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A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT by Brandon Young
Please take the time to read through Ephesians 4:1-16. The words of Paul the apostle in these sixteen verses are truly powerful and moving. There is a staggering amount of content! He gives a call to be worthy of God’s plans for our lives by seeking to be humble, gentle, patient, unified, peaceful, faithful, knowledgeable, mature, full in Christ, loving, and supportive. What a list! We will be focusing on two in particular: unity, and peace.
In verse three, it says to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” If we are to maintain a life of unity as Christians, then we must be led increasingly by the Spirit. We must make a strong effort to maintain peace, a peace that comes from God.
Peace and unity take a lot of intentionality to remain a constant in life. The effort and energy needed to keep these virtues comes from the Holy Spirit. We may ask ourselves, “How am I to stay unified with other believers and keep peace with people with whom I disagree?”
One of the greatest ways to connect with other believers is to take the ways in which we connect deeply with the Lord and do them in fellowship with others. Some of these great ways include devotions, prayer times, worship, and scripture reading. If we make the effort to pray often with other believers, God is present. And if we truly believe that God is with us when two or more are gathered in His Name, then there is great power in coming before him together.
Unity is found in the many ways that we worship our Lord together! Soon, things of this world that once defined our relationships with others become less and less important. Living a life that is filled with more Spirit-driven activities and moments allows tough virtues to take root in us. Gentleness, humbleness, patience, and service all feel a bit easier to maintain when we align ourselves with the ways of the Spirit.
In verses twelve and thirteen, we read that God equips His people for works of service. He does this so that we may build each other up with the goal of being unified. Consider your fellow Christians whom you seldom pray with or have never prayed with at all. Who could you impact by asking to say a quick prayer with them?
We read later in verse sixteen that each part of the body of Christ has a role to maintain unity and build up the body of Christ. Some may read this passage and think that because we all have different parts to play someone else will do the tough parts. If it is uncomfortable, then they will look elsewhere to serve until they find something that they like. More often than not, we will feel the pull of the Holy Spirit to do something difficult or uncomfortable that goes against the ways of this world.
In John 3:8, Jesus says this about those in the Spirit: “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” If we are to make every effort to stay unified in the bond of peace, we must step out in faith and follow the unknowable ways of the Spirit.
In a time where isolation and loneliness are far too common, we must:
- Seek to serve one another and encourage each other in the ways of the Spirit.
- Worship together in the many different ways that we worship our Creator.
- Share with others how God has blessed us and lift each other up.
- Pray often for one another with hearts of thanksgiving and faithfulness.
“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
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IN-PERSON SERVICES START THIS SUNDAY!
February 28th
RSVP FOR SUNDAY'S SERVICE
CLICK HERE for quick instructions on completing your reservation.
Those who do not have internet access can call the church office to RSVP.
Please contact others who do not get this email to let them know.
For Everyone's Health and Safety
Masks must be worn at all times, even while seated.
Social distancing (sorry, no hugs or handshakes).
Keep 3 empty chairs between households.
Limited Seating, RSVP required.
Enter ONLY through main lobby doors on west side of church.
Surfaces will be sanitized before and after each service.
Please Stay Home if you feel the least bit sick or have a fever.
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We are Livestreaming Our 9:30 Service
starting Sunday
For the first time, we will be broadcasting our 9:30 Sunday services LIVE!
You can watch live at home
The service will also be recorded
so you can watch it any time by going to our YouTube channel or our website. |
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THE 20/20 INITIATIVE IS NEARING COMPLETION!
We are about to CELEBRATE what God has done through our “When God Calls” 20/20 Initiative.
Two years ago we prayed, shared vision, looked to the future, and committed ourselves to three important initiatives that we sensed God was calling us to as a church.
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EXPAND our CORE ministries which included upgrading our sound system and finding ways to connect people who do not have the means to attend church to our church services.
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REACH the NEW COMMUNITY that is expanding all around us by hiring a pastor to be our “missionary” to that community.
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INCREASE our GLOBAL IMPACT by supporting global mission projects.
You generously pledged to give $386,000 over two years to support this initiative. The two year commitment ends this month, March 2021. Through January you have already given $_________!
Your giving has allowed us to:
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Add Pastor Joe Caples and his wife Sarah to our team to focus on reaching new, younger families in our growing community. Even in a pandemic they have been able to make connections and start Bible studies.
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Install a new sound system and video capability. We are now able to bring church to your home via "live stream" and to the homes of those who do not have the ability to come to church. Starting this Sunday we will be coming to people’s homes live each week!
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Partner with Proclaim International and the Liberti’s for an evangelistic outreach in Albania that shared the gospel in theaters, schools, town squares and churches. With the campaign soon to come to an end, we will be looking for a NAB mission project to support.
God has been so faithful and we have experienced the joy of giving and sharing in order that more people might hear the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus. We have been blessed by what God has done to expand His Kingdom through our ministries at PGCC.
As we wrap our "When God Calls" 20/20 giving campaign we want to say “THANK YOU” to each one of you who have given and invested in these efforts.
We also want to encourage you to complete your pledge, if you have not already done so, by the end of March.
If you haven’t been able to give, or would like to give an additional gift, please designate it to PGCC and note that it is for the "20/20 Initiative".
We are planning on celebrating the completion of the campaign on March 28th during our Palm Sunday service.
We continue to praise God for His rich blessings upon the church and its ministries. Thank you for your partnership and faithfulness!
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“I’LL GIVE IT A SHOT!” by Pastor Scott
I love to hear a person say those words as they resonate with my own life. I have often wondered if I was the “right person” to try something new, but still took the chance, and have found myself experiencing an exhilarating excitement. I was not sure how I would do, but found an unexpected gratification.
