Good morning! How are you today? I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share with you an exciting Sunday morning service I recently watched. The service was delivered by Pastor Bill Welsh on July 2, 2023, at Refuge Calvary Chapel. During the service, Pastor Bill greeted and interacted with the congregation, expressing his excitement about reading a passage from the Bible, specifically 2 Corinthians 4:16. He emphasized the importance of this passage and encouraged everyone to read and think through it. Throughout the service, there was a strong focus on the renewing power of Christ in our daily lives. The congregation participated in worship and prayer, and the church also announced upcoming events such as youth camp, Wednesday night services, VBS, baptisms, and a married couples retreat. Pastor Bill discussed the future plans of the church and assured everyone that the focus would remain on spreading the Gospel and staying true to the teachings of the Bible. He also clarified that he and his wife are not retiring or leaving the church and that the church is not aligning with any particular ideology or movement. The service concluded with a reference to Acts chapter 14, indicating that there may be further discussion or study on this topic. Overall, it was a meaningful and inspiring service that reminded the congregation of the importance of soul searching and spreading the love of Christ.
Greeting and Interaction with the Congregation
Welcome, everyone, to another wonderful Sunday service! It’s so great to see all your smiling faces and feel the energy in the room as we gather together to worship our Lord and Savior. We hope you’re ready for an uplifting and inspiring time of praise and learning. Don’t forget to greet those around you and make our visitors feel welcomed and loved. You never know how much a simple smile or kind word can brighten someone’s day. So, let’s take a moment to connect with one another and spread some joy throughout the congregation!
Excitement about Reading a Passage from the Bible (2 Corinthians 4:16)
Today, we have a special treat in store for you. We will be reading from the book of 2 Corinthians, chapter 4, verse 16. This passage is a powerful reminder of the strength and renewal that comes from our relationship with Christ. Let these words sink deep into your hearts and minds as we reflect on the incredible love and grace of our Heavenly Father. Get ready to be encouraged and uplifted, my friends!
Led in Worship and Prayer
Now, let’s continue our time of worship as we lift our voices in praise and adoration. Our incredible worship team has prepared a beautiful selection of songs that will help us draw closer to God. Whether you prefer to sing, clap, or simply close your eyes and soak in the melodies, let’s actively engage in worshipping our Creator together.
Following our time of praise, let’s join our hearts in prayer. If you have any prayer requests or praises you’d like to share, please feel free to raise your hand, and one of our prayer team members will come alongside you and pray with you. Remember, prayer is a powerful tool, and together, we can support and lift each other up in our times of need.
Announcement of Upcoming Events
Youth Camp
Attention all the young people in our congregation! We are thrilled to announce our upcoming youth camp, taking place from July 15th to July 20th. This is going to be an incredible week filled with fun activities, worship, and deepening our relationship with God. We encourage all parents to sign their kids up for this life-changing experience!
Wednesday Night Services
For those seeking a mid-week spiritual boost, don’t forget about our Wednesday night services. These intimate gatherings provide an opportunity for further growth and connection as we dive deeper into the Word and engage in meaningful discussions. Join us every Wednesday at 7 PM in the fellowship hall, as we continue to grow together as a church family.
VBS
Calling all parents and volunteers! Vacation Bible School is just around the corner, and we need your help to make it an unforgettable experience for the children in our community. VBS will be held from July 25th to July 29th, and it’s a fantastic way to impact the lives of our children and share the love of God. Mark your calendars and be sure to lend a hand during this exciting week!
Baptisms
We are beyond excited to witness and celebrate the next round of baptisms! Baptism is an essential step in the Christian faith, symbolizing our identification with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. If you have recently accepted Christ into your life and are ready to take this step of obedience, please contact the church office, and we’ll be thrilled to walk alongside you in this meaningful journey.
Married Couples Retreat
Attention all married couples! We have an incredible retreat planned just for you. Take a break from the busyness of life and spend a weekend reconnecting with your spouse and strengthening your marriage. This retreat will provide a refreshing getaway and an opportunity to learn valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your relationship. More information and registration details will be available soon, so keep an eye out for that!
Discussion on Future Plans of the Church
As we look to the future of our church, we are filled with anticipation and excitement. We have been fervently seeking God’s guidance on how we can best serve our congregation and the surrounding community. Your input and ideas are invaluable as we consider new ministries, outreach opportunities, and ways to better meet the spiritual needs of those we serve. We invite you to join us in a town hall meeting next Sunday, where we will discuss these plans and create a roadmap for our exciting future together.
Travel Plans and Co-Pastor’s Increased Role
In the coming months, Pastor Mark will be embarking on a missions trip to serve in areas where the Gospel is greatly needed. We are blessed to be able to support him in this endeavor, and we know that he will spread the love and truth of Jesus wherever he goes. During Pastor Mark’s absence, our co-pastor, Sarah, will assume an increased role in leading and shepherding our congregation. We have complete confidence in her abilities and know that she will be an incredible source of guidance and support for all of us.
Clarification about Retirement and Church Alignment
There have been some rumors circulating about the retirement of our senior pastor, Pastor Johnson. We would like to clarify that these rumors are untrue. Pastor Johnson has no plans for retirement in the foreseeable future, and he remains committed to leading our congregation with wisdom and love. He is dedicated to ensuring that the church remains aligned with its core values and continues moving forward in unity, fulfilling the Great Commission.
Reference to Acts Chapter 14
As we think about the work and mission of our church, it’s always valuable to reflect on the example set by the early church in Acts. In Acts chapter 14, we see Paul and Barnabas traveling from city to city, boldly proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ. Their perseverance, despite the hardships they faced, serves as an encouragement for us to continue sharing the Gospel with passion and courage. Let us be inspired by their example as we navigate our own journey of faith and service.
Communion and Offering Instructions
Now, let’s turn our attention to a poignant and sacred moment in our service as we partake in communion. The elements before us represent the body and blood of Jesus, given for us on the cross. As we partake, let us remember the sacrifice and love of our Savior and recommit ourselves to living lives that bring honor and glory to Him.
Following communion, we will have an opportunity to give our tithes and offerings. We give not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for all that God has done for us. Your giving helps support the ministries of our church, enabling us to impact lives and spread the Gospel locally and globally. If you are visiting with us today, please do not feel obligated to give. We are just grateful that you have chosen to worship with us.
Daily Opportunities to Spread the Gospel
Finally, let’s not forget that our time of worship and learning does not end when we leave this sanctuary. Each day presents us with opportunities to share the incredible love and grace of Jesus with those around us. Whether it’s a simple act of kindness or engaging in conversations that point others to Christ, we have the power to make a difference. Let’s commit ourselves to being intentional about living out our faith and being shining lights in the world.
Thank you for being here today and being an essential part of our church family. May God continue to bless you and guide you in all that you do. Have a wonderful week, and we look forward to seeing you again next Sunday!