Praise Completes Enjoyment
Pastor Joanie Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
James 1:17-18 (NRSV)
C. S. Lewis says about the command to praise God “The praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment, it is its appointed consummation.”
My response to C.S. Lewis is “Well, God is at it again.” In other words God needs our praise, so that the blessing, the gift can be complete, or fulfilled (In James’ language).
In other words, the very gift of life, every gift God has given us, we are to enjoy and by delighting in these gifts our praise overflows-like watching for someone’s reaction after they open a carefully picked out gift for them! We wait in anticipation for their reaction: hoping they will enjoy the gift, that it will prove useful. Remember that James tells us our God is good and full of light and never changing. That God gives us gifts to enjoy and enjoyment overflows into praise and that fulfills God’s own purpose—-that is a good God. Even when scripture demands our praise…it is not about a vain God—it’s about a good God, caring for us still.
Did you miss yesterday’s service? Watch it here:
Ladles of Love (LOL)
Our church family has an amazing team of committed folks who prepare and deliver over 25 meals every Thursday to the residents of Cottondale. In addition, we visit the homebound folks within our congregation and deliver food from the DUMA Food Pantry to around 8 people in the Dunn-Erwin area that simply cannot get out of their house to the Food Pantry for pickup.
Ladles of Love is a tremendous mission opportunity for every single person connected to our church family! You can help in so many ways that will fill your heart, your head and your soul with goodness. So here’s the thing: There is a place for you!
There is a space for you to be part of Ladles of Love. You can prepare something simple ahead of time on Tuesday or Wednesday evening from your home. You can personally deliver a snack-meal after work on Thursday to one of our homebound folks. You can even tell us what you would like to do and we will find a way to make it happen!
Contact Pastor Jason, John Johnson, or Beulah Pope to talk about ways you can help!
Gift Card Collection
We want to bless two of our families who are experiencing a big joy and transition. We are collecting Wal-Mart and Target gift cards for Maria & Martin Corral to celebrate the birth of Raidan and for Jesse & Lee Lashmit to celebrate their new home. These gift cards will help them as they need things for the new baby or new home. We are collecting gift cards until September 1st and you may give them to Pastor Joanie.
Cards and Goodies for Hospital Staff
Can you sit down one day this week or weekend and make a card for the nurses and staff at our local hospitals? Could you purchase or make a batch of cookies for those that are working tirelessly to care for others? Maybe you could sit down with a child or grandchild and draw some pictures together. The staff, nurses, and doctors need a boost of JOY!!!
We heard from a chaplain from the local hospitals that the morale of doctors, nurses, and staff is very low. They are tired, sad, and worn out more than ever—still dealing with COVID-19.
You may bring cards or other goodies to the church anytime. Please contact Pastor Joanie if you have questions or would like to drop something at the church.
This week:
Wednesday, September 1 – 12 noon Bible study on Proverbs
Wednesday, September 1 – 5:30 pm Middle School Girls Bible Study & Snack Dinner
Wednesday, September 1 – 6:30 pm Music Rehearsal
Thursday, September 2 – 9:30 am Ladles of Love Meal Delivery
Friday, September 3 – 12 noon Prayer & Devotion (online & Free Conference Call)
Sunday, September 5 – 10:30 am Outdoor Worship
Upcoming Events:
Wednesdays in September at 5:30 pm – Middle School Girls Bible Study & Snack Dinner
September 12, 10:30 am – Bible Presentation to our Kindergartners in Worship
September 24, 8:00 pm – Outdoor Movie Night