BAIYB: Blessed, Chosen, Adopted, Accepted, Forgiven Redeemed
What’s your purpose in life? What have you been created to be? We like to plan our futures and to have goals on how to get there. But what if our lives are more than our own perceived purposes? Then what?
These questions are ones that Paul wrestled with and shared with the community in Ephesus. This morning, we begin with the blessings that Paul reminded them they had been given – that they were blessed, chosen, adopted, accepted, redeemed and forgiven.
And those blessings are yours as well. To live secure in the knowledge that God has done all of those same things for you! In enumerating our blessings, we are given a foundation from which we set our hope on Christ so that through us, God’s purpose is accomplished.
Join us as well on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter (@spartapastor).
Living in the resurrection promise,
Pastor Tina +
We Welcome.
Don’t Forget – Midweek Summer Worship!
As part of our summer experiment, Wednesday nights in July and August will feature a light meal and worship! The meal is served at 6:30 PM. We ask a suggested donation of $2 per person. July 1 will be a party sub sandwich with salads.
We will then worship around the tables at 7:30 PM. We will sing, read, commune and bless one another.
OUTSIDE WORK MORNING SATURDAY JULY 11:
June rain has brought July green to our campus – and a LOT of landscaping work. Beginning at 8 AM on Saturday and stopping at 10 AM – we need some hands, feet, and pruning tools to shape, pull, and haul. There are short projects that have been identified and we hope to have enough hands to get them all done!
Tools: pruning shears and loppers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, work gloves, protective clothing and eye gear.
If you are unable to be here, but have time during the week, email PTina or call the church office for an ‘assignment’.
Wednesday Noon Bible Study:
All are welcome to join in a study of the Letter to the Romans. It’s the longest letter we have of the Apostle Paul and every word is important. Chapter 7 is on July 15 at noon in the Parish Hall. If you are interested in studying along with us – drop PTina a note and she’ll send you the study guide.
We Equip.
Coffee Hour Fellowship & Wednesday Meals:
We are in need of ‘hosts’ for our fellowship & meals during June, July, & August. There are sign-ups on the announcement shutters or contact the church office if you are interested.
Sermons on Website:
Throughout the summer, Pastor Tina will be posting sermons from our current season at www.sothnj.org. You will find them in the “News” section of the website.
We send.
Tickets! Get your tickets! The Lutherans are going to the game… Sunday August 2 – Sussex Lutherans at the Sussex Miners game. Tickets $10, optional tailgate $5. The game is at 2:05 PM. We will tailgate at 12PM. Please contact Sam Valtos (samantha.r.valtos@gmail.com or 973-453-6963) to reserve your tickets ASAP! Last day to order is Sunday July 12.
CALLED TO SERVE: The SEC Food Pantry, located at First Presbyterian Church of Sparta, is looking for a few good hands and feet to help with the following activities:
Ecumenical Prayer Cycle: The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle enables us to journey in prayer through every region of the world and through every week of the year affirming our solidarity with Christians all over the world, brothers and sisters living in diverse situations, experiencing diverse problems and sharing diverse gifts.