Brothers, Sisters, Friends,
July is a very exciting time here at Emmanuel! On Sunday, July 7th, we will celebrate together the confirmation of RJ Keller and Benji Kato. This is a chance for all of us to reflect on our own vows of Baptism and Membership, remembering and reaffirming our commitment to love God and neighbor through our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service.
You may have noticed some improvements in and around the church. Thank you to Eileen Eisenmann and Bruce Loar for beautifying the landscaping at the building entrance. Thank you also to the community garden students who have taken the time to clean up our memorial garden. We are moving forward with the audio/visual improvements, and should have everything up and running by our Fall kick-off.
There are a lot of events this month: EUMC will be having a rummage sale on Saturday, July 6th, from 10am-4pm. Donations and volunteers are needed. The following Saturday, July 13th, we will be in the parade for the River Raisin Festival. We will also have a booth in the Kids’ Corner of the Festival this year.
Speaking of kids, VBS is also right around the corner! As you well know, this is one of the single biggest ministry events of the year at Emmanuel. Donate, volunteer, and, above all, pray. Pray that God would already be working in the hearts of the children and students who will be a part of this year’s VBS. Pray that God would use this time to strengthen their faith and draw them ever closer to Christ. Pray that God might use us over and above what we can do on our own.
This month, we’ll be kicking off a new sermon series, “A Day at the Movies.” Each week, we’ll glean Biblical wisdom from a different movie clip. It’s amazing how many glimpses of God’s truth we can see even in the most unlikely places. Truly, as Isaiah 6:3 proclaims, “the whole earth is full of His glory!”
In the weeks to come, I encourage you to look for God in the everyday. Cultivate a sense of his closeness as you work, eat, play, and rest. Know that God is with you, and that God will use you for good as you open yourself to His leading.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Zack
Blissfield Emmanuel UMC 