Children’s Ministry is growing, and more families and children mean the need for Children’s Ministry workers is also growing!

Would you prayerfully consider joining this vital team?
Also feel free to pass along suggestions or recommendations for others who could be a great fit!

Opportunities are available on Sunday mornings, and when Community Night resumes on September 4^th we will need a few key leaders, teachers, and helpers for our Wednesday Night AWANA ministry this year also! (All of our Children’s Ministry helpers must meet the requirements of our clearance process). To learn more, contact me, or our Children’s Ministry Directors, Becky Cramer and Jeanette Roberts.

Living Stones Events

Everyone ages 50+ are invited to take a Train Ride on the Frostburg Flyer!

Thursday, August 15 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Location: Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, 13 Canal St, Cumberland, MD 21502

Leave Church (Church van and carpooling) at 9:00 AM and return approximately 6:00 PM

Train Ride is 4.5 hours long, which includes a 90-minute stop over to turn the train around to return. Snacks are available on the train and at the changeover point, along with a gift shop.

Cost: $40/Person

We must have ten people registered and paid (give to Pastor Gary) by July 28 for this event to occur.

More Living Stones activities are planned for the coming months, see the Gathering Place and upcoming FYI to see dates for other future events.

Upcoming Milestone Events

We have several “milestone” opportunities planned for those looking to take a step of faith in specific ways. Mark your calendars and prayerfully consider if you or someone in your family might be ready for such a next step. Feel free to contact me to learn more!

Get Connected Class – August 4, September 1, (every first Sunday)
New Members Class – September 15
Baptism – September 29
Child Dedication – October 20

There are Signup sheets located in the Gathering Place if you are interested in being included for any of these events.

Back to School Sunday and Prayer Service

Next Sunday, August 18th, is “Back to School Sunday.” Phil Schiavoni will bring the morning message and we will take some time to focus on praying for teachers, students, support staff, and families.

Next week will be Promotion Sunday for our upcoming 6th Graders moving into Youth Group. We will also hear more about some new and returning Young Adult ministries as well.

Next Sunday Evening at 6:00 in the Annex, we will take some additional time to pray together for the upcoming school year. All are invited to come and participate in this time of guided prayer together.

Communications Updates

The August edition of our “FYI” Newsletter is available now in the Gathering Place, the center section of the Sanctuary, or in your Church Mailbox.

If you have information you would like to communicate, communication request forms are available from the church office, in the Gathering Place, or online.

Looking forward to worshipping with you this Sunday!

Pastor Rodney Bistline

Shippensburg First Church of God

seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org