Making the Most of Summer

Weekly Update – June 1st, 2023

Summer is easily my favorite time of the year.  I know some complain about the hot weather, but I love it.  I love the warm nights, the bright sun, the afternoon storms and the different pace that summer often brings.  With summer though, there comes a temptation.  Anytime there is an opportunity for leisure and refreshment, the evil one will bring the temptation to focus inward and to neglect what the Lord is doing around us.  Therefore, with the summer approaching us, let us consider how we might make the most of this season to the glory of God.

First, consider God by spending time outside.   This is not a difficult concept to put into practice.  It is simply a call to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.  Take a walk at night, sit on your porch, do some gardening, or take a nap in a hammock.  And as you are outside remember as Psalm 19:1 says that “the heavens are telling of the glory of God.”  Take time to marvel at creation and all of its intricate details.  Consider the long days of summer with the bright sun and warm weather a foretaste into the eternal desires of our heart for the new earth that awaits us.  Summer is a great time to enjoy and give glory to God for the landscape of his design.

Second, consider God by connecting with others.  One of the things I always think about in regards to summer are cookouts.  It is hard to go outside on a nice summer night and not smell charcoal from a grill.  It is also not uncommon to drive down a street during this season and see a group of friends in the backyard of a house enjoying a warm evening.  Summers are great for connecting with people.  In this regard, take advantage of being involved in a Bible study or home group, or simply take some time to have someone over to your house.  But in all of this, here is the key:  use this time redemptively.  Ask questions, encourage and generate spiritual conversations.   Summer time can often be a relaxing time with friends and family.  Take full advantage of getting together with others, but be intentional about those gatherings.

Third, consider God by remaining consistent.  It is easy in the summer time to get off track with devotions.  Vacations come, families visit, nights are sometimes late and it is easy to push aside time in the word of God.  Instead use the summer to grow in consistency with the Lord.  Since summer time is often used for relaxation, use the times of rest to refresh your soul.  Talk a walk and pray, read your Bible in the shade, switch up your normal time with the Lord.  This season could also be a time where you commit to memorize a certain passage of scripture or read a certain book of the Bible.  The point is that summer doesn’t have to be a time to break from God, but it can instead be a time to grow in God through remaining consistent.

As people of God, we ought to seek to live all of life with purpose.  In fact, life with purpose is relaxing in itself.  It is stressful to look back and see time that was wasted.  God has created us to live, dedicating ourselves to the pursuit of his glory.  Therefore as we live through this summer, live as 1 Corinthians 10:31 says in that “whether, then, you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."
- Proverbs 15:1

Announcements:

Food Pantry: We are in need of pop-top and ready to eat items for our food pantry. These items are needed specifically for the homeless in our community that stop by the church building throughout the week looking for a meal.

Meal Train: If you would like to be a part of the meal train for Gideon and Heather Wild, click HERE.

Vacation Bible School: Mark your calendar. This year, we will host Vacation Bible School on Monday, July 10th-Friday, July 14th from 5:45-8:00pm. More information on how you can help is available on the bulletin board in the hall and more information about how to register your child is available HERE. We are now collecting items for VBS decorations. We are looking for large square cardboard boxes, white wrapping paper, black wrapping paper, large sheets of insulations foam, large sheets of sturdy cardboard, and any leftover interior acrylic paints in bright colors, pastel colors, black, or white.

Volunteers Needed: Volunteers are still needed during the 10:30am nursery time. Check the update or email the office for more information on how you can serve.

Members’ Meeting: Our regular quarterly members’ meeting will be held on Sunday, June 25th. Following the morning service, we will head to the Faith Center for a potluck lunch and then back into the sanctuary for the meeting.

Annual Church Picnic: the annual church picnic potluck dinner will begin at 5pm on Sunday, July 2nd, at Freedom Park. Visit the church calendar for more information about this and other upcoming events.

Awana

Awana will start back up again in September.

Equipping Hour

We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Evangelism: Engaging the Lost” will meet in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of 1 and 2nd Thessalonians will meet in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament will meet in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE. 

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE.