Weekly News and Updates

May 28, 2026 | Volume 40, Issue 21

FROM YOUR PASTOR'S HEART ...

We had a great time this past Sunday celebrating Pentecost Sunday and Memorial Day. See the photos below for the presentation of the Quilt of Valor to 1SG (ret.) James Dempsey and the kidney transplant adventure of Randy Teltow and Stephanie Jones. The LORD is on the move. So many powerful testimonies are coming from the ministry time that followed the testimony and message time.

Wednesday, we got Pastor Zach Anderson and family moved into their new home. A big thank you to all those who came out to help. We had a great crew. Remember, we will have a welcome reception for Zach, Kelsey, Ellis and Theo between services on June 7.

TODAY, we are getting the sanctuary carpets and pew cushions professionally cleaned. Thank you for your faithfulness in giving for this important maintenance. This will prolong the life of our pew cushions and carpets, and I guess this means I shouldn’t tell you to jump and dance on the pews for a while! 😊

This Sunday, Jake Simmons, our youth, outreach, and men’s minister is bringing our next message in our series on the book of James, Road Rules. It will be on James 2:1-13 and is called Merge (with Others). 

We’ve got four big Sundays in a row laid out for you in June: June 7, the welcome reception for the Andersons. Please bring gift cards (restaurants, Walmart, Sam’s, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.) … to shower and bless them on that day.  June 14, Pastor Zach Anderson will bring his first message at Heritage. June 21 is FATHER’S DAY. I’ll be sharing a message for the 250^th Anniversary of the USA. It will be on the Faith of our Founders.

Sunday, June 28 will be our big 250 Anniversary Celebration. We will have one big outdoor service at 9:00 am. The theme of the morning will be a program we have put together called Songs That Shaped Our Nation. We will sing and celebrate the hymns that shaped the spiritual landscape of our nation from the late 1600’s through WWII. Afterwards, we will have fun activities for all ages from blow-up obstacle course to waterslides, slip and slide, and games for all ages, to a snow cone stand, a foam machine, and a dunk tank (to dunk your favorite pastor or staff member) 😊.

Watch the newsletter and our social media for more information on these important weekends. I love celebrating life with YOU!

Wes

P.S. See you Sunday! If you are out of town, join us on the Heritage Church livestream.

Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

In James 2, believers are reminded that faith is not meant to show favoritism or pass judgment based on appearances. James paints a clear picture: when we choose partiality over compassion, we fail to reflect the heart of Christ. But in verse 13, we are given a powerful truth — “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

God has shown each of us incredible mercy through Jesus. Because we have received mercy, we are called to extend it to others. In a world quick to criticize, exclude, and condemn, the church should be known for grace, kindness, and compassion.

Mercy does not ignore truth, but it chooses love over pride and compassion over condemnation. Whether welcoming a visitor, helping someone in need, or forgiving a brother or sister, every act of mercy reflects the character of Christ.

This week, may we ask ourselves: Are we quick to judge, or quick to show mercy? As followers of Jesus, let us become people whose lives demonstrate that mercy truly does triumph over judgment. I look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday, may Jesus be glorified.

Jake

West Parking Lot Improvement Project

Our west parking lot is in need of seal coating and fresh striping to help preserve the surface and improve safety and appearance for everyone who uses it each week. This project will be completed mid-June. If you would like to help offset the cost, contributions may be designated for “Parking Lot.” Thank you for helping us care for the facilities God has entrusted to us!

Thank you!

Thank you so much for allowing us to share our transplant testimony with you during the services last Sunday. It is truly amazing how God orchestrates what seems impossible to us but absolutely possible with Him. I want to publicly thank Stephanie for her selfless gift and her obedience to The Holy Spirit. She truly did something through this that most wouldn't even consider. We are grateful beyond measure. 

Also, I want publicly thank my wife, Tammy Jo, for her unrelenting faith and unstoppable belief in the miracles of God the Father whenever we speak and claim them in the Name of Jesus! She never gave up on me or God when it seemed everyone else had. She is truly an amazing woman! 

Thanks be to God for His mercies and graces, and thank you to our church family for your prayers and support. God Bless each and every one of you beyond imagination. 

Randy Teltow

Thank you, Heritage!

To my Heritage Church family and the Heritage Quilters Team,

Thank you so much for the incredible honor of receiving a Quilt of Valor last Sunday. I was truly humbled by the kindness, thoughtfulness, and care that went into both the presentation and the quilt itself.

It means a great deal to know that my service was remembered and appreciated in such a meaningful way. The time, skill, and prayerful work that the quilters put into these quilts is evident, and I will treasure it for years to come.

Thank you again to everyone involved. I am grateful to be part of this church family.

