Sunday is coming, and Spring is on the way!
Do you love Spring?
(It feels like it keeps coming and going away again)
According to various polls, Spring is the #2 favorite season (Fall is #1).
It would seem that the older you are, the more likely it is that you love spring.
In Nature, Spring is all about New Life, Renewed Purpose, Restored Strength, and Life prevailing over Death.
These are also some of the themes we find in Romans chapter 8, which we will begin studying this weekend as we start a new series entitled,
“What New Life Looks Like.”
Romans 8 is all about the assurance that we have for New Life through Jesus, and the way it grows within us by His Holy Spirit.
Last month we studied what it means to Abide with Jesus, In Step with the Spirit. Expanding upon these themes, in the letter of Romans, Paul helps Christians to understand the truth of the Gospel and how to live out our faith in Jesus.
Chapter 8 is at the Center of this letter that the Apostle Paul wrote to the early church in Rome, and it is a chapter with many well-known verses that are not always considered in full context. It’s packed full of important and memorable statements, but they all build to make a bigger case.
That brings me to what is Perhaps the best-known statement in Romans 8: verse 28—
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
As we will see, this verse can serve as the turning point on which this whole chapter (and book) hinges. But as with all scripture, the beauty of this verse is best appreciated in context with the rest of the verses around it.
It’s sort of like the difference between a flower in a pot, and a full garden in bloom:
Which would you prefer? Give me the Garden! Scripture in context help us to get a more complete picture of “what new life looks like.”
We will take our time working through this whole chapter in the weeks to come, but this weekend we will consider some background, and specifically focus on Romans 8:28, asking the question: what does it mean for someone to be “Called according to His Purpose?”
Instead of just pondering that question in theory, we will also hear from two people who have recently had the opportunity to consider what it means to actually live this out in practice!
Two of our young leaders had the chance to attend two different retreats offered by our denomination that helped them to consider matters related to being called by God for a purpose, and I’ve asked them to come and share their experiences with you!
As we learn about “what new life looks like” in others, my prayer is that we will each be challenged to continue growing and advancing along the path of discipleship as we abide in Jesus and keep in step with the Spirt, to the Glory of God our Father!
This Sunday
As a part of our Sermon time, we will hear reports from Victoria Kalp who participated in the CGGC Pulse Retreat and from our contemporary worship leader, Jonathan Scott, who attended the Camp YoliJwa Young Adult Retreat.
We will be offering our “Get Connected” class this Sunday at 9:45. This is a great way to learn about our small groups, Sunday School classes, and other ministries that we offer to help you study God’s Word, get to know people, find community, and grow in faith. This class will be offered in room 104 (next to the church library, adjacent to the sanctuary).
To help you prepare your hearts for worship this week, check out the songs we plan to sing together:
8:30 –The choir will lead us in step with the Spirit towards exaltation of our Heavenly Father with a variety of Hymns:
719 “Children of the Heavenly Father”
585 “Be Still and Know”
3 “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty”
390 “Spirit of God Descend upon My Heart”
11:00 –The Contemporary Worship team will share some songs praising God for what he’s done through Christ:
“Forever Reign”
“Grace Alone”
“Yet Not I but Through Christ”
“Christ be Magnified”
NEW! Jon has put together a Spotify playlist featuring a variety of songs we sing on Sundays at 11:00. Enjoy!
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7E8YRF1NCIGbFoMNYNPn9K?si=ZivXqX5MRWe3nIDG1nx_qw&pi=u-Y90v2ygGSTKK
Upcoming Opportunities
This Sunday Afternoon (March 3) from 2:00-4:00, we have reserved the Gymnasium at Camp YoliJwa for some Kickball! This is open to people of all ages and it would be a wonderful opportunity to invite some friends and neighbors who may not attend worship on Sunday Mornings to get to know some people in our church family in a fun way. Feel free to come and cheer us on, even if you don’t intend to play. It’s also a great opportunity to check out the Camp facilities if you haven’t done so before (summer camp registration will be open soon, and scholarships are available).
You are all invited to our first Fellowship Meal in the newly renovated Cross Roads Station fellowship hall!
It will take place on Sunday, March 17th, at 12:15 (following the 11:00 worship service). We will be providing baked spaghetti, garlic bread, and drinks, and we will invite each family to bring a salad or desert. Sign Up sheets are located in Sunday School classes and around the building to RSVP for planning purposes.
Grief Share
A new season of the Grief Share ministry is beginning tonight (Thursday, February 29) in the Annex from 6:00-8:00 and will meet every Thursday through May 23. Grief Share features biblical, Christ-centered teaching that focuses on grief topics associated with the death of a loved one. The video seminar features nationally respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about what was viewed.
Many grieving people find they are only beginning the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Too often people, including Christians, tend to stuff their grief instead of allowing it to do the God-given work for which it is intended. Don’t allow fear of what others may think to keep you from what could help you. Confidentiality is very much a part of this program.
You will find encouragement, comfort and help. No matter what the cause of your loved one’s death, this is an opportunity to be around people who understand what you are feeling. You will learn how to recognize the symptoms of being stuck in grief and that you do not need to live in bondage to certain emotions. You will learn valuable information about facing your new normal in life and renewing your hope for the future.
We do not want you to walk this journey alone. To learn more, feel free to contact the church office at 717.532.8421.
Women’s Ministry Secret Sisters
If you were unable to attend the Secret Sister Party last Sunday, but would still like to participate in this ongoing prayer ministry, we would like to give you the opportunity to exchange names and be matched with a secret sister for this coming year. To be a secret sister, all you need to do is pray for your secret sister throughout the year. You may also secretly send cards and give small gifts if you like. Remember, someone will be praying for and thinking about you too! If you would like to submit your name and receive a name, contact secretary Sonja Shively in the church office (secretary@shipfcog.org).
Men’s Bible Study
We had 17 men come out for the Men’s Alliance Bible Study which began this week! It will continue to meet on Monday evenings at 6:30 in the Annex, and all men are welcome to attend (even if they are not involved in MA on Saturdays). The first series will feature the book No More Excuses: Be the Man God Made You to Be by Tony Evans. The study book can be purchased at this link: https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/no-more-excuses-bible-study-book-with-video-access-P005843170
Senior Ministry Highlights
- The brunch for Widows, Widowers, & Singles (age 50+) that was postponed due to winter weather has been rescheduled for this Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 in the Annex. Come join in for some food and fellowship!
- The annual Good Friday Luncheon provided to Senior Citizens (60+) by the Busch Trust Fund will be taking place in the Cross Roads Station fellowship hall on March 29 at Noon. Sign-up sheets will be located in the Sunday School classes. Please Register by March 22 for planning purposes.
Children & Youth
- Our children’s ministry is preparing some special Easter activities for kids and families on Saturday, March 23. More details coming soon!
- Our Youth Retreat is taking place at Camp YoliJwa on March 8-10. Registrations are due!
Let us all live according to God’s purpose!
Pastor Rodney Bistline
Shippensburg First Church of God
seniorpastorbistline@shipfcog.org
Helpful Links:
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Online Giving (shipfcog.org)
Care Groups & Sunday School Classes
*Weather Alerts/ Schedule Changes (shipfcog.org)*
Weekly Order of Worship and FYI Newsletter (updated over the weekend)
shipfcog.net/site/shipfcog/shipnews/index.html
