Sacrifice is Not only Giving Up
Pastor Joanie I appeal to you, therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2 (NRSV)
What do you have to sacrifice in your life? We’ve all been asked to sacrifice for one another (especially in the past year and a half). Sacrifice is usually thought about as giving up something of value that you can never get back, emptying of ourselves. However, there is something more going on about sacrifice in Scripture and the world we live in.
Why do we sacrifice? Why do we give things up? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sacrifice as “an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy.” Sacrifice is not focused on what we give up. Sacrifice is focused on what we gain. Hebrews 13:16 says “And do not forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased.” Sacrifice is about valuing others and caring for someone else. The gain is more important than what is given up!
If you missed yesterday’s service, you can watch it here:
Serving the Midway Band
We will be serving chili and sandwiches to the Midway High School Band before their home game this Tuesday, October 5th around 5:30 pm (this is a date change). We love supporting the young people in our community, including our very own Miranda Hickman. We need volunteers to prepare parts of the meal. If you are able to help or donate items, please contact Pastor Joanie. We need:
- 150 paper bowls
- 150 plastic spoons
- 150 paper plates
- 150 plastic cups
- napkins
- 2 large containers of lemonade mix
- 10 -12 packages of cookies
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 29 – 12 noon Bible study on Proverbs
Wednesday, September 29 – 6:00 pm The Chosen Bible Study Series begins, Fellowship Hall
Thursday, September 30 – 9:30 am Ladles of Love Meal Delivery
Friday, October 1 – 12 noon Prayer & Devotion (online & Free Conference Call)
Friday, October 1 – 5:30 pm Serve Dinner to Midway High School Band (volunteers needed)
Sunday, October 3 – 10:30 am Outdoor Worship, John Alsey Johnson, preaching
Upcoming Events:
Sunday, October 17 – Homecoming Sunday (stay tuned for more details)
Tuesday, October 26 – Serving at the DUMA Food Pantry (8:30 am – 2:00 pm)