Sunday is Coming!
Don’t wait for a storm and a giant fish to set you on the path of obedience—God is calling us all to go proclaim the Gospel!
This summer as we have been studying the book of Jonah, we’ve reflected on the idea that all Christians are “Sent” on a mission to tell the world about God’s love which is demonstrated through His justice and mercy. In the New Testament age in which we live, because of the victory of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, all who call themselves disciples of Jesus have a prophetic calling (See Matthew 28:19-20, and Acts 2:17-18). If you and I would be followers of Jesus, we must prophetically proclaim the salvation of the Lord everywhere, even in the most difficult circumstances.
‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’ –Jonah 2:9
We can advance this message in many ways, including going out to serve and testify, by partnering in prayer, giving from our financial resources, and sharing awareness about needs around the world. This weekend, in keeping with our summer theme, we will have a guest speaker from the Gideons International share about their global Bible distribution ministry. We will also have a combined Sunday School time with an update from Pastor Ernesto and Miriam Nunes, our CGGC Global Reach partners who will be visiting from Brazil (Ernesto & Miriam are relatives of Mike Poe’s wife, Natinha).
Let us worship and learn together as we consider the many ways God’s message is proclaimed all around the world!
This Sunday
8:30 Traditional Worship
Break Thou the Bread of Life #413
God Has Spoken By His Prophets #407
Wonderful Words of Life #406
Standing on the Promises #410
Open My Eyes That I May See #563
This week, we begin our Summer Special Music series
9:45 Sunday School for all ages – Combined with Special Guests,
Check out our Sunday School classes and other Care Group ministries on our website, or visit the welcome desk to learn more.
11:00 Contemporary Worship
Build Your Kingdom
I Thank God
The Lord Will Provide
Grace Alone
Contemporary Spotify Playlist
Pastor Gary is on vacation this week, June 29-July 5. Please contact Pastor Rodney or the Church office with any pastoral needs. Also, due to the 4th of July weekend and some other family needs of our staff, our office hours may look a little different than normal. Someone should be available at least in the morning each day, and most afternoons, but feel free to call ahead before stopping by if office assistance is needed.
Youth Missions Update
Our Youth Missions Team is currently in North Carolina near Asheville this week, and will be traveling home on Saturday. They are serving with Team Effort Missions and staying at the UNC Asheville Campus for the week. They will be working in the Swananoa area, which was one of the areas hardest hit by last summer’s hurricane. Water was up to the top of the mobile homes there. Jason and our team ask that in addition to praying for our students and leaders, please also pray for the community of Swananoa, the residents, and the Team Effort leaders.
The team will share a recap from their trip at the end of this month.
Summer Bible Studies
- Ladies in Step will be having some special activity nights throughout the summer. The next will be Card Making on July 9 from 6:30-8:00 in the Annex. Please RSVP to Joyce Hornbaker to help with planning for materials.
- Beginning on July 9th, there will be a summer Men’s Bible Study and Prayer held at the home of Jerry Underkoffler. This will take place every Wednesday morning at 8:00-9:15 until the end of August. Coffee cake will be served each week with coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Please inform Jerry if you plan to attend.
Communion & Feetwashing
Next Sunday evening, July 13th at 6:30, we will have a prayerful and worshipful evening as we remember The Lord’s Supper and the washing of the disciples’ feet. We observe these reminders of Jesus and His service and sacrifice in obedience to His directives found in Scripture. They are regular reminders of the call to follow Christ’s example of humble strength.
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
-John 13:14-17
Living Stones Activities
- John Winebrenner Tour and Dinner Monday, July 14 10:30AM-7:00PM
Location: Start tour at Best Western Motel, 800 East Park Drive, Harrisburg, PA, 17109
The itinerary will include a visit to Winebrenner’s grave, the Metropolitan Bethel and Salem UCC in Harrisburg, the Union Bethel in Mechanicsburg, and Peace Church where he preached.
Leave Annex (Church van and carpooling) at 10:30 AM and return approximately 7:00 PM
Cost: No cost for the tour. We suggest you pack a lunch to eat in the church van. The actual tour time is
12:00 noon – 5:00 PM. We will then stop somewhere for dinner (your expense) on the way home.
Register: The Gathering Place, Sunday School Classroom, or call the church office by June 29th. Please indicate if you wish to ride in the church van, carpool from the Annex, or meet us in Harrisburg.
- Cowan’s Gap Potluck Picnic and Swimming Tuesday, July 29 10:15 AM
Location: Cowan's Gap State Park, 6235 Aughwick Road, Fort Loudon, PA 17224
Arrive at Annex by 10:15. We plan to return no later than 5:00 PM.
We will use the church van, carpool, and vehicles to haul lawn chairs and food.
Church will provide: Water, sliced cheese, ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, and will grill your meat
What to Bring: meat you would like to have grilled, roll or bread for your sandwich(es), a side dish to share, your drink, lawn chairs (if you desire), and swimming suit (if you wish to swim)
Register: The Gathering Place, Sunday School Classroom, or call the church office by July 20th. Please indicate what side dish you plan to bring, and if you wish to ride in the church van, carpool from the Annex, meet us at Cowan’s Gap.
Location: FNB Park, 245 Championship Way, Harrisburg, PA 17101
Leave Annex (Church van and carpooling) at 5:00 PM. Priority seating for the church van will be for our seniors on a first-paid registration basis.
Cost: $17/Person (all ages) A food voucher (hot dog, chips, and a drink for $7) is an option, but must be requested in advance. (If paying by check, make it payable to the Shippensburg First Church of God.)
Register and Pay Pastor Gary: The Gathering Place, Sunday School Classroom, or call the church office ASAP. We would like to know by June 29th if possible because we need to order tickets in advance so that we can sit together. This activity is open to all ages. You are welcome to bring your family. Please indicate if you wish to ride in the church van, carpool from the Annex, or meet us at the game.
Serving and Community Partnership Opportunity
Wednesday, July 16th is National Hot Dog Day! We will be partnering with some of our neighboring churches to bless our community with free hotdogs from 11:00-2:00. We are providing the location in the Annex Parking lot, and the Presbyterian church will be providing and grilling hotdogs. Other members of the Love Our Town initiative will be on hand to greet our neighbors, and anyone is welcome to come out for a free hotdog and a time of fellowship!
Our Outreach Committee is now collecting Toothpaste and Children’s Tylenol for Circle of Love ministries. Donations can be placed in the appropriate place in the entryway of the Sanctuary that is closest to Crossroads Station. In addition, Circle of Love is always in need of financial donations, which can be delivered directly to their location at 150 Reading Road, Shippensburg, PA.
To learn more, contact (717) 372-1112 or circleoflovegiveaway@gmail.com
Communications Updates
*Be sure to check out our Activities Calendar and the Events page on our website to learn about more upcoming opportunities!
The July edition of our “FYI” Newsletter is available in the Gathering Place or the center section of the Sanctuary. The FYI contains information about upcoming events, care group opportunities, giving and attendance information, and more.
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 in the Sanctuary or Online this Sunday!
Pastor Rodney Bistline
Shippensburg First Church of God
seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org
Helpful Links:
Website (shipfcog.org)
SFCOG Facebook
SFCOG Instagram
Online Messages (shipfcog.org)
Online Giving (shipfcog.org)
Our Activities Calendar & Events
Care Groups & Sunday School Classes
Weather Alerts/ Schedule Changes (shipfcog.org)
Weekly Bulletin (updated over the weekend)
shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html
