Keep A-Goin’!
One of my favorite poems is “Keep A-Goin’!” by Frank Stanton.
Ef you strike a thorn or rose, Keep a-goin’!
Ef it hails, or ef it snows, Keep a-goin’!
‘Taint no use to sit an’ whine,
When th fish ain’t on yer line;
Bait yer hook an’ keep a tryin’ – Keep a-goin’!
When the weather kills yer crop, Keep a-goin’!
When you tumble from the top, Keep a-goin’!
S’pose you’re out of every dime,
Bein’ broke ain’t any crime;
Tell the world you’re feelin’ prime – Keep a-goin’!
When it looks like all of life is up, Keep a-goin’!
Drain the sweetness from the cup, Keep a-goin’!
See the wild birds on the wing,
Hear the bells that gladly ring,
When you feel like sighin’ sing – Keep a-goin’!
The Apostle Paul writes in Galatians 6:9 (Living Bible) “Let us not get tired of doing what is right for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing, if we don’t get discouraged and if we don’t give up.”
As an extremely hot summer gives way and our new ministry year launch approaches let’s keep looking up, trust God to show up and determine never to give up doing what is right together.
Grateful to be your pastor,
Pastor Bill
Message Series
New Message Series!
EXODUS: Drawn Out to be Drawn In
In a world of trouble where discontentment seems ever-rising the story of God’s deliverance of the people of Israel offers a powerful message of hope and new freedom. Especially as we view it and apply its lessons from the perspective of the New Covenant we share as God’s New Israel in Jesus Christ. As Paul reminds us, “Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Rom 15:4). There is truth here that will set you free!
Drawn Out to be Drawn In Exodus 6:6-8 (2:10, 3:2)
Battle of the Gods Exodus 7-17
God’s Top Ten List Exodus 20
Deep Symbols in Spiritual Reality Exodus 25-28
(to be continued next month!)
Coach & Educator Prayer and Commissioning
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Coaches and Educators – this is for you!
As a new school year draws near, we’re here to stand beside you every step of the way. Your dedication to teaching and mentoring is a beacon of Christ’s love, and we’re eager to support you on your mission! This special time of renewal will strengthen your spirit and reaffirm your calling as Christ’s ambassadors, both on the field and in the classroom.
We can’t wait to celebrate you and the profound impact you make in the lives of countless students. See you there!
Join us for a special luncheon on Sunday, August 13th in the Theater after the 11 am service!
Please register by August 11th.
CJ Students Back to School Bash
Wednesday, August 23 @ 7pm
As the school year begins, it’s time to CELEBRATE the start of CJ Students’ new ministry year! Join us on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 from 7-9pm as we hang out, eat great food, and fun!
CJ Students 6th Grade Parents Open House
Wednesday, August 23 @6pm
Calling all students and parents of new 6th graders! 📚
It’s time to kick off the school year with an exciting event planned just for you. It will also be an open house event where parents can get to know our amazing team and learn about our CJ Student gatherings. 🙌
So mark your calendars and come celebrate with us on August 23! Let’s come together, build new friendships, and make this school year the best one yet.
Serving Opportunities For Parents and Students
Students and Parents can make a HUGE IMPACT in the lives of kids and teens. To learn about service opportunities, click here.
Volunteers Needed
SOCIAL MEDIA MINISTRY
BRAND NEW SERVING OPPORTUNITY!
Do you enjoy connecting with people via Facebook and Instagram? We are building a new social media ministry team to reach our viewers online in more personal and meaningful ways by simply engaging more in the conversation through comments and DMs. If you are interested in getting involved or hearing more then go ahead and contact Geoff, our Director of Digital Ministries, at [email protected].
GUEST SERVICES, SUNDAYS
If you love getting to know people, have the gift of hospitality and are looking for a great place to start serving, join the Guest Services Team! Simply check us out at ChristJourney.org/Serve and we’ll get you started!
PARKING TEAM, SUNDAYS
What better way to help people find and follow Christ than by helping them first find a parking space! If you would like to serve on the Parking Team, let us know at ChristJourney.org/Serve!
COFFEE CREW, SUNDAYS
Do you like the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee? How about making people smile? Then come join us on the Guest Services Coffee Crew! Share the joy of Jesus with a warm cup of coffee or tea. For more information or to take a look behind-the-scenes, go to: ChristJourney.org/Serve. (You can smell the coffee already, can’t you?)
VAN/SHUTTLE DRIVERS, SUNDAYS
Always wanted a corner office with a view? Do you like to travel? Would you like to drive a company car? Then join the driving team! Help people who give up THEIR parking comfort to make room for those Jesus loves by transporting them safely to church. Must be over 25 to drive. Sign up at ChristJourney.org/Serve
Are you ready to take the next step on your spiritual journey?
Baptism is a public declaration of your faith, where you choose to identify with Christ, and celebrate your journey with others. Our next baptisms will be on Saturday, August 12, at Bill Baggs. If you would like to be baptized, please let us know by registering at ChristJourney.org/Baptism.
Feed Miami Second Sunday
August 13
We show God’s love by feeding the hungry in our community. In addition to collecting nonperishable items every Sunday, we need Canned Meats. Please drop your donation items at one of the Feed Miami Bins located on the Breezeway.
Events
Generosity
2022-2023 Budget
YTD Jan 2023
Required: $1,504,962
Received: $1,707,978