James Dempsey

Food Pantry Recognition

We’re grateful to share that our food pantry recently received this plaque of appreciation from the River Valley Regional Food Bank in recognition of the impact Heritage Church is making in the lives of families experiencing hunger in Crawford County.

This recognition reflects the generosity, compassion, and faithful service of so many volunteers, donors, and supporters who help make this ministry possible. Thank you for continuing to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community!

Biblical Citizenship Class - Wednesday Nights

This year our United States celebrates 250 years as a Nation! What makes our Constitutional Republic thrive? Our Constitution is based on the Word of God! Join us as we learn “Biblical Citizenship” with David Barton & many more intriguing historians. They reveal the conviction and character of the founding Fathers as well as amazing unsung heroes. Experience fun adventures with Rick Green and family. Kirk Cameron shares the huge and remarkable Pilgrim Monument. Midway through the study will be a movie night featuring Monumental which is about this monument.

Let’s remember, learn, and celebrate together!



This will be a nine-week course offered on Wednesday nights (starting June 10, from 6:00 pm-7:45 pm).

For more information or to sign up, please text Debi Adkins @ 479-414-1207.

Be the First Friendly Face Someone Sees!

A warm welcome can make all the difference. As we prepare for the 2026–2027 ministry year, we're looking for volunteers to serve on our Usher and Greeter teams.

Ushers help create a welcoming and organized worship experience by assisting guests, serving communion, and helping with seating as needed. You can serve in a way that fits your schedule by:

• Committing to one month during the year, or
• Joining our on-call fill-in team for occasional last-minute needs.

Greeters help guests feel at home from the moment they walk through the doors. We currently have openings at the 10:30 a.m. service, with opportunities to serve:

• Every week, or
• On specific weeks each month that work for your schedule.

Whether you can serve regularly or just occasionally, your smile and hospitality can have a lasting impact. If you'd like to learn more or join one of these teams, contact Haley at hcrutcher@heritage.church or reach out to the church office.



A few minutes of serving could make an eternal difference in someone's first impression of Heritage!

Serve Up More Than a Meal

Our Wednesday Night Meal Ministry is about more than food—it’s about creating a welcoming place where people can gather, connect, and build community. As we prepare for the new ministry year, we're looking for volunteers to help make these evenings possible!

There are several ways to serve:

• Cook a Meal – Gather a group of friends, your family, Sunday School class, or small group and provide a meal for one Wednesday evening. It’s a great way to serve together and bless our church family.
• Serve the Meal – Help welcome guests, serve food, and create a friendly atmosphere during the meal.
• Help with Cleanup – Stay after the meal to help clear tables, wash dishes, and prepare the space for the next ministry activities. Many hands make light work!

Whether you enjoy cooking, serving, or helping behind the scenes, there’s a place for you on the Wednesday Night Meal Team. Even serving just once or twice during the year can make a big difference.



Interested in serving? Contact Haley at hcrutcher@heritage.church or reach out to the church office for more information. We'd love to help you find a role that fits your schedule and gifts!

Are You an RN? Our Medical Ministry Team Needs You!

You may recall that we have been building a Medical Ministry Team to address emergent needs during gathering times. We still have a need for registered nurses (RNs) for both Sunday services. If you're an RN and would be willing to serve in this way please reach out to Jessica Minton 661-972-7126 or Georgeanna Hargis 479-629-2450 for more information.

Women's Summer Classes Start Next Week!

Two new opportunities for women of all ages starting Monday, June 1. It's not too late to sign up. Click this link for details, or call the office, 479-474-6424, to sign up!

In-Person Bible Study - Jonah!

When: Mondays, 10:00 - 11:30 am

Where: New Room

What: Becki Kneeland is facilitating a 5-week study on the book of Jonah.

Online Book Club - 7 Women

When: June 1-July 26, at your own pace.

Where: Facebook

What: Online discussion group on the book 7 Women by Eric Metaxas where we will explore and discuss the captivating stories of seven women who changed the course of history by following the call placed on their life.

Sign up for Church Camp! 

Church camp is July 12-15. As always, we're looking forward to a great week! I hope all incoming 3rd-6th graders will join us.

Camp is a time to connect with the Lord in a meaningful way. Camp is so special to me because I connect with God the most when I am in nature: seeing the Lord's hand in creation, hearing Him speak in the calm quiet wind, and being disconnected from the outside world. I pray that each child can experience God in this same way at camp while also having fun doing things they've never gotten to do and creating new friendships. If your child is interested in going to camp and they (or you) have questions, please talk to me, and I'd be more than happy to tell you the ins and outs.

The deadline to register for camp is June 14, but frankly, when you sign up early, it helps me plan everything better. The registration cost is $100, but we have scholarships available to anyone who needs one!  

Click the blue button to register online.

Madison

This Week at Heritage and Prayer Concerns

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