The jihadist group known as ISIS (the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) are killing Christians all throughout the area they're attempting to bring under political control. When they identify a Christian family, they will paint the symbol on their house to identify that those who live inside follow Jesus Christ. It's a mark of death according to the terrorists, who will return later to threaten the Christians to turn to Allah or be killed.
In the city of Mosul (or as it's more commonly recognized, Nineveh, the place where the prophet Jonah once preached), the Christians were told that if they didn't leave the city, their alternatives were to convert to Islam or die. The Christians had to leave their possessions behind. Anyone who tried to carry more than the clothes on their backs were picked up by ISIS at checkpoints outside the city, and were stripped of their belongings.
Over 2,000 Christians in Mosul alone were displaced from their homes. Admittedly, there were some who chose not to leave or face death, and instead converted to Islam (or as was most likely the case, converted back to Islam). Many others have lost their lives proclaiming Christ Jesus as Lord. Pray for the Christians under threat of the terrorism in that region. Pray that the Lord will protect them, and that they will have the courage to stand strong in the faith.
No Fall Softball League
I received word from the 12th Street Rec Center that there will be no fall softball league. They did not have enough teams sign up. I believe we were one of three teams that registered. So we'll continue to ride on the bliss of our summer league championship, and reconvene a team for next year!
AWANA Orientation Tonight
The official kick-off for AWANA is coming up next week! Tonight is orientation beginning at 6:00. We will have a fellowship meal for all those participating or are attending adult Bible study. Enjoy a yummy baked potato bar serving between 5:00 and 6:00. As last year, the meal is $2 for kids 12 and under, $4 for adults, or $8 will feed the whole family.
Don't forget that the AWANA Luau is this coming Saturday from 4:00 to 6:00. It'll be held in the front parking lot of the church (so parking will be along the west side of the building and around back). Enjoy the games and activities! Parents can meet their kids' AWANA leaders, and get a taste of all the fun their kids will enjoy during the year.
Strange News Item of the Week
Last week, I mentioned a story out of Minnesota where a 5-year-old mayor, first elected at the age of 2, lost his seat to a teenager. Well, there's another town in Minnesota, the village of Cormorant, that just elected a new mayor who's 7. Which actually comes out to being 49 in dog years. Yes, their new mayor is a dog. His name is Duke. Admittedly he's more straight-forward than most politicians. And his bark is worse than his bite.
I think we often times look at politics as being a big joke, but Minnesota must actually exercise that perspective. Afterall, this is the state where Jesse "The Body" Ventura was governor, and they've elected former Saturday Night Live cast member, Al Franken, to the U.S. senate (I still have a hard time understanding that).
Leadership Meeting This Sunday
We're going to have a leadership meeting right after second service this Sunday downstairs in the fellowship hall. Pizza will be served for lunch. Anyone who serves in a leadership capacity in the church is encouraged to attend. If you are interested in helping to make leadership decisions for the church, you are also welcome to join us. It is open to members only.
Potluck On August 31 at Playground Park
Since August is a five-Sunday month, we wanted to have an outdoor get-together on August 31. We're going to meet down at Playground Park (by the city swimming pool on the corner of 5th and Eisenhower) at 12:30 that Sunday, and enjoy some good food, fellowship, and some outdoor activities. The tennis courts are there, the playground of course, volleyball in the sand, and a large, open field in case anyone wants to play some football or ultimate frisbee. Plan on being there!
Annieism of the Week
Zeej was making a mess of his fishsticks and ketchup (he likes ketchup with everything). Mommy instructed him, "Zeej, be careful. Don't get ketchup on your shirt." Annie added, "Yeah, or else your shirt will become see-through!"
Closing Notes
The sermon on deaconship will be up later today. Though we've finished up the intensive portion of 1 Timothy talking about elders and deacons, the subject will come up again as the Apostle Paul intersperses other commands regarding those positions in this letter, 2 Timothy, and Titus. This Sunday, the sermon is entitled "The Mystery of Godliness," and we'll be looking at 1 Timothy 3:14-16.
On Saturday, I'll be sharing with the Teens for Christ group in Concordia. Don't forget adult Bible study tonight at 6:00 in the garage classroom. We're continuing to go through the book of Exodus. Check out the latest When We Understand the Text video on the subject of "The Good Samaritan." Consider yourselves blessed in all things, and I look forward to worshiping with you again, growing together in Christ Jesus!