The Pastor’s Blog
It is with a grateful heart my family and I thank you for your prayers, food, cards and attending Norman’s service. God bless & keep each of you.
In God’s Love, Shirley Vance.
Friends Women Missionary Fellowship Group – Ladies join us Thursday, July 17th, at 10 a.m. for our missions meeting at the home of Phebe McManama. A potluck picnic will follow the meeting.
Summer Activities planned by the New Activities Committee – Mark Your Calendars!
- Picnic & Nature Walk at Union Creek, Saturday, July 12th, 11 a.m.
Bring your own lunch & drink & camp chair. Walking & hiking available for a variety of abilities. Plan ahead, circle “P” on the back of your information sheet in Sunday’s bulletin and place it in the offering if you plan to attend. Contact Terry & Dawn DuLong if you need a ride or have any questions.
- Pool Party & BBQ at Stan & Earlene Schlosser’s Saturday, August 16th
Pool opens at 4 p.m. Dinner at 6 p.m. We will provide burgers, dogs (with all the condiments) and lemonade. Please bring potluck salad, chips, or dessert and your own chair!
Kids 3rd Saturday Friends Day – Fun Activities – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 19, and August 19.
We must have written permission for your child to participate. Watch for more information about July’s activities!
Twin Rocks Surfside Camp – August 3-9 (for youth completing 8th -12th grades this spring)
Pre-register by July 18th to save and the cost is $298. Brochures are available on the usher’s table in the foyer, register by going to www.twinrocks.org. Camper are required to provide a copy of their immunization records.
Contact the church office if you have registered for a camp. If you participated in the camp auction, your scholarship refund is available at that time.
Financial Report
June 2014 Year-to-date
Income $18,465.96 $98,824.57
Expenses 18,105.06 108,940.93
Difference 360.90 -10,115.71
We are thankful for everyone who contributes to the ministry of Medford Friends through giving, service and prayer and we thank God for all of the ways that He provides for us.
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“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house.” Matthew 5:14-15
Recently, our secretary Terry Wilson shared with me an interesting story that sheds new light on these verses.
They were moving a mound of dirt in their back yard when they came across a surprising discovery. They spotted tunnels created by some critters, which wasn’t too surprising, but what was surprising is that in those tunnels they found a variety of vegetables growing underground, such as red potatoes, onions and beets.
Apparently the critters that had burrowed the tunnels in the dirt had also hauled in and eaten some vegetables from their family garden and whatever was left in the tunnels sprouted and grew new crops. The critters were gone, but they left behind a growing garden that no one knew was there.
Growing vegetables underground, where they are buried and no one can see or eat them, is a bit like hiding the light of Jesus in our lives under the bowl of life. The bowl of life is filled with all kinds of things that can cover, bury and hide the light of Jesus in us. Things like busyness, illness, worry, fatigue, fear, regret, the demands of others, frustration, stuff, money, caring for family needs; all of these and more can fill our bowl and hide the light of Jesus in us.
As you think about letting your light shine more brightly for Jesus, what might be hiding your light or keeping it buried? What can you do, or what do you need to do, to uncover your light and let it shine for all to see?
May the light of Jesus fill us as individuals and as a church and may His light shine brightly out of our lives for everyone to see.
God’s Grace and Peace,
Mark
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Home Study for June 30 through July 5, 2014
Monday – Read John 14:8-12
Why could Jesus say that anyone who had seen Him had seen the Father?
By what power did Jesus do what He did?
How does this apply to us?
How does verse 12 challenge you? How will you respond?
Tuesday – Read John 14:13-14
According to verse 13, what should be the end result of our prayers?
Why is it important for us to bring glory to the Father?
Whenever we pray, what should our ultimate goal be?
How should this shape and impact our prayers?
Wednesday – Read John 14:15-21
Why does the Father give us the Holy Spirit?
How does the Holy Spirit allow us to live to glorify God?
What is our role when it comes to the work of the Spirit in our lives?
How does this passage challenge you? How will you respond?
Thursday – Read John 15:1-8
How do we remain in or abide in Jesus?
Why is this important?
What can we do apart from Jesus?
How can we bear much fruit in His work?
What will you do to abide more closely with Jesus?
Friday – Read John 15:9-17
How do we remain in Jesus’ love?
If we remain in His love, whose joy do we receive?
How can we demonstrate our love?
How can we be friends of Jesus?
How does this passage challenge you? What will you do?
Saturday – Read I Corinthians 10:31-11:1
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Home Study for June 24 through 28, 2014
Monday – Read Psalm 103:6-13
What do we deserve because of our sin?
Why does God not treat us as we deserve?
How complete is God’s forgiveness and cleansing when we confess our sin and receive forgiveness through Jesus?
How does this passage encourage you? How will you respond?
Tuesday – Read Colossians 3:5-14
What kind of humans barriers are broken down between the followers of Jesus? Why is this important?
How are we to treat each other in God’s family?
Why is this important?
How does this passage challenge you? How will you respond?
Wednesday – Read Colossians 3:15-17
How are we called to live with each other as followers of Jesus?
Which of these do you find the easiest to do?
Which of these do you find to be the most challenging to do?
Ask the Holy Spirit to continue His work of growth in you.
Thursday – Read Colossians 4:2-6
Why is it important to be watchful and prayerful and for God to open the door for us to share His love and truth?
Paul asked for prayer as He shared Jesus, what does that say about our need for prayer?
Why is it important that our conversation with people who do not yet know Jesus be full of grace and seasoned with salt?
Pray for the Spirit to be at work in and through you.
Friday – Read I Corinthians 16:13-14
Do the calls in verse 13 seem contrary to the call in verse 14?
How can we fulfill the calls in verse 13 in love?
How do these verses challenge you? How will you respond?
Saturday – Read Acts 17:1-9
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