Church Schedule Update
August 16, 2020
1. Scriptural Encouragement from Ephesians 5
2. COVID-19 Update
3. Upcoming Congregational Meeting
4. Upcoming Teacher/Volunteer Enrichment Meeting
5. Church Camp-out Update
6. Available Bible Studies/Fellowship Opportunities
Scriptural Encouragement
Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are
out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
Ephesians 5:4
What would you say is the alternative to foolish talk and profanity? If you were to ask me on the spot I would say that instead of foolish talk you should speak wisdom and instead of crude joking you should speak with dignity. But Paul does not want us to simply aim for the opposite of these things. He's not simply after our moral conformity to standards of polite society. No. Rather, Paul exhorts us to be thankful. Thanksgiving is the alternative to perversity, profanity, and foolish talk. As Jesus himself said, "What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart." Paul takes his Master's words seriously and goes to the heart.
A lack of gratitude is possibly the most dangerous and sinister evil in our hearts. Consider also Romans 1. After having announced that God's wrath is manifestly directed against our unrighteousness, Paul says in v. 21,
"For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or
give thanks to him,
but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened."
Christians should be the most thankful people in the world. Not only do we regularly experience the grace of air, sunshine, running water, warm food, salted butter, barbecue smoke, baseball (or insert your favorite sport) but upon all this grace we also have Christ. We have forgiveness of sin. We have adoption into God's family. We the Spirit of God to understand the things of God. We have a family in Christ. Gratitude comes from the gospel and giving thanks keeps us from futility and foolishness. Let us be a thankful people today!
COVID-19 and Weekly Worship
We will continue to gather in person for worship at Discovery church this Sunday at 10:30AM. Overflow is available in the fellowship/Gathering Grounds side of our building and the Live-stream will also be available.
We are praising the LORD that the earliest predictions about the scope and severity of COVID-19 have not come to pass and, by God's grace, mortality rates remain extremely low. While we are thankful for this grace we remain committed to practicing good common sense and giving one another freedom to act according to conscience. Here are some brief bullet points to remember:
-
If you are sick or experiencing any symptoms please do not come to church. Use caution and seek medical advice instead.
-
If you are in a high-risk category (e.g., compromised immune system, etc.) consult a medical professional that you trust to help make the right decision for you when it comes to public exposure.
-
Don't feel pressured to be back in church or volunteering as usual if you're not ready. If you're wondering how to make a decision about when to get back into a church routine, seek advice from trusted brothers/sisters in Christ, wisdom from God's word, and listen to your conscience.
-
Remember that masks are available in the church building if you want one. We will not bind the conscience when it comes to masks but we are happy to provide them for any and all that would like one.
*NURSERY is NOW AVAILABLE: This Sunday our nursery will be open and staffed during the morning worship service. Our volunteers will continue to abide by safe and sanitary procedures when caring for all the children in the nursery.
Congregational Meeting about Seeking a Second Pastor, Sunday, AUGUST 30th
On Sunday, August 30th we will meet briefly after church to share an update on the search for another staff pastor that can focus on youth and children's ministry. We will share some guidance from God's word, be available for questions, and distribute a questionnaire that gives our body a chance to speak into our search. We will keep this meeting short and sweet but our team is committed to remaining behind afterward if anyone would like to linger and discuss anything.
Teacher/Volunteer Enrichment Meeting, Wednesday, September 2nd @ 6:30PM
If you are a teacher or volunteer at Discovery (or if you're seeking a ministry in the church to help with) we would LOVE IT if you'd join us for a time of encouragement, prayer, and Scriptural training. As elders we want to be diligently committed to communicating with, encouraging, equipping and fellowshiping with our teachers and volunteers. I'm also especially excited to do one of my favorite things in this meeting: GIVE AWAY BOOKS! Please join us! I think it will be really beneficial.
*The usual Wednesday night Bible studies will be on break on this night
Church Campout is Scheduled for September 11-13
Our annual church campout is booked and spots are ready to be filled! There will be a sign-up sheet at the church. For more information you can contact Jon Story or the church office. It's going to be a great time to enjoy one another's company, share food, watch a movie, sit around campfires, and enjoy God's creation. Consider joining us for this sweet time of fellowship.
Available Bible Studies/Fellowship Opportunities
Women's Bible Study on Ruth
The women of Discovery continue to meet on Thursday mornings at 9:00AM for their new study on the book of Ruth. It's not too late to get in on the study and childcare is available.
September 8th at 5:30PM the women of Discovery will begin a study of the book of Ruth. We will use the same material used in the Thursday morning study. Please come to the 215 Walnut entrance and Kathy Kirby will show you where the study will be held. Child care is available by request. If you will need child care, please contact the church office at (605) 668-2211.
Here are all the Bible studies currently available through our church:
- Monday Morning Men's Group (6:45 AM at Fryn' Pan)
- Men's Thursday Noon Bible Study (In-person at Discovery Church - bring a lunch if you like)
- Women's Bible Study On Ruth, Thursdays @ 9:00AM at Discovery Church Childcare is available.
-
Wednesday Night Bible Study in Judges at 6:30PM at Discovery Church. Childcare available. Zoom will also continue to be available.
Pastor Cory
To access our Facebook page click here.
To access our YouTube page click here.
