Announcements for June 29, 2008

WELCOME TO THE PULPIT Mr. Luther Schrum, a recent graduate of Columbia Biblical Seminary in Columbia, SC. Luther has served as Youth Leader and on the Leadership Team of Chinese Christian Church of Columbia, SC and in missions in Niger, West Africa. We are pleased to have Luther and his fiancée, Jessica Lee, join us this morning.

SYMPATHY is expressed to the family of Mae Yaplee. Mae was called home to the Lord on June 20, 2008. May our prayers and God’s peace enfold the family and carry them through this difficult time.

NEW ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL TOPIC “Study of David, Man After God’s Own Heart” will be led by Dr. Peter Wong beginning July 6, 2008 at 9:45 am in Room 102. For details contact pwongmd@gastrofbg.com

CHINESE CHRISTIAN BROADCASTING CENTER: Last week we wrote about the work of Chinese Gospel Broadcasting Center in Sichuan, China. If you would like to support their rebuilding efforts in the earthquake area, you may send donations to CGBC at their headquarters, CGBC, Inc., 59-47 Gates Ave. Ridgewood, NY 11385, USA or CGBC, P.O. Box 150009, Kew Gardens, NY 11415, USA, Tel: 1-212-925-6229 . Email: Info-ny@cgbc.org.  Web: http://www.cgbc.org/

CHURC PICNIC on Sunday, July 13 at Capital View Homewood Park in Kensington, MD. Worship for all congregations will be at 11 am followed by picnic lunch and fellowship. Bring your friends, but please sign up in the HMH so we can provide enough food.

WALK THRU THE OLD TESTAMENT Plan for a fun-filled and inspiring learning experience at the Simmer Retreat as we learn how the Old Testament is woven together as part of God’s plan for salvation. Reserve August 8-10, 2008 at Messiah College. Registration and brochure is available in the narthex and bulletin board.

EXTERIOR RENOVATION WORK The townhouse work will be completed this coming week and the next two months will be spent on church building restoration.

New Heart Ministries reached their target of raising $500,000 by 6/1. Praise God! They’ll be moving into their new building in August. Don’t forget to register for the Skycroft Conference on 10/3-5 before 8/4 to get the Early Bird special! Please go to the website for more information: http://www.newheartmusic.org/Heartbeat/HB53/retreat2008_Back_v1.PDF

Prayers

Prayer and praise will be our power house: ‘“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” We urge all believers to raise up the church in prayers, expecting God to move and act. Jesus says the harvest is already plentiful but we must pray (Mt 9:38).

Pray for brothers and sisters in Christ:

• Those in need of healing and others receiving medical treatments. Also remember family members who provide unending care and support.
• Lily Fan, a new believer, who will have brain surgery on July 2. May God bless and heal her. Pray that her daughter in mainland China will get a visa as soon as possible
• Pastor Charles’ family members who are struggling with different medical conditions. May God give the family strength and grace to encourage each other.

Pray for needs of the church:

• That the children’s Summer Program will bear fruit in God’s timing
• For strengthening Bible study groups
• Pray for the church’s maturity. “Since we were called into fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ, all of us should agree with one another, so that there may be no divisions among us, and that we may be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:9–10)
• For wisdom for Search Committee as they evaluate a number of candidates for Associate Pastor and the needs of the church to find the one God has called to be our Associate Pastor
• Summer Retreat will provide teaching and encouragement for all
• That the exterior work on the church will finish smoothly
• That the church picnic will acquaint many in the community with our church and encourage fellowship among the congregation

Pray for individual spiritual growth:

• May I follow Abraham’s example of willingness to offer all that I have to You, holding nothing back and trusting in Your character and in Your promises. (Genesis 22:2–12, 16)
• In 1 Peter 4:12-16 you say not to be surprised that we are going to be tested through a “fiery ordeal”. God, help me to pass the test you are giving me. Keep my faith strong, and my eyes on you, delighting in you. Don’t let me yield to temptation or be choked out by the riches or worries of this world.

As we celebrate Independence Day this week, let us remember to lift our nation, its leaders, and its people in prayer: … if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14