As you may know, Pastor Bud has accepted a position as lead pastor at First Church of the Nazarene in Charlottesville, Virginia. His last Sunday at Stillmeadow will be August 27, 2017.
During the last 25+ years, Pastor Bud has touched many people during his time at Stillmeadow and we wanted to give you a chance to share how he impacted your life. Will you contribute your one favorite memory so we can share in our Stillmeadow weekly newsletter. Please send it to this address: FridayFeature@stillnaz.com.
OUR TEENS LEAVE MONDAY FOR CAMP!
According to our Family Pastor, "Teen Camp can be a significant turning point in a young person’s life in regards to their faith. Yes, there are a TON of fun and games and awesome speakers. But those things can be found at the local parks. Why do we send our teens and kids to camp? It’s because major faith decisions are often made at camp. Decisions about following Christ, about obeying His call on their lives, about being disciplined in sharing His love with others."
So, will you pray for the teens as they venture off for a week of exploring God’s love for them and their world? We’ve got 30 from our youth group going to Teen Camp July 17-21.
After the July 8th breakfast at Stillmeadow, Wayne Williams shared how he and his wife became engaged in Voice of the Martyrs ministries. He summarized a personal testimony from one of Tom Doyle's books and also suggested several ways we can get involved with The Persecuted Church awareness initiatives.
His challenging discussion ended with a series of reflections - and one important question: Are we (the USA church) really doing all we can to serve Christ - when we consider what the persecuted church goes through?
Here are some resources to help you follow "The Persecuted Church"
- View Stand In Their Place blog HERE.
- View Facebook Page HERE.
- View Previous Friday Feature with link to Tom Doyle's book HERE.
- View Vision beyond Borders HERE
- View Voice of the Martyers HERE
UNIQUE WHEELS CAR SHOW IS TOMORROW!
(3pm on front lawn of main campus)
View Previous information about the car show HERE.
SERMON RECAP from July 9, 2017
During his sermon last Sunday, Pastor Bud encouraged everyone to be more intentional about welcoming visitors. When greeting a visitor he suggested that we ask these three questions:
- Hello! What is your name?
- How long have you been attending Stillmeadow?
- How can I pray for you?
Pastor Bud's sermon focused on "Hospitality" - one of the most (misunderstood) words in the Christian’s vocabulary.
“When a (stranger) sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. The stranger who sojourns with you shall be to you as the (native) among you and you (shall) love him as yourself; for you were (strangers) in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34.
Here are the sermon notes with fill-in words (in parenthesis):
I. Biblical (Context) of Hospitality in the (Old Testament).
A. Old Testament times were different. As people traveled, they did so at great (peril).
B. There were long stretches of (desert); no safe, comfortable (rest) stops; little (protection) from danger.
C. Most people were (displaced) from their (homeland). They relied on the (kindness) of strangers.
D. Love of strangers was something that (distinguished) God’s people from the rest of the world.
II. Old Testament Biblical (Example): Abraham
A. Genesis 18:1-16 - Often the focus of this story is (Sarah). But let’s not overlook Abraham.
B. New Testament Biblical example: Hebrews 13:2
III. Biblical Application
A. Prayer- “Open the (eyes) of my heart.” - Be more aware of visitors at Stillmeadow.
B. The third guiding value in Stillmeadow's Values and Practices document is "We will create a (welcoming atmosphere)." All of us are to be welcoming. No (excuses).
Reflection Questions
(Read Luke 14:12-14)
Reflect on the differences between this picture of
hospitality and contemporary images of hospitality.
What kind of people did Jesus welcome?
*** BIG thank you to Pastor Josh, Wayne Williams and Pastor Bud for helping with this issue of Friday Feature News.
*** Have a story for FRIDAY FEATURE? Tell us @ FridayFeature@stillnaz.com
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