One of the ways our governing authorities have sought to address life during this time of COVID-19 is by determining which services are essential and which are not. Not surprisingly, we (believers) didn’t expect to see eye to eye on everything our unbelieving government considered essential and non-essential.We understand that healthcare providers, emergency services, food and agriculture, to name a few, are essential, but not abortion services, pot shops or destructive protests.My point is NOT to stir up your convictions or emotions about what you like or dislike about our governing authorities or our current state of affairs. My point is to make sure you and I as the Lord's church remember what IS essential in times like these.

It seems that more and more people are feeling the collective and draining weight of COVID-19, partisan politics, cancel culture, civil unrest, and fill in the blank for yourself. Our society is rapidly changing and for us as believers, it’s not leaning our way. It’s hard to watch things fall apart, people fight, and once good societal values turn inside out right before our very eyes.

All this wearies us, drains us, and can frustrate us. We can begin to feel like we're losing, and wonder if anyone really cares, and where all this is headed.usp

A great friend of our ministry and one of our supported missionaries (Craig Loftus of The Father’s Ranch) sent this to me today from his devotional reading of Charles Spurgeon. It is so timely and so rich. Read it slowly and carefully, and be blessed or challenged.

In-Person classes begin August 2 at the 10:30 am service.

Parents and Guardians,I trust this email finds you and your family well and continuing to trust in the Lord as we persevere in these interesting times. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will direct your paths.” I want to encourage us all to keep on going with this in mind. I pray for your family weekly and miss you all very much!

Children’s Ministry is resuming in-person church service at 10:30am THIS Sunday, August 2!

Our 4-Part BlessingWho doesn’t like blessings? I do, and you and I can’t forget this profound 4-part blessing.“This is salvation simplified: God saves us by Himself, from Himself, unto Himself, for Himself.” – Burk Parsons

Author and feminist J.K. Rowling recently said, “It isn’t hateful for women (to) speak about their own experiences, nor do they deserve shaming for doing so.” She declared this in response to attacks received from transgender activists for her opposition to parts of the transgender agenda, such as the allowing of men who identify as women into women’s changing rooms and restrooms.