From the Pastor…
Summer is in full swing and great things are happening at Roberdel! We recently held dedication services for five families and their seven children. We praise God for these precious lives He has sent our way. The challenge now is to come alongside these parents and help them by providing loving mentorship, nursery services, teaching and assistance, and many prayers. If we are serious about loving children and reaching families, then we must all step up and be a part of encouraging these parents and providing for these children.
Many people will be taking vacations this month, so please be careful as you travel. Don’t forget to jump back in and use your gifts when you return. Also, remember that the ministries of the church must still be funded and bills paid – even when we are not here – so don’t neglect your financial giving to the Lord during this time.
July is also the month that we have our greatest evangelistic outreach to the community through Vacation Bible School. This year, VBS will be held July 17-21, from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm. If you have not already volunteered to help out with this most important outreach event, please speak to Carmen Hadinger as soon as possible. If you are unable to be here for VBS, your prayer support is most needed.
In the past week we have witnessed the US Supreme Court’s historic rulings on two issues that are very important to all Christians, the practice of religious liberty to pray according to one’s own convictions, even if one is employed by the state, or some other branch of government; and the end of the federal government’s control over the states in regard to abortion. Both of these decisions have led to very volatile disagreements and even violence and violent threats since coming down. I certainly respect people with opinions that differ from my own, but I firmly stand upon the truth of God’s Word in regards to the value of all human life, and the right to practice our faith as we are led by the Holy Spirit. I love people who fall on both sides of these arguments and believe that we must continue to minister to all people, regardless of their political or ideological views.
As I contemplated how these decisions would affect my messages and Bible Studies going forward, I came to the conclusion that the only way to preach and to teach is to continue to preach the whole counsel of God. I am not going to use the pulpit to disseminate political rhetoric, but instead am committed even more than before to allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to me and through me to proclaim the good news of the saving gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sandy and I will take a few days, July 7-12, to house and pet sit for our son and his wife as they are on a trip. Our 34th wedding anniversary happens to fall during that period, July 9th, so we will try to get in a little celebration during our time away. This month also marks our 29th anniversary as a senior pastor and pastor’s wife. The road to both of these accomplishments has not always been smooth, but we are extremely grateful for all that God has done and all that He has allowed us to be a part of. Thank you for also being a part of this journey – though sometimes difficult, we wouldn’t trade it for anything!
In Christian Love,
Pastor Billy