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Weekly News & Updates
July 3, 2025 | Volume 39, Issue 26
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Moving FOURTH in Freedom
This is always a unique time of the year for me. I have so many past memories of working at a fireworks tent around the 4th of July season (I am so glad those days have passed!). However, I find it ironic that we celebrate a day where we declared independence from British rule and became a free nation with blowing stuff up.
But then it got me thinking, I have needed some things in my life to be literally "blown up", to be eradicated, to be done away with, in order to celebrate and live free in Christ. When I see God move in my life and see less of me and more of Him (John 3:30), things that I don't need are being removed (blown up) to make room for what matters most: the things of Christ.
Paul's heart for the church in Thessalonica is to awaken, be alert, be ready, and to draw nearer to the image of Christ...for Christ is returning! We are not called to lay low, but we ought to be people of motivation and celebration! God has overcome (blown up) death in our life so that we can live free! As we celebrate this week the freedom we are blessed with in America, may we celebrate even more the freedom we have in Christ! Join us Sunday as we conclude 1 Thessalonians with a message entitled, LIVING FREE!
Brian
| | Upcoming Opportunities and Announcements | | |
Missions Update
Johnson and Cierra Tran have officially settled into their new apartment in Ibaraki, Osaka, Japan over the past couple of months. They’ve joined the Osaka YWAM campus for weekly worship (see group picture below) and recently received confirmation to lead a new YWAM campus in Ibaraki, which they’ve named Kagayaku—meaning “shine.” They’ve begun Japanese language lessons, explored cultural landmarks like Kyoto, and are building relationships with their landlord Kenji and local neighbors through regular movie nights and intentional outreach.
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In addition to ministry preparations, Johnson and Cierra are considering expanding their outreach capabilities by possibly renting a downstairs apartment and using Kenji’s home to host visiting YWAM teams. This could help meet the growing need for team housing in the area and kick-start their local ministry. They’re asking for prayers for clarity as they adjust to a new culture, encouragement as they build a life so far from their Arkansas community, and intercession for Kenji (pictured with Johnson and Cierra), who has struggled with loneliness and depression but is open to learning about the Bible. Thank you for your support as they begin their missionary journey!
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Second Saturday Ride
July 12, 7:00 am
July is heating up, so we are going to our Beat the Heat time.
We are going to Oark General Store for breakfast. We will be leaving the West Parking Lot of Heritage Church, July 12 at 7:00 am, going up the Pig Trail to Cass then over to Oark.
Our adventure back to Heritage Church will depend upon the weather if it is very hot we will take the short route home if not we may extend it for a little bit longer ride.
Hope to see you all then. Bring your motorcycle, trike, muscle car, or mini van and enjoy some good food and fellowship.
Here is the possible route in Google Maps.
Max Garrett
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Matthew 25 Project Back to School Giveaway
We are starting to collect supplies for the annual back to school giveaway. Heritage will be responsible for filling and providing 300 backpacks this year for children in Crawford County. At the event, families in need will receive school supplies, backpacks, socks, underwear, hygiene kits, a free dinner, and much more. In total, this will help 1,200 children in need.
We need your help in one of these ways:
- Purchasing supplies in bulk and bringing them to the church (see list below)
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Giving money to purchase supplies in bulk (Backpack Program Fund)
- Stuffing the backpacks on July 30 at Heritage
- Handing out the backpacks on August 4, 5:15-8PM
If you'd like to purchase supplies, please purchase one item in bulk to bring to the church. Here is what we need as of today:
- 100 backpacks
- 400 boxes of 24ct crayons
- 200 school boxes
- 200 boxes of tissues
- 300 (24 ct) packs of #2 Pencils
- 800 Fine Tip Dry Erase Markers
Madison
msimmons@heritage.church
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Timothy Team Registration
It's time to sign up your children for Timothy Team! Timothy Team is an in-depth, age-level Bible study from September-April. This year we're studying the book of Genesis. You must register by July 23!
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New Class: Nutrition & Word
Starting July 17, there will be a new class on Thursdays from 2:30-3:30 pm. Nutrition & Word: Feeding God's Temple will meet in the Welcome Center and run for about 8 weeks.
