Thank you to all who joined us for the CSLE picnic on August 10. Special shout-out for Gregg Flaherty, who worked the grill, and all those who were responsible for the food preparation. There was a lot of fun and sharing throughout the event. For those who did attend, you know that we just beat the rain by a few drops. Again, thank you to all who had planned this event.
Our chalkboard is clean. Thank you, St. Johns, for stepping up. It really is a great ministry of our church. It puts Northview Elementary in a position to help its students who have all kinds of needs. Great job. Make sure if you did select items that you bring them to the church by August 31.
Our World Hunger Campaign is also coming to a close on August 31. We are so close to reaching our 3,000-dollar goal, which then causes an anonymous donor to kick in an extra thousand. I made an appeal to those who listen at home. Can you help us reach our goal? If interested, just write a check to St. John’s and write in the memo – World Hunger Campaign.
On Sunday, we also decorated the sidewalk on Shooting Park Road. Many of Northview’s students either walk or ride their bikes on this sidewalk on their way to school. If I’m correct, Northview starts on Wednesday, August 20. Keep our students and teachers in your prayers for a great start to the school year.
I’m asking for a little grace from my church family. Many of you know my granddaughter Charlee. She and her parents are moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee, at the end of the month.
They are excited to start a new life there. Previously, they lived in St. Louis, which was a quick 3.5-hour drive. Now, there is a greater distance between us. I know some of you know the feeling of your children moving away to far-off places. They have been a big part of our lives, and they will be missed. Just a warning: I might not be at my best for a while. The good news is that it is a cool place to visit if that is any consolation.
Don’t forget we have a blood drive on Saturday, August 23. I am pretty sure you can still sign up. Call the church, and Eloide can help you out with information.
Also, don’t forget that we will have no church service on Saturday, August 23. The Evangelism team would love all of the Saturday people to come on Sunday and worship as one group of people. Brunch will follow the worship service.
Our last scheduled outdoor service is August 31. I will make a push for September, but it will be a council decision and most likely be dependent on the weather.
I can’t believe August is coming to a close. On the other hand, I am excited about all the things that will start up in September. Sunday School will get started again. It is always fun to have children running around the church again. I know Paul Baker is excited about starting his Bible Study during Sunday School hours. I know, as parents, you do have an option to leave as you drop off your children. However, a better idea is to stay and join Paul’s group. You do not have to be a biblical scholar. Everyone is welcome. Everyone, no matter what level of Bible literacy, hopefully will be challenged but feel safe.
Crossed marked and spirit sealed,
Pastor Tom
815-223-1144
Readings for the eleventh Weekend after Pentecost– August 23 & 24
Isaiah 58:9b-14 Psalm 103:1-8 Hebrews 12:18-29 Luke 13:10-17
Reading the Bible in a Year- Monday, August 18 to Sunday August 24
Day Malachi Psalms Proverbs Revelation
Monday Ch 2:6-Ch 4 144:1-8 Ch 7
Ezra
Tuesday Ch 1-Ch 2:67 144:9-15 Ch 8-Ch 9:12
Wednesday Ch 2:68-Ch 4:5 30:24-33 Ch 9:13-Ch 10
Thursday Ch 4:24-Ch 5 145:1-7 Ch 11
Friday Ch 6-Ch 7:10 145:8-13 Ch 12-Ch 13:1
Saturday Ch 7:11-Ch 8:14 145:14-21 Ch 13:1-1
Sunday Ch 8:15-Ch 9:15 31:1-9 Ch 14:1-13