This week, we have had the opportunity to host our annual Vacation Bible School. The theme for this year is, Illumination Station: Shining a Light on Who Jesus Really Is. Every night children from our church and all over our community have come to learn about truth is found in God and we should therefore follow his plan shown to us through Jesus Christ. Our memory verse for the week is from John 8:12 which says, “Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.'” As always, our volunteers are doing an amazing job communicating our theme and leading our children. It is truly a blessing to see the truth of the gospel communicated in so many different ways and in so many different opportunities.
First, so far, we have had around 40-45 children each evening. For this many children we have had around 35-40 volunteers every single night. Several of our volunteers take significant time to prepare for each evening, and many others come straight from work to volunteer. They are willing to do whatever it takes to serve and without them we could not do a week like this. I am always amazed at the dedication our church shows to reaching not only our children, but our community as well.
Second, our children are giving money to Dan and Abbi Holsten. As we do every year, our kids have the opportunity to “win” a contest by bringing as many pennies as they can. The contest is between the boys and the girls, with the contest almost tied as of Wednesday night. As many of you all know, Dan and Abbi are headed over to the Philippines to serve on the island of Palawan for two weeks with the Bob Tebow Association. In the Philippines, they will be traveling into the schools and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with hundreds of students. All of the money raised this week through VBS will go to help them fund their trip.
Lastly, our family night is tomorrow night. Family night is always a lot of fun. With inflatables, games, hotdogs and cotton candy, there are plenty of activities for everyone. For me, one of the blessings of this night is being able to watch church members engage the community. I typically see church members eating with visitors, others playing games with them, and some simply standing and talking with others next to different activities. With that said, I want to invite you to come and join us tomorrow night. The program starts at 6:30pm.
Thank you to all who are serving and praying for this week. I am so thankful for our church not only hosting this week but doing so as we seek to fulfill our mission to proclaim and display the gospel of Jesus Christ. Continue to pray as we strive to make the most of this opportunity to see our families, our community and even our world transformed by the power of God.
Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson
Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson
Fighter Verse for the Week
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
- Ephesians 6:12-13
Announcements:
Vacation Bible School: We have had a great week at Vacation Bible School so far this week. You are invited to join us Friday night (7/10) at 6:30pm for our closing ceremony. If you would like to help with the carnival that follows our ceremony, contact Kim McNally or show up anytime after 4:00pm on Friday.
Game Night: Our monthly game night is Friday, July 17th from 7:00-9:00pm. Invite a friend to come with you and bring your favorite game and/or snack.
Holsten Mission Trip: From July 10-26th, the Holsten’s will be going on mission to the Philippines. Prayer cards can be found in the church Welcome Center, and if you’d like to partner financially with them, you can access their online portal HERE.
Family Discipleship Guides: These guides are designed to help equip parents further engage with what our children and youth are learning. You can find a guide for AWANA, HERE and for our Youth, HERE.
Men’s Study: Our Men’s study meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday nights at 8:00-9:15pm. The book for this study will be The Case for Christ. See Clint Blankenship for more information.
Building Remodel: If you would like to give to our remodel fund, there are commitment cards available in the welcome center. Feel free to pick up one and return it to one an available basket. If you would like to give a one time or a reoccurring gift, you can do so HERE and select “building remodel.” You can also give through one of the offering boxes at church. Be sure to mark your envelop, “building remodel.” Check out a video highlighting the work done so far.
Food Pantry: The food pantry is currently in need of some food items. For a complete list of food pantry needs, click HERE.
Awana Bible Club
Awana is officially on summer break. Clubs are typically held on Wednesdays throughout the school year. Dinner is at 6:00pm with Awana Clubs starting at 6:30pm. Children can be registered HERE.
Equipping Hour
We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “A Survey in Church History” meets in the Sanctuary, a study in Isaiah in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the Old Testament meets 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.
Worship Service
Worship Service begins at 10:30am on Sunday mornings. Nursery care for children ages 0-4 years is available during the worship hour.
Livestream
Continue to join us at 10:30am on Sunday mornings.
YouTube: HERE.
Join us and invite a friend or family member to watch with you.
Sunday School
Children and Youth Sunday School take place at 9:15am on Sunday mornings.
Ages 0-2 and 3–k meet in the nursery suite.
Grades 1-2nd meet upstairs in U-5.
Grades 3rd-6th meet upstairs in U-6.
Grades 7th-12th meet downstairs in the youth room.