SERMON SERIES FROM 1 PETER
In 1 Peter 5, the apostle Peter gives instructions about how we are to relate to one another in the Body of Christ. He addresses leaders as well as the flock, and gives practical advice about standing firm in our faith and resisting our enemy, the devil. We are reminded that suffering is part of a Christian’s life on this earth, and that God’s power sustains us through such times. We see how God’s grace equips us to share Christ’s suffering out of gratitude for the undeserved gift we have received from God through Christ.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Sunday, August 29 – Youth Sunday!
INTRODUCING WORSHIP LEADER ERICA!
Erica has a genuine love for music that has led her to pursue her musical gifts and calling. She has a heart for God and gospel music that speaks to the unconditional love of Christ and how He can change anyone’s life. Erica’s ministry as a Worship Leader and soloist has given her opportunities to share the love of Christ throughout the United States and Europe. Since the pandemic began, God has used Erica to minister in song and to pray for others needing healing from sickness and disease. It is her desire that God’s people worship Him in spirit and in truth, knowing there is no condemnation to those who are in the Lord! Note: Next week, we will feature Worship Leader Richelle in the newsletter!
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE…
The faith of children has an openness and directness as expressed by one little girl’s prayer: “Thank you, God, for making the rain so flowers can grow. Thanks for making the sun so we can play outside. Can you please make more goldfish? There are no more in the pet store and ours died.”
DIGGING DEEPER
Fill in the blanks using the words in the box below.
Last Sunday, Pastor Shaun preached on 1 Peter 4. In this passage, the apostle ______ urges his readers to fix their minds not on this world but on God and His Kingdom. We are to _______ and arm ourselves with a readiness to suffer as Christ-followers. What Peter explains is that life is going to be hard and there will be suffering, but in the midst of it all, He is with us and will never leave us or forsake us. As we endure suffering and hardship, we can draw strength from Christ our Lord, remembering that these trials have a purpose, to draw us _____ to Him in Koinonia fellowship, and to reveal God’s glory to the world around us. And when the suffering is such that our strength falters, we can remember that it is at those times that God carries us! With this in mind, we can call out the false teachings of the prosperity _______ that proclaims health, wealth and material abundance to all who just believe in (and contribute to) their ministries. We need to recognize those self-promoting televangelists whose message is not, “Look to Christ,” but rather “Look at me! I’m the real ____! I can heal! I can prophecy!” Question: Where is that doctrine in scripture? Answer: It is not! Scripture clearly states that all who follow Christ will suffer persecution. And verse 19 encourages us how to respond. “Those who suffer according to God’s Word should commit themselves to Him and continue doing good.” Pastor Shaun said we need to pray, daily: “God, use me this day. Help me to go where You want me to go and how You want me to go, remembering that You are with me.” Remember, we are the living proof that there is a God who loves and forgives and ________!
| gospel redeems prepare Peter deal close |
SUMMER YOUTH GROUP!
The youth group is meeting twice a month throughout the summer. Our next meeting is Wednesday, August 25, from 3-5 p.m. Invite a friend! J
WOMEN’S RETREAT AT CASCADES CAMP
The 2021 women’s retreat will be held September 17-19 at Cascades Camp in Yelm. If you are planning to attend, please note the following precautions due to the recent increase in COVID-19 cases and the Delta variant spread:
(1) There will be a health check-in at registration, including showing a record of vaccination.
(2) The Women’s Retreat Camp Staff recommend unvaccinated individuals protect themselves and reduce the risk to others by not attending this year’s retreat.
(3) If you have already registered and decide not to attend, Cascades Camp will refund your registration fees.
(4) Note: If you are unvaccinated and still plan to attend, you will need to bring a recent (within the past week) negative COVID test. You will be required to wear a mask at all times while participating in Getaway activities. We also ask that you inform your requested roommates prior to arrival of your vaccination status.
(5) Everyone will be encouraged to wear masks while participating in indoor activities.
(6) Seating in meeting rooms and the dining hall will be arranged with social distancing in mind.
(7) Housing will be spread out around the campgrounds, putting no more than 3 women in any housing space.
PRAISES/PRAYER REQUESTS
1. Pray for health and safety for our communities’ first responders.
2. Continue to pray for our nation and leaders.
SERMON SCHEDULE
August 15: Rev. Shaun Higgins, 1 Peter 5:1-14
August 22: Rev. Shaun Higgins, Jonah 1:1-17
August 29: Rev. Shaun Higgins, Jonah 2:1-10
September 5: Rev. Shaun Higgins, Jonah 3:1-10
CHURCH & OFFICE INFORMATION
- The Church Office is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Office phone number: 206-878-4861 // Office email: office@midwaycovenant.org
- Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary (or online at live.midcov.org)
- Children’s Sunday School upstairs at 10:30 a.m.
- Discipleship Lunch Group: Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall
- Men’s Bible Study Breakfast Group: Thursdays at 8:00 a.m. at Tuscany’s in Des Moines