Equipped
When I was in college, I played with a Civil War reenactment band that featured period instruments, clothes, and music. Those wool uniforms were pretty warm marching on July 4th in downtown Milwaukee, but we looked and sounded like an authentic Civil War band. Clothing and appearance communicate something about who we are and what we’re doing. Not surprisingly, this holds true in our spiritual life as well.
As Paul concludes his letter to the Ephesian Church, he paints a picture of living out Christian faith. Using the battle armor employed by Roman soldiers (helmet, belt, breastplate, shield, etc.) he indicates Christians have spiritual equipment that is similar (Eph. 6:10-24). Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Faith, Salvation and God’s Word, are utilized to face attacks we’re bound to get from, not flesh and blood, but powers, rulers and spiritual forces in the heavenlies. And as we “wear” these, we are enabled to stand up to those attacks.
Our most powerful resource, however, is prayer. Praying for God to work is where our real power lies. We do not fight as the world fights, but with divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Cor 10:4). Timothy Warner says prayer is vital in mission and not merely a supporting act. To “only be able to pray” he says, “is a like a soldier saying I don’t have a machine-gun or bazooka, all I have is an intercontinental ballistic missile.” The armor prepares us for the battle, but the battle is done on our knees. As you face trials and hardships, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Pastor Rick
CHURCH NEWS
*** If you have a need or know of someone in need, please call Janet Hanlin (920-535-0021), who represents Bethel’s Deacons. We can help!
*** The Giving Option is live on Bethel’s website: http://www.islandbethelchurch.com.
*** Saturday service at 6:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Summer Sermon Series: We Believe – A series on the elemental beliefs of Christian faith.
*** Sunday school: “A Biblical Approach to Addressing Race Reconciliation” led by Dave Nehlsen. 9:30-10:30 AM. A look at why race has divided us, what is happening in our inner cities, and examining practical and biblical solutions.
*** Sunday service at 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Pastor Rick begins Summer Sermon Series: We Believe – A series on the elemental beliefs of Christian faith. This will be coordinated with the Children’s Church messages using the “Believe” curriculum by Randy Frazee, as well as incorporating our Free Church Statement of Faith. Week One: God – Part One
*** Tuesday night Adult Connect Group will be meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the parsonage. We are studying: Gentle and Lowly the Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers.
*** Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. “Fully Alive” with video from Ken Davis and discussion. Moving towards a life that draws from the joy and power that can only be found in Jesus. The series will run Wednesdays through August.
*** Bethel Church Youth Group meets Tuesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall. Come for fellowship, fun, and food! Contact Pastor Rick for details.
*** Pastor Rick will be gone next week to drive his Mom from Arizona to Chicago.
*** SAVE THE DATE: Scandinavian luncheon, August 5th, Bethel Church.
*** Looking Ahead: Bethel church is offering a Ladies Retreat September 16th and 17th. Dee Brestin, well known author and speaker will be our keynote speaker and will draw from her book, The Jesus who Surprises. Watch for details on this exciting event.
COMMUNITY NEWS
*** WICHP Hours are Tue. 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Wed. 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Fridays 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. WICHP at 920-847-2108.
*** WICHP Food Pantry – 24/7 Food Access: Basic food staples are now available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the WICHP office at Trinity Lutheran church.
*** Blood Pressure Clinic: July 12th 10:00 a.m. to Noon in Trinity Hall. Blood Pressure Clinic: July 24th 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. in Trinity Hall.
Blood Pressure Clinic: July 24th 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Bethel Church Lobby. Blood Pressure Clinic: July 26th 10:00 a.m. to Noon Trinity.
*** Lions Club Fly In fish boil at airport July 16th.
*** Island Forum 2040: Thursday, August 25th 7:00 p.m. “The Future of Island Churches”. Presented by Pastor Rick Smith from Bethel Church; Pastor Ed Baseman from Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church; and representatives from the Stella Maris Catholic Church, and the Baha’I Faith.
*** Death’s Door BBQ: the 10th Annual BBQ is scheduled for August 27th. Stay tuned for more details as the summer unwinds.
*** Volunteer Work Day three volunteer spots opened up for our Saturday August 13th “Explore Plum Island” Work Day. Engage with guests as they explore the history, nature, and interpretive sites of the island. Assist staff by acting as walking tour guides, leading a take-away craft activity, and acting as historic site docents. Visit our Events/Work Days Page. Click on the SignUpGenius button to sign-up and let us know if you have any questions! Link: https://www.plumandpilot.org/eventswork-days.html