WOUNDED BY GRACE
The story of Jacob was very revealing this past Sunday as we continued in our Summer Stories Series. It is interesting that God is the one who initiates the wrestling with Jacob, that He wounds Jacob purposely, which brings Jacob to the end of himself and admits who he really is. Once again, there is no risk in repentance. Jacob limped away forever changed. God wounds us out of His Grace and Goodness.
Remember Tozer said, “God cannot use you greatly, until He has wounded you deeply.” The principle is very clear… God will touch our hip if need be…out of kindness not condemnation. If you walk with a limp today tell your story. It may change another person’s life for eternity.
One or Two
We are debating whether to do one or two worship services. The crowds have been down the last couple of weeks due to the 4
th
of July weekend, vacations, and sports. I tell you I am appreciative of those who are coming but concerned that we are creating a new normal that’s unhealthy as a church. We are providing a safe environment for attendees. Our online attendance is great but it cannot substitute for church. If our numbers continue the same this week, we will move to one service on July 26
th
until school starts.
Just a thought… everyone is so concerned about Bama and Auburn football starting back. Are we as concerned about starting back to Church? I pray that we all are…
Randy
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Called Business Meeting - Sunday, July 19
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With the concurrence of the Deacons, it is proposed that we engage Myrick, Gurosky, & Associates to transform the Fellowship Hall into permanent adult education space in accordance with the Master Plan approved in 2019. We will have a Called Business Meeting this Sunday, July 19 to vote on this proposal as a congregation.
Background:
One of the areas damaged by the water leak in March 2020 was the floor in the Fellowship Hall. Because of the damage, the age of the floor, and the difficulty in matching the current tile in the Fellowship Hall, our insurance company, Cincinnati Insurance, agreed to replace the entire floor.
The Master Plan approved in 2019 calls for transforming the current Fellowship Hall into permanent adult education space. Since the plan calls for transforming the space and since money for replacing the floor in the Fellowship Hall was included, MG&A was asked to price the possibility of transforming the current Fellowship Hall into permanent adult education space now.
Proposed Layout (See attached PDF):
The new proposed layout for the Fellowship Hall includes six permanent classrooms. Four of the classrooms are normal sized classrooms and would seat between 25 and 40 people (depending on the layout of the class). Two of the classrooms are large sized classrooms and would seat between 40 and 60 people (depending on the layout of the class). The two large size classrooms will provide space for larger Bible Study Groups, the Choir, and other medium-large sized groups. The first normal sized classroom, located on the right as you enter the Fellowship Hall in front of the kitchen serving windows, will include double doors that could be opened to allow the room to serve as a serving line for the kitchen when needed and closed to create space for a Bible Study Group. The room where the movable walls are currently stored will be emptied of the movable walls and will become storage space.
Financial Considerations
The cost of replacing the floors is covered under our recent insurance payment. The remaining Out of Pocket Cost for this project is $119,328. The Finance Committee has reviewed our Building receipts and is confident that we can handle this added expense as a congregation.
Timeline
From the time we release MG&A to begin the work, the project should take between 12-16 weeks.
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Reservations for July 19 Worship Services
We are excited to host on-campus worship on Sunday, July 19, 2020. In order to allow for the proper social distancing precautions, we will limit each worship service to 75 attendees. To facilitate this and to avoid situations where we have to turn people away from church, please submit your church reservation preference.
***PLEASE NOTE*** At this time, we are only able to offer childcare during our 10:30am worship service. If you do not need childcare, please consider attending our 9:00am worship service to make room for our families with preschoolers and children at 10:30am.
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Sunday Services - Livestreaming on YouTube
You are still be able join us from the comfort of your home by logging onto the YouTube streaming service!
Click here to join us and subscribe to our YouTube channel or check social media for updates.
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How Can I Stay Informed?
We will update you regularly through the following channels:
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Let’s Read the Bible Together
As we walk through this pandemic, we encourage you to join us as we take a break from the news and noise each day to focus our hearts on Jesus by reading through the book of Proverbs together, one chapter a day.
#TCLPreadsProverbs
- Wednesday, July 15 - Proverbs 15
- Thursday, July 16 - Proverbs 16
- Friday, July 17 - Proverbs 17
- Saturday, July 18 - Proverbs 18
- Sunday, July 19 - Proverbs 19
- Monday, July 20 - Proverbs 20
- Tuesday, July 21 - Proverbs 21
- Wednesday, July 22 - Proverbs 22
To view short video devotions, given by staff and church members, on the daily readings, click
here
.
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Prayer List
Everyone can participate by praying! The prayer list is always available to view on the
church website
. The password is
pray
. You can submit requests through this
simple form, o
r you can
email Carol.
And please send us updates! We love to praise the Lord for answered prayer and continue to rejoice and pray with you.
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Children & Student Ministry Updates
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VBS Update + Registration
The governor extended our Safer At Home restrictions for COVID-19. Since a normal, in-person VBS will not make meeting those expectations possible we are switching to an online VBS experience for this year. We still want parents to register their kids at
libertypark.org/vbs
. For each registered child, we will prepare a free box with a VBS t-shirt, crafts, and game materials for them to pick up and take home. Then July 20-22 we will post daily VBS videos on the church’s YouTube channel. Each video will have a Worship Rally and Bible story. (Make sure to watch them live with us for an opportunity to win prizes!)
We know this is another disappointing outcome in a difficult summer, but we are still excited about any opportunity to share the Gospel with the next generation of Christ-followers! Make sure to invite your neighbors and friends to register and be a part!
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Student Ministry Update
This Wednesday, from 6:00-8:00pm, we are planning to have a pool party at the Bailey's house. The students can either bring their own dinner or eat before they come. We will plan to stay outside. For more information or the address, contact Pastor Clint Barthel at
clint.barthel@libertypark.org or call 256-345-6787.
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Your Generosity Helps to Continue Our Mission
Thank you for your support of The Church at Liberty Park. Your generosity helps us continue our mission of glorifying God and making disciples by inviting our community to enjoy fulfilling lives in Christ. Below are a few reminders about giving options.
- Give Online: www.libertypark.org/give
- Text to Give: Text TCLP to 73256 to give using your text messaging. Standard text messaging rates may apply.
- Give by Check: Please make checks payable to: The Church at Liberty Park and mail to: 12001 Liberty Parkway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35242.
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Offerings Received
- July 1-13, 2020 - $31,768
- July 2019 - $91,610
- YTD 2020 - $647,507
- YTD 2019 - $690,630
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