Earlier this week, I spent 2 days with the Senior Pastors from our ECO Presbyterian peer churches. It was such an encouragement to meet with these pastors from all over the country and to hear about God’s work across our growing denomination. We shared ideas and best practices and prayed for each other and our churches. It was a joy and privilege to share with them all that God is doing at Grace Church Bethlehem.
Speaking of all God is doing at Grace Church Bethlehem, I hope you will join us this Sunday at our Locust Street campus open house (521 E. Locust Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018).
The open house will be from 4-6 pm with
*Guided tours of the building
*Refreshments in the Fellowship Hall
*2 mini-concerts by Tom Goeman (4:30 & 5:45 in the Sanctuary)
*5 pm Congregational Update in the Sanctuary
At the congregational update, we will not only reflect on God’s work in our congregation but will also look towards our future –sharing the beginnings of our congregation-wide strategic planning process. These are exciting times as we continue to lean into our future and God’s faithfulness.
On Sunday morning, I will continue in our Psalm for the Summer Series, preaching “Fear Factor.”
This week, we get to the storms of the psalm. David wrote, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” Where is the shepherd when we hit our rock-bottom- when we fear for our life? Jesus told his disciples in John 16, “In this world, you will have trouble.” Jesus didn’t promise us a trouble-free, valley-free life. But, he did make some other promises as our Good Shepherd. We’ll claim those again on Sunday.
After the 10:30 am service, in the Band Room (adjacent to the auditorium), our Houston Mission Team will give a report on their trip earlier in the year. Join them to hear about your investment in the continued Harvey Recovery efforts—living out our commitment to love the world in Jesus’ name.
Also, after the 10:30 service, in the Courtyard (off the hallway between the auditorium and the gym), we will celebrate the kids and students who memorized Psalm 23. They will get the Pastor’s Prize certificate and of course, the promised popsicles. I am so proud of these kids and students (and the rest of you who joined them) who are “hiding God’s Word in their hearts.”
Can’t wait for Sunday, Your pastor and friend,
Marnie Crumpler
Senior Pastor