The Pastor’s Blog
Why Short-Term Missions Matter*
I never expected to be an advocate for short-term service trips. As a matter of fact, after reading the two excellent books “When Helping Hurts” by Steve Corbett and “Toxic Charity” by Robert Lupton, I took the opposite approach and actively discouraged these types of trips. However, after stepping outside my comfort zone, living in Mexico for four years and interacting with groups on short-term service trips, I have a much better perspective on the value these trips can bring….
In my mind, short-term service trips matter in three primary ways. First, they matter to the receiver. There trips allow groups to build projects, paint walls, bring food and money and otherwise aid the group they are serving. Second, they matter to the relationship and Christian bonds between the giver and the receiver. Finally, they matter to the giver, oftentimes walks away with a life-changing service experience….
If this resonates with you, if you are interested in reciprocal service where you both give and receive, or if you or a family member might benefit from stepping outside your comfort zone to see and taste new experiences, then I would love to talk. Email me.
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Order of Service, July 27th, 2025
Order of Service:
Welcome and Call to Worship
Song: “Living Hope”
Greeting Time
Song: “Every Day”
Song: “Crown Him”
Prayer for the Offering
Song: “Create in Me A Clean Heart”
Koinonia Kids Dismissal (Kindergarten to Middle School — Fellowship Hall)
Today’s Message: “Parable of the Persistent Widow”
Luke 18: 1-8 (NIV)
Micah Brewster
Closing Song: “Take My Life”
Question for Reflection: As a Christian steward, do you treat the Earth with respect and with a sense of God’s splendor in creation, guarding it against abuse by greed, misapplied technology, or your own carelessness?
Benediction & Open Worship
Next Sunday: “Unkind Actions”
Events & Notes:
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Order of Service, July 20th, 2025
Order of Service:
Welcome and Call to Worship
Hymn #74: “Majesty”
Greeting Time
Hymn #409: “I Know Whom I Have Believed”
Song: “Jesus Thank You”
Prayer for the Offering
Song: “Take My Life”
Kid’s Song: “One Day I Looked Up”
Koinonia Kids Dismissal (Kindergarten to Middle School — Fellowship Hall)
Today’s Message: “Annual Sessions”
Pre-Recorded
Jim Le Shana, Northwest Yearly Meeting Superintendent
Closing Song: “You Are God Alone (Not A god)”
Question for Reflection: Do you speak out for justice and morality, and against oppression, exploitation, and public wrong? Do you recognize the equality of every person regardless of race, gender, or economic status?
Benediction & Open Worship
Next Sunday: Message by Micah Brewster
Events & Notes:
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Order of Service, July 13th, 2025
Order of Service:
Welcome and Call to Worship
Song: “Because He Lives”
Greeting Time
Song: “Cannons”
Song: “My Lighthouse”
Prayer for the Offering
Song: “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross”
Koinonia Kids Dismissal (Kindergarten to Middle School — Fellowship Hall)
Today’s Message: “Sand and Stone”
Luke 6: 46-47
Pastor Jesse Davis
Closing Song: “Nothing but the Blood”
Question for Reflection: Do you discipline your mind and body to serve as instruments of the Lord? Do you avoid pornography? Do you abstain from harmful, addictive, and unnecessary substances and from profiting through their use? Do you refrain from gambling and taking part in lotteries?
Benediction & Open Worship
Next Sunday: Annual Sessions begin. Message from Jim Le Shana.
Events & Notes:
Prayer Meeting — Mondays at Noon, Conference Room 8
Christian Ed — Meets TODAY after Service in Room 8
Hayes BBQ — Was supposed to be today, but has been cancelled due to Heat Advisory Warnings
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