When we step up and extend ourselves we are often surprised at the joy we receive. So, if you are looking for an opportunity to serve at PGCC in a meaningful way, consider this: we have some very significant ministry areas that would love to have you join them in their pursuit of making a bigger impact for Jesus.
Here are two opportunities:
1. MISSIONS Committee –
We are seeking to expand our team who connect with and help to expand our vision for mission partners. You will get connected to one of our mission partners and help keep us informed as to what God is doing in their sphere. It is exciting and it helps PGCC to be better engaged in prayer and support for each mission group.
2. PERSONNEL Committee –
This team has the task of working to develop, maintain, and communicate the policies that ensure the safety, protection and job satisfaction of PGCC employees. They also stay up-to-date on local, state and federal labor laws that affect our staff. This team is vital to keeping us on task and functioning with the latest requirements for employment.
Whether you have any experience in either of these areas or not, if you are moved to consider how God might use you to become a team member, we would love to have you ponder the opportunity.
It may be as simple as praying, being open to God’s nudge and then saying;
“I’LL GIVE IT A SHOT!”
If interested in finding out more about either of these teams, contact the office and we will connect you to one of the staff/leaders that works with that ministry area.
Thank you for considering how to strengthen God’s work here at PGCC!
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OUR MISSIONARIES OF THE MONTH
Will & Linda Wakeling
with the Jesus Film Project/CRU
Will and Linda Wakeling continue to work for CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ), specifically with the Jesus Film Project (JFP).
They are excited to report that in the past year the showing of the film, in person and on the internet, resulted in nearly 30,000 decisions for Christ. Another 1,600 were reached with Jesus Film mission trips. Here is a story they just shared with us
A “JESUS” film team had set up to show an adaptation of this wonderful film for little ones called “The Story of Jesus for Children.”
A number of people had gathered, children along with their parents.
The team was ready to start the showing when a crazed man walked into the tent, right into the middle of the crowd, carrying a propane gas tank! With one hand, he threw the tank on the projector table and opened the valve. Explosive gas began hissing out. With the other hand he pulled out a lighter.
As people panicked, the “JESUS” film team leader (George) approached the man, calmly in love and without fear. As he tried to speak to the man, a person nearby quickly reached up and closed the valve. Another person grabbed the man’s hands and tied them behind his back. The threat was over. Then one of the men offered, “Do you want me to take him to the police?”
Several in the audience spoke up, “No! Don’t take him. Not until we see the movie!” So everyone remained, including the crazed man, his hands tied up, watching “The Story of Jesus for Children.” After the showing, team leader George led the man away from the crowd and began ministering to him: “No matter what kind of problem you have, God still loves you.”
The mysterious stranger replied, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” Tears welled up in his eyes. “Why don’t you take me to the police?” Seeing that the man was acting more normally, George responded: “The police will arrest you and fine you. But there is One who can cure you: Jesus. Our tent will be here all week. Why don’t you come back if you want to talk more or need prayer?”
Two days later… The man returned, but he was much calmer. He sat quietly and watched the entire film “JESUS”. Absorbed in the story of Christ, His miracles, and His Word, he recalled George’s comforting statement, that Jesus could cure him.
When the film ended, team leader George went to the front, picked up the microphone, and asked if anyone wanted to devote their life to Christ. The man shot up. Tears again welled up in his eyes. He became the first in the crowd to follow Christ! There is now a church planted in that village with many new believers worshipping the Lord, growing in their faith. Glory and thanks to our life-changing God!
As you join with us in prayer and giving, you are helping empower Jesus Film Project and its partners to expand Christ’s transforming presence across the globe. Thank you for your prayers and partnership with us!
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DON ANDERSON'S BIBLE STUDY ON REVELATION
Restarts on Thursday, March 4th, 6:30-7:30 pm
At the church
All are welcome!
Safety protocols will be in place:
Masks must be worn at ALL times.
Social Distancing - No physical contact.
3 empty seats between households.
Only enter through Main Lobby doors on west side of church.
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2: Jan Dawes
Ken Place
3: Bob Kemis
Thelma Whiteside
Veronica Wright
4: Arnold Lasher
6: Al Miller
Fred Barnett
7: Karen Porter
8: Duane Balch
Jo Claycomb
9: Mickey Kinyon
Ellie Rindal
10: Mary Ann Burgess
11: Corrie Tyson
Mike Macedo
13: Janet Elliott
14: Carol Bosanko
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15: Nancy Schaefer
Margaret Boos
16: Carol Yandell
17: Wada Deaton
19: Syl Nicholson
Alton Pryor
20: Dave Garnhart
21: Ruth Imler
22: Keith Wolfe
26: Barby Balch
27: Alex Meloy
28: Barb Gordon
Doris Garnhart
29: Linda Banks
30: Ray Blake
31: Ward Loper
Ben Jackson
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7: Ben & Joyce Jackson
18: Galen & Marian Weber
27: Lee & Rose-Marie Schaefer
31: Calvin & Lois Coady
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GIVING SUMMARY - January 2021
GENERAL GIVING: $57,379
BUDGET: $62,069
YTD General Giving: $57,379
YTD Budget: $62,069
DEBT REDUCTION STATUS (as of February 10)
Current Loan Balance $322,385
20/20 CAMPAIGN STATUS (as of January 31)
Amount Given: $334,663
Amount Pledged: $386,368
Thank you for your faithful giving to PGCC. As you see, we are behind budget. Here is how you can help:
You can GIVE by:
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Mail addressed to the Church at 1730 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville, CA 95747.
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Online through our website, www.pgcc.church or by clicking on the blue button below.
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If you are not automatically getting these emails... |
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Pleasant Grove Community Church
1730 Pleasant Grove Blvd., Roseville, CA 95747
(916) 771-4447 www.pgcc.church
Email: 1730pgccoffice@gmail.com
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