Beyond Transformation: Deep Restoration Found in the Voice of God
In recent weeks we have thoroughly explored the many ways in which we hear the voice of God beginning with the Scriptures. We have also laid the biblical foundations for the “transformation” and “intimate counsel” that Voice intends to achieve.
And yet the power of His voice does not end there. It leads, as well, to the deep restoration of our broken hearts that we might become free to enjoy the abundant life we have in Christ Jesus.
In week one we address “Fruit to Root: Patterns in Life Have a Beginning.” In week two we begin Unearthing Bitter Roots beginning with The Heart of Stone, and we unearth more in weeks three and four, “Saving Private Ryan and the Need to Earn It” and “Vowing Out,” respectively. Finally, in week five we explore Breaking Loose and Cutting Free by laying the unearth roots at the foot of the cross.
Have you heard people talking the blessings that come with faith in Christ Jesus and wondered what they meant? Well, they are there and few will impact your life on earth more than the deep restoration and healing found in His voice.
Jesus said come to Him everyone who is burdened. We seem to be pretty good at burdening ourselves. We take on more tasks than we should, extend our credit as much as possible, we budget our time because it will get away from us if we don’t - basically we are very good at living up to the limit. Reading the Bible, I wonder if that was the way God intended it. Wasn’t there a time for everything? Even rest? If you are already overburdened this season, come lay yours down and make some time to be in the restoring presence of our Lord.
Unburdened “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” Matt. 11:28:
A special prayer and praise service with singing, teaching, prayer time, and a community ritual of release! The Worship time is 6:30 following a 5:45 dinner (Homemade Barbeque and fixins!) This is instead of the regular Wednesday night programs and there is Nursery available through 2nd grade.
All are welcome. Don’t miss out.
A Hard Look at a Serious Letter
Ephesians: Living Nobly in a World at War
The Wednesday “Fellowship, Ministry and Bible Study” for Women and the Thursday Men’s study resume on September 17 and 18, respectively.
Senior Pastor John Richardson will lead a study on Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians and he will explore “Living Nobly in a World at War.” This letter highlights the high bar set for the people of God such that the community of faith becomes a microcosm of God’s design for all his people. God’s plan is writ small in us that it might be writ large in the world. Ephesians will be led in a way that provides information leading to transformation. Come with an expectation that you will be changed.
The Women will gather at 9:30 am for coffee and fellowship. Teaching will begin at 10:00. As always, there will be a time for prayers and ministry before we close at 11:00. Childcare is provided.
The Men will gather at 6:45 for anything but nutritional breakfast that married men aren’t allowed at home. The Study will begin at 7:00 and end promptly at 7:45 for those who need to be off to work.
The Friday morning ladies’ bible study began a new study on September 19. The start time is 9:30am in the church library. We will be reading and discussing “Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God to Change Us From the Inside Out,” by Joanna Weaver, author of “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.” Please call the church office if you will need childcare during this time.
Join one of these studies and hear God speak with goal of changing your life, that is what you believe and how you live.
St. Peter’s Wednesday night get together will start back on August 20. Jesus said He came to give us life to its fullest. That’s the offer of Christ and look (remove s) at what happened when people met him. The blind see, the lame walk and the deaf hear. To be touched by God is to begin becoming more of what we were created for. That is what Christ does in us. He makes us whole, sets us free, makes us fully alive. Yet, Jesus also tells us that the way is narrow and few find it. On Wednesday nights, we will search together to find the life we are called to - to become more fully alive - like Jesus said.
Dinner starts @ 5:45, Becoming Fully Alive starts at 6:30. Programs
are available for people of all ages.
Hear last week’s teaching here. notes
Becoming Fully Alive Week 1 [26:02m]:
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Becoming Fully Alive Week 2 [42:33m]:
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Becoming Fully Alive Week 3 [41:02m]:
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The 10:30 adult Bible study kicked off with a bang. Between Two Worlds is currently studying the response of the church to the Great Commission. The Holy Spirit related the discussion with the lessons and the sermon perfectly. If you are looking for a place to apply the Great Commission to your life, then join the class Sundays at 10:30
Vacation Bible School wrapped up today as we spent our last morning with 20 of our friends at Loveman Village. I think most of us are left speechless and completely changed from the experience God has allowed us to have this week. We closed today with the most important lesson of all, that champions choose to follow Jesus! Jesus promised the thief on the cross that he would be with Him in paradise and that offer still goes out to us today. We will all remember our time there and I know that we have some amazing kids who will not let St. Peter’s let go of its new relationship with Loveman Village. We will have a full report from kids and leaders on Sunday during worship, so make sure to be there to hear about what we’ve been up to!
“Just wanted to say, kudos on taking a chance that many churches may not take. It was a truly fabulous week and those little faces will be pressed in my mind forever. I look forward to the day that I will see their faces in our eternal kingdom. . .I feel blessed to be a part.” Tiffany Denson
Allstar Olympics Vacation Bible School started out with a great first day! God showed up in a big way with 15 St Peter’s kids, 21 Loveman Village kids, and 20 adult volunteers. Through the story of the daughters of Zelophehad (Numbers 27:1-11), we learned that champions are BOLD and that we can also be bold and ask God for the things we need. Excitement was at an all time high from all involved as we closed out the day, and we are praying that each day will only get better. Praise God for giving St. Peter’s the will to take the gospel beyond the walls of the church building. Stay tuned for updates each afternoon!
Some words from the kids of St. Peter’s:
Today at VBS I met a girl named Star. she was really amazing. I loved that at the end of the day when I told her that if she needed anything that she could tell me. She then asked me if I would pray for her tomorrow. I then said sure. -Madison, age 9
I loved the music and I think the kids did too. they were so cheerful by the end of the day every kid always had a smile on their face. I just wanted to buy them new basketball nets. They all had such amazing names. -Caroline, age 10