This Sunday, we begin a new worship series based on our Vacation Bible School them that begins later this month where campers will be encouraged to “Shine Jesus’ Light”! In John 8:12 Jesus unapologetically declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” 

I say “unapologetically” because such a declaration would not - and did not! - go without pushback from the audience. This was a loaded statement. For his Jewish listeners, only God or God’s messenger was the light of the world; and for the pagans, this would have been the title and work of a deity. So for anyone hearing or reading these words from Jesus, it would have been a bold claim. Only one of two conclusions could be made: Either Jesus is, in fact, the Messiah, or he is absolutely mad. It would be up to the individual to decide which is the case.

For those of us who believe his claim, it presents us with significant challenges. Do we truly understand what he means by what it means to “walk in darkness” or to “have the light of life?” How does this affect how we “see” the world around us, make our decisions, or prioritize what is important? In other words, if we really believe Jesus is the Light of the World, how should that impact our life?

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday in worship at 9:00 or 11:05 am as we discuss what it means to “Shine Jesus’ Light”!

Peace,

Pastor Todd

Youth volunteers for VBS need to have completed 6th grade!

Please contact Pastor Emily for further questions.

We also need volunteers to welcome people and get them checked-in as they arrive for their photo appointments on Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1. If you're willing to assist, please sign-up here.

Don't suffer alone! Our Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers, ready to listen, care for and encourage you, pray with and for you, and help you through a crisis or difficult time.

To find out more, please contact Dr. Bill Allen (361-739-5226) and/or Bev Puckett (832-428-4685). Our Stephen Ministry is here to help.

Please Note: The Pink Ladies will NOT meet on June 20, but will reconvene on the third Tuesday in July (7/18). Thank you!

>> Advent Class <<

Sundays | 10:00 to 11:00 am | The Great Hall (Room 114)

The Advent Class (adults of all ages) will continue a weeks-long series taught by Tom Chandler entitled, "Who is this Jesus Guy Anyway?" Individuals can join the class anytime. Be sure and bring your Bible! Contact Tom Chandler or Pat Chandler for more class information.

>> Connect Class <<

Sundays | 10:00-10:50 am | Room 151

The Connect Class (parents of tweens, teens, and 20-somethings) is discussing Pastor Josh Scott’s book: “Bible Stories for Grown-Ups: Reading Scripture with New Eyes”. Pastor Scott reimagines stories many read as children and opens new visions for readers to understand well-known pieces of Scripture in our current cultural environment. Please contact John Swank for more information.

>> Crusaders Class <<

Sundays | 10:00-10:55 am | Room 152

The Crusaders Class is a group of senior women who study the Scriptures in order to apply the teachings of Christ to their daily lives. This Sunday, their Scripture reading will be Philippians 1:3-6 as they discuss how others have helped them in their spiritual growth and how that can be turned into an opportunity to help others. Newcomers are welcome at anytime! Please contact Maria Vaughan and/or Bev Pugh for any further information.

>> Faith Builders <<

Sundays | 10:05-10:55 am | The Choir Room

Our newest adult Sunday School class, the Faith Builders (adults of all ages) recently began a study on the birth of the Christian church by examining the historical context and using the book of Acts as their guide as they follow its progression into the 1st and 2nd centuries. This week they will be looking at Caligula, Agrippa, and the conversions of Paul and Cornelius and how these were pivotal moments in the history of Christianity. Everyone is invited and encouraged to come. Please contact David Rozema for more information.

>> Families Finding Faith <<

Sundays | 10:00 to 10:55 am | Room 212

Join the Families Finding Faith in their multi-week study of Mike Slaughter's “Revolutionary Kingdom: Following the Rebel Jesus.” What exactly is a disciple, and how will we know if we have made one? There are three core values that a disciple embodies: undiluted devotion to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, a Kingdom of God worldview, and a missional lifestyle.

In "Revolutionary Kingdom: Following the Rebel Jesus", author and Pastor Mike Slaughter explores why we must exchange comfortable cultural worldviews and values for the radical requirements of living out the Kingdom of God on Planet Earth. When God’s people get serious about this call, it’s revolutionary. Jesus himself was the most radical revolutionary who ever lived and provided us a vision of a kingdom worth dying for. Please contact Mikel Russell-Nelson for more info.

>> Koinonia <<

Sundays | 10:00 to 11:00 am | The REC Center

Our Koinonia Sunday school class (adults of all ages) is engaged in a study based on the book by Peter Enns, "Curve Ball: When Your Faith Takes a Turn You Never Saw". Please contact Dr. Bill Allen or Pattie Allen for any further information.

>> New Directions <<

Sundays | 10:05 to 10:55 am | Room 207

The New Directions class (adults of all ages) is currently discussing the book "Letters from a Skeptic" by Gregory Boyd. Greg Boyd and his father, Ed, were on opposite sides of a great divide. Greg was a newfound Christian, while his father was a longtime agnostic. So Greg offered his father an invitation: Ed could write with any questions on Christianity, and his son would offer a response. "Letters from a Skeptic" contains this special correspondence. 

The letters tackle some of today's toughest challenges facing Christianity, including - Do all non-Christians go to hell? How can we believe a man rose from the dead? Why is the world so full of suffering? How do we know the Bible was divinely inspired? Does God know the future?

Each response offers insights into the big questions, while delivering intelligent answers that connect with both the heart and mind. Whether you're a skeptic, a believer, or just unsure, these letters can provide a practical, common-sense guide to the Christian faith. Newcomers are always encouraged to join them. For further information, please contact Jim Telljohann.

>> Open Book <<

Sundays | 10:00 to 10:55 am | Room 210

The Open Book class (adults of all ages) is currently engaged in a study of "The Sermon on the Mount" (Matthew 5-7). All are welcome to join! Contact Miranda Hofstad for any further information and details.

>> Seekers/Young Adults <<

Sundays | 10:00 to 10:55 am | Room 209 and Zoom

The Seekers/Young Adults Class (young adults to active older adults) are continuing their study based upon Adam Hamilton's book, "Seeing Gray in a World of Black and White." This Sunday, they plan to watch the 4th video of the series, "Spiritual Maturity and Seeing Gray." Newcomers are always welcome to join them! Please contact Skip Richardson for any additional information including Zoom login credentials.

Kids Sunday School classes begin at 10:05 am! Please be sure to check where your kiddo(s) should go! (See the "Kids & 56 Sunday School" graphic above). We use the KidCheck system for Sunday School sign-ins. All Kindergarteners through 4th graders need to be checked-in using this awesome system. All check-in machines are located just outside Room 109! If you don’t already have a KidCheck account, you can create an account here.

Summer dates are here! Registration is NOW OPEN for our summer events. Go ahead and mark your calendars and sign-up now. Remember: It is the grade your child(ren) complete this May for our camps and ministry opportunities. A Volunteer Registration Link is also available now.