“’To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal,’ says the Holy One.”
Isaiah 40:25
From the Pastor’s Heart
Hi Everyone,
May I offer a special thanks to all of you who helped with the “Convoy of Hope”? August is here. It’s already time to prepare to go back to school. Please plan to be here Wednesday evening, 18 August for our Wednesday night “Family Night”. We will host a “Back to School Bash” in concert with the Daycare’s “Open House”. This will be a great opportunity to mingle. I hope to see you there and I also hope you’ll invite some friends.
May I say, thanks so much for all of your efforts here at Highlands. I thank you for your faithfulness to your duties. I have counted my time of service with you as both an honor and a privilege. As you now know, I intend to retire. IAW our Pastor-Church Covenant and the church bylaws I intend for August 19, 2010 to be my last day.
I informed the church of my decision during our Wednesday evening Bible Study 14 July, 2010 and at our Sunday morning service 18 July, 2010. Just so you know, I also informed the Director of Missions of the Marion Baptist Association. I am confident that God has someone else already waiting to provide leadership for this fellowship. I am equally confident I cannot provide that leadership. I have tried to be faithful to my call here and I hope my decision doesn’t make you question the things we have been able to accomplish in His name.
The Nominating Committee is working hard. Don’t forget what was once said here at Highlands.
I am only one, but I am one.
I can’t do everything, but I can still do something.
And just because I can’t do everything, I will not refuse to do the something I can.
As you know, Mrs. Stephanie Meadows has gone on to work for the state Department of Elder Affairs. Their gain is our loss but I know the Lord will provide. Mrs. Stephanie did great work while she was here and if you get the chance pass on a thank-you to her.
Thanks for what you do.
Pastor Jeff
Thoughts from Sam
On August 5th- 7th the youth will be trekking on its second Youth Mystery Tour. It will be a great time of fellowship as well as a time to examine and further our Christian walk. If you missed the July 25th deadline to register and your child would still like to go please contact me as soon as possible. The trip will cost 40 dollars total with at LEAST 20 dollars for meals. This will be my last trip with the youth before I head back up to school! It is sad having to say good-bye, but I am excited to see how God will use this weekend!
With all the love,
Sam
40 Days for Life/Ocala Christian Ministry
You still have one more opportunity to receive more information on this ministry which seeks to take a stand for the sanctity of life. St. John Lutheran Church will host these events.
Wednesday, August 18th – guest presenter Mr. Dennis Baxley, former State Representative.
The meeting will begin at 8:15 with a light continental breakfast. The guest speaker will be introduced at 8:30 for a brief presentation followed by a time for questions. The morning will conclude promptly at 9:30 am.
If you would like to attend this final meeting please contact the church office at St. John
(629-1794, #2) to RSVP with the number who will attend. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Jim Webb at St. John Lutheran Church.
For the month of August: Coloring books & crayons (24 per box), toothpaste & toothbrushes
Back To School Bash
Wednesday, August 18th
6:00 pm
Please plan to join with the Daycare/Preschool children and parents for an orientation and Open House.
Use this as an opportunity to get to know some of our Daycare families. We will be serving ice cream and watermelon.
The Feel Good Fair
Saturday, August 7th
Cala Hills Club House - 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Volunteers of several community service organizations will be available to give information about what they offer as well as specific needs they may have. Organizations will include: Interfaith, Arnette Village, FL Center for the Blind, Feed the Need program, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Harvest International, Marion County Senior Services & ARC, Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Center.
Donations will be accepted – school supplies, clothing, fresh produce & canned goods (for soup kitchens); blankets, toys, books, DVD’s for children, cell phones, etc. You can also donate money or your time – these organizations are always looking for volunteers!
Nursery Schedule
August 1st – Kelly Watson & Judy Price
August 8th – Susie Polk & Martha Zinn
August 15th – Donna Scannell & Debbie Craggs
August 22nd – Jo Ann Hawkins & Carolyn Moore
August 29th - Marie Allan & Martha Zinn
Children’s Church Schedule
August 1st – Marge Buirkle & Kelli Tillman
August 8th – Sheila Godwin & Cathy Priest
August 15th – Bob & Aletha King
August 22nd – Liz Ferreira & Caryann Allan
Pastor Jeff’s Sermon/Bible Study Topics for August
Sunday Mornings:
August 1st – “Lord’s Supper” – Luke 22:7-23
August 8th – “ A Piece of the Rock” – Matt. 16:13-19
August 15th – “Real Talent” – Matt. 25:14-30
Sunday Evenings @ 6:00:
Study in the Gospel of Mark
Wednesday evenings @ 6:15:
Study in the book of James
August Birthdays
Donna Scannell (2); Samantha Scott (5); T.J Price (12); Ron Moore (13); Sierra Carpenter (14); Morgan Rowan (18);
Jo Ann Hawkins (18); Parvin Salehi (24); Norma Wheeler (26) Ken Sizemore (26); Jessica Perez (26);Tony Ferreira (26)
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