Dear Church Family,

In the next few weeks we will be closing out our series; Christ in You, The Hope of Glory.”  We’ll conclude with a deep dive into understanding what the Bible says about spiritual gifts.  Next to views of the “end times,” spiritual gifts is one of the most misunderstood areas in the Bible and therefore one of the least appreciated and utilized in the Body of Christ.  This causes several problems in the church because when we call people to service in the church, which is what we have been focusing on these last few weeks, and individuals are ignorant of their respective gift(s), then the church in its call to service suffers.  More on that this Sunday.

Church Family News

Deacon Nomination Process.  Nominations from the congregation will conclude this Friday, September 18.  The current active Deacons will begin praying, discussing and voting on which candidates to present to the congregation for affirmation.  The Pastors and Deacons believe that there are certain “core competencies/values” that are reflective of Biblical principles and will be using these to guide their deliberations.  They are:

• Regularly attends church services
• Serves in the church
• Spends time with God
• Is in community with others
• Evangelizes
• Generous
• Leaders
• Followers (team players)

If you would like a more detailed understanding of each of these areas, feel free to contact the Deacon Chair, Doug Farris, Pastor Joseph, or Pastor Frank.  

Prayer Ministry.  Daniele Cushing has been burdened to help our church grow in intercessory prayer.  During the Covid-19 pandemic she posted opportunities for corporate prayer via a conference phone call twice a week.  We are going to continue that but with a change in times to:

• Sunday mornings at 9am in the Philathea room with Pastor Frank. We will be praying for our morning worship services as well as for our church.  Daniele is attempting to make this time available for our off site prayer warriors so stay tuned.
• Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm via phone. This is a change from 7pm.   The phone number remains as:

712-432-8399 and the access code is:  279785#

Alma Hunt Offering for Missions.  Don’t forget to make your donation this month in support of BGAV and their support of mitigating the traumatic effects of this COVID-19 pandemic.  I plan to contribute and you can to.  Just designate your monetary gift either by check, cash (in an envelope), or via E-giving to “Alma Hunt Missions.”  We will be collecting these gifts through September 30^th. 

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Special Prayer Event.  A special time of prayer is planned for Tuesday, September 22^nd at 7pm in the sanctuary.  This will be a time of prayer focused on our community and throughout Caroline County that has experienced an increase in violent crime and anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prayer March 2020.  Franklin Graham and the BGEA is planning a prayer march on Saturday, September 26^th from Noon to 2pm in Washington DC.  Christians will be gathering at the Lincoln Memorial and marching to the steps of the Capitol.  ALL ARE INVITED!  If you can’t attend, then I suggest you take time out of your day during that time and pray for our Nation and the healing and unity that is needed.

1. Remember in prayer:
   1. Chris Caldwell’s Mother facing life’s final passage and the family.
   2. Members of our church family facing surgeries and other life issues.
   3. All our frontline workers, in and out of our church, who work hard each day serving and protecting us during this pandemic.

I love you all,

Pastor Frank