It’s hard to believe but the summer months of June, July, and August have came and went and now we are moving into the fall season. The kids are back at school and the weather is cooling. As is usually the case, the fall is going to be a busy season of activity and I wanted to keep you up to date on what we have planned for September. On September 13th, after church and starting at around 3:00pm, we are having a golf tournament at Valley View Golf Course. This promises to be a great time for all involved. On Sunday, September 20th, we are having a membership meeting from 6:30-8:30pm. Anyone can attend this informational meeting, and especially those who are interested in membership.

In this newsletter, I would like to take this time to remind you of the importance of unity. Let me explain what I mean by that because I am sure it brings many things to mind when you read that. In this context, I am using the word unity to describe a group of people who come together for a common purpose. Our mission as a church is to glorify God, and how that happens is truly remarkable. In the Bible, one of the metaphors that is commonly used is the Body of Christ. There are hundreds of different parts that together form our bodies, but they are all important and each serves a specific purpose. This is instructive because we know that when all the parts come together, you have a healthy, functioning, body. The same is true with the Body of Christ on earth, the Church. If half the parts are not functioning and not being used, you have a sick body that will never perform as it was intended. However, if all the parts are working and functioning together for a common purpose and mission, you will have a very healthy body that accomplishes incredible things. My application for this is quite simple. We need you! We need everyone who is part of this local Body of Christ that is known as Hope Church to come together as one. We must be unified. God has given each one of us Spiritual Gifts and if there are only 15 people out of 50 who use those gifts, we will never be used of God as we could be. So go ahead, find your gift and use it for the glory of God. Jesus Christ desires to live through you by the power of His Holy Spirit and use you. I am so excited about what God is going to do this fall, but keep in mind, we need you!

“Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.” Matthew 6:33