Topics covered will include:
- Basic Nutrition: health and energy, sugar's effect on the immune systems, and digestion and enzymes.
- pH: how to know yours and how it effects pain, arthritis, etc.
- Food Additives: which ones to avoid and why
- Healing in the Bible: a look at the Gospels, and speaking God's Word and it's power.
If you have any questions or would like to sign up, please contact Monica Steele at monisteele@aol.com or 479-629-4384.
| | | | Perry Jordan joined and was baptized. | | |
Newcomer's Dinner
We had a great newcomer's dinner last week.
Pictured from left to right: Connie Grogg, Perry Jordan, Mark and Jenny Yocius, Wes and Allison Hilliard, Kelsey Stoddard, Sara Jamison, Sam Bradley, and Diana and Bobby Boyakin.
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Special Invitation for JC's BBQ Lunch - July 13
Sunday July 13, Jennifer Drews and Lane Pennington will exchange vows at the end of the 10:30 service, celebrating their love before God and their church family. Immediately afterward, all are welcome to stay and enjoy JC’s BBQ. Your presence is your gift as we honor this special occasion together!
| | This Week at Heritage and Prayer Concerns | | |
Thursday, July 3
Office Closed
Friday, July 4
Office Closed
Saturday, July 5
Outreach at The Current (So. Campus), 8:30 am
Outreach at Midland Heights, 11:00 am
Sunday, July 6
Prayer Time, 8:00 am
Traditional Service, 9:00 am
Growth Groups (Adult SS), 9:00 am
Children’s Ministry, 9:00 am
Contemporary Service, 10:30 am
Growth Groups (Adult SS), 10:30 am
Children’s Ministry, 10:30 am
Monday, July 7
Food Pantry/Clothes Closet, 9:30 am
GriefShare, 10:00 am
Tuesday, July 8
Band of Brothers, 6:15 am
Staff Prayer & Meeting, 9:30 am
Keep Moving Exercise Class, 11:30 am
Adonai Tsuri Cowboy Church, 6:30 pm
Wednesday, July 9
Prayer Team, 10:30 am
Communion/Healing Prayer, 12:00 pm
Children's Ministry (infant-gr 3), 5:45 pm
FISH Swim Party (gr 4-5), 5:45 pm
Inside Out, 5;45 pm
Jesus, Popcorn, & a Movie, 6:00 pm
Praise Team, 7:00 pm
Thursday, July 10
Seniors Growing in Christ, 10:00 am
Simply Care Card Ministry, 10:30 am
Keep Moving Exercise Class, 11:00 am
Food Pantry/Clothes Closet, 4:00 pm
| Text to join. Text "Join" and your email address to 479-425-7983 to receive text alerts. | |  | |
In the Hospital
Paul Vinsant (QLI Rehab in NE)
At Home
Dan Bandimere
Tammy Burkett
Mary Dempsey
Janis Gipson
Ron Hall
Johnie Ruth Hammontree
Jamie Hartley
Sherry House
Billie Hunter
Jerry Hunter
Betty James
Mary Beth Keller
Wendell Kline
David Moore
Michael Pitts
Rodney Roberson
Judy Spencer-Marsicano
Alan Swaim
Bertha Swindell
Randy Teltow
Assisted Living
Richard Childers (Legacy FS)
Mary Coble (Blossoms)
Norma Day (Methodist Village)
Joyce Greig (Alma H&R)
Mary Nash (Legacy Heights Memory Lane)
Vi Pettit (Methodist Village)
Alta Poppe (Methodist Village)
Jeremiah Smith (Legacy FS)
In Sympathy
Sherry House and family in the death of her mother, Loretta Brittain.
| Have a prayer request? Email it to: prayerchain@heritage.church | Click here to support the ministry of Heritage Church. | |
You can also give through the Realm app or by texting HERITAGEVB to 73256
or by scanning the QR code.
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Wedding Shower for Elise Elkins & Cameron Fergeson
Saturday, July 26, 1:00 - 3:00 pm, in the New Room
Registered at: Amazon, Etsy, theknot.com, and Williams Florist
RSVP to Brooke at 479-208-0938
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