In the aftermath of the reversal of Roe, maybe you are like me and are saddened and disturbed by the intense reaction of emotional pain and anger. Maybe you have encountered it in conversations with family members or seen the radiating anger and fear in comments on social media. Where it feels like we should be rejoicing with gratitude for the protection and sanctity of life, instead the Supreme Court decision has enflamed and divided our country even more. So how do we move forward from here? How do we continue to be ambassadors of life and hope in Jesus Christ? David French recently gave some helpful thoughts in his podcast, Good Faith. He comments that this is not the “beginning of the end, but the end of the beginning,” meaning our work as the Church has just begun. It’s not time to slow down or relax, but instead to be vigilant in the work of prayer.

Pray for peace in our country. Pray that our society would truly embrace a culture of life. Pray for those you know that are angry or fearful while also assuming a posture of humility and grace towards them. Our listening may open doors for deeper conversation and opportunities for the Gospel to be on display. Pray that our church will be a light in Richmond. May God use us to further support the Pregnancy Resource Center and other organizations that are on the ground doing the work of helping women and children. Above all, pray for the hope of Jesus Christ. May the Lord penetrate the bondages of hopelessness with His promises and freedom. And may we be alert, looking for God’s activity and invitation.

Praying With You,

Pastor Rebecca

The 9:30 Sunday School continues the Chip Ingram series entitled BECOMING A ROMANS 12 CHRISTIAN this Sunday.

The Sunday 11:00 class has been postponed until September.

St. Giles is hiring a new Contemporary Worship Leader. If you know anyone who would be interested in applying, ask them to contact Pastor Josh at: josh@stgiles.org. They can see our posting online at: https://www.stgiles.org/employment-opportunities.html.

Children's Garden Preschool is looking for a few teachers for the 2022-2023 school year. If you or anyone you know are interested, please reach out. Alonsa Riddle at Childrensgardenpreschool1@gmail.com.

The Afghan family we have sponsored are settled with all the basics: job, apartment, etc. What they need now are some more FRIENDS to help them feel at home in Richmond! Due to illnesses, travels, and family emergencies, the St. Giles/Christ Pres. team is running low on time and energy — and we really need a few more partners to step in and show some Christian hospitality to Naveed & Zahida and their two little boys (with another expected in late July!).

This would not be a long-term commitment — just a commitment to meet the family and do something fun with them: a trip to Maymont or the Children’s Museum, a picnic at a park, a walk along the river, even a quick trip to get an ice-cream cone! Since Naveed is working, it might just be with Zahida and the little boys. Funds for outings may be available (contact Patience about that).

If you think God is prompting you to this ministry of friendship, please email Sarah at sarah@webhills.net. Someone from our current team would love to introduce you to this young family and help you make a plan for an outing or two. The challenges are mainly a) communication, as their English is limited (however, the Google Translation app is a great help!) and b) your car would need to have room for two carseats (which the family have). Other than that, it’s just fun to get to know folks from another culture and love them in the name of Jesus! Might that be God’s call to YOU?

We are now livestreaming many of our events, including both Sunday worship services and our concert series on our YouTube channel. These can also be viewed later at the same YouTube channel. Take advantage of the opportunity to catch up on anything you’ve missed, or to share these ministries with friends who might benefit from them.