Good Morning PGCC, August 18

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

TO BRIGHTEN YOUR DAY

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT by Pastor Phil

So Christ himself gave…to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Ephesians 4:12-13, 16

The math is simple, Serving Christ = Growth until we are filled to all the fullness of Christ. Just as 2+2=4 is always true so Serving Christ = Growth is ALWAYS TRUE.

I learned this lesson early. My biggest experiences of God coming alive in my life was when I was both studying God’s Word AND SERVING. I first experienced it when I was washing dishes and mopping floors at a church camp for the summer. I experienced it again when I volunteered to lead a Bible Study for my friends in our church youth group, even though I had no clue what I was doing. That experience contributed directly to my sensing God calling me to become a pastor.

Some of you astute readers are thinking, “What about studying God’s Word?” Yes, studying the Bible is absolutely essential (I’ll be talking more about that on Sunday), but if you don’t follow that up with serving God in some capacity, then you’ll miss out on the full thrill of God at work in you. Think of it like this. Eating is essential to life, but if all I do is eat and not exercise, then I just get rotund and that’s not healthy. Studying without serving is also not healthy, BOTH are necessary.

When we study (and pray) AND serve, we open our hearts, our minds, even our physical bodies to the presence and work of the Holy Spirit who then transforms our minds, our nature, and our actions. Remember, the greatest commandment (according to none other than Jesus) is to love the Lord your God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30)!

As we serve God, our serving is an offering of worship to God, and the power of God will work supernaturally through our humble efforts to bless others in ways that we can’t imagine.

So, I urge you to STUDY and SERVE!

If you would like a list of possible ways you can serve at and through PGCC, CLICK HERE, and then contact the office to let us know where you would like to try serving.

Serving Christ = Growth is ALWAYS TRUE.

In case you’re not convinced, here are...

10 Great Reasons Why Serving at Church is Terrific!

To grow in our relationship with Christ.
It helps us discover our purpose and feel fulfilled.
To use our gifts, skills, and talents for the Kingdom.
Out of obedience to Jesus.
To follow Jesus’ example.
To join the mission of the church.
Serving is rewarding.
To find community in relationships with others.
There is joy in loving people and giving back.
Serving can be fun

Join us this Sunday for Worship at 10 AM

Doors to Worship Center will open at 9:40

There is seating, coffee & snacks in the East Hallway before the service

Or Watch us Live or On-Demand

from the link in Sunday's email, or at PGCC.church, or our Youtube Channel

WE NEED YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS for our emails!!!

We need contributions of:

Devotional thoughts (400-700 words, Pastor Phil will edit)
Artwork (photos, drawings, paintings, crafts, etc.)
Humor
Recipes (for Pastor Phil to try to make while filming)

Please email your contributions to: 1730pgccoffice@gmail.com.

THANKS! Our emails are a blessing because of what you contribute.

CLICK HERE to download our Bible Study Flyer

Wednesday, August 25th

10 AM in the Worship Center

For Baby Boomers

Thursday, August 26th

6:30 PM in the Worship Center

FUN, FRIENDSHIP, INSPIRATION

Grieving the Loss of a Loved One?

Let Grief Share Help You Heal.

Grief Share is a 10-week support group that provides a caring environment where you will find you’re not alone as you learn to walk a “new normal” after the death of a loved one. The cost for the workbook is $20.

Grief Share Meets Tuesdays at 1:00 starting September 7th

Get more information and Sign-up at church on Sunday

or contact Kay Thomson at 408-836-3311 or katie.thomson@yahoo.com

This is a 12 session DVD series, taught by Christian professionals. We originally were going to use it with our Care Team, but felt it would be valuable for everyone. This series is aimed at equipping you to meet you own needs and the needs of others as you deal with the issues that come with aging.

Mondays, 11 AM, starts Aug 30^th

Facilitator: Alice Anderson

Sessions are listed in the Small Group flyer. Attend the sessions you desire.