Will you pray?
Dear Church,
On Sunday began a 6 week study in the book of Daniel. Dale Ralph Davis describes the book as “a realistic survival manual for the saints.” The saint survives and lives on the primary theme of the book: God’s kingdom cannot be destroyed, His dominion will endure forever. In other words, God is in control.
And in our reading today (read along with us here), we are given the very practical example of how a saint endures through threats and trials: prayer.
What do you do when you encounter a problem? Being a part of God’s family does not exempt you from problems. Daniel faced a threat on his life and asked his friends “to plead for mercy from the God of heaven…” (Daniel 2:18). They prayed and “the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision” (Daniel 2:19).
Who do you turn to when you encounter a problem? Daniel had his friends and His God. We have each other. Small groups have been bands of believers for many of our people going through trials. If you’re not in a small group consider joining any of these. Or you can share your prayer request with the church at www.stillnaz.com/pray.
Do people know they can ask you to pray with them? Daniel’s friends must have proven themselves trustworthy that Daniel would approach them with his desperate request. Do the people in your family, small group, ministry group, workplace or school know that they can bring requests to you?
Challenge:
Ask your small group or family or coworkers how you can pray for them. Send out a text or give a call and ask “How can I pray for you today?”
Ask your small group or family or coworkers to pray for you. Be like Daniel and show that you need help by asking your family or small group or church family to pray with you.
Pray. Don’t just ask. Do it. Start by praying over your family, your small group, our church. Pray for the youth fall retreat this weekend, for the new small groups launching this fall, for any event you see listed in these emails. And let’s pray what Daniel prayed, asking for mercy and revelation.
Prayer:
Jesus, have mercy on all who are reading this and all in our church community across both campuses. You know the trials that each person is facing and you know the threats that rise against us as a church family. Spirit, would you reveal yourself to us and teach us “deep and hidden things” so that York will know that “wisdom and power are [yours]”. (Daniel 2:20-22).
Watch the first message of the Daniel Series
UPCOMING FALL EVENTS
Recovery Day at the Revs. Saturday, September 17th
Pre-game meal/activities begin at 2:30PM. Game begins at 6:30PM. If you’re interested in Celebrate Recovery T-Shirt ($15) contact Roxanne Byrd at 717-683-0335.
Youth Ministry Pasta Dinner Fundraiser 9/17
We are really excited about our youth ministry pasta dinner and auction fundraiser! This is the final week to purchase tickets for the event, don’t wait to get your tickets right away. The event will be Saturday September 17 @ 6:00pm in the Family Life Center. Tickets are available at the Welcome Table outside the Worship center or tickets can be purchased online through Tuesday, Sept. 13th @ https://tinyurl.com/5y52yvxn . Adult ticket $15, Child ticket $10. Meal includes Spaghetti and Homemade Meatballs and Homemade Tomato Sauce, Garden Salad, Garlic Bread and Dessert. We do have a gluten free option as well. You can do take out or dine in. Take out orders need to be picked up between 4:30pm - 5:30 pm. Thank you for supporting our younger generation in their pursuit of Jesus!
Church Membership Classes
All desiring to know more about membership in the church are encouraged to attend. This class is led by Pastor Kent Vandervort . If you would like to be a part of the next series of classes beginning September 18th at 9AM contact pastorkent@stillnaz.com or register at www.stillnaz.com/discipleship.
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality
This 8 week course begins Wednesday, September 28th at 6:30PM in Sprenkle House 2nd fl., and is led by Pastor Brad Shaffer. This class unpacks core biblical principles to guide you into an experience of lasting, beneath-the–surface transformation in your relationship with Christ. There is a $30 cost for the books. Register by emailing pastorbrad@stillnaz.com.
Women! Save these dates!
Save The Dates!
All Volunteer Pot-Luck- Sunday, October 2nd-4:30-6:30PM.
Trunk or Treat — October 29
York City Campus Fall Fest — October 31
Community Thanksgiving Dinner -Sunday, November 20th at York City Campus.
Christmas Sunday—December 25
Congratulations to the Baptized!
We are so proud of those who “took the plunge” and proclaimed their faith in Jesus Christ who died for us and was raised to life. Pray for these as they continue to live out the new life we have been given in Christ!
Allison Rosenau, Kelli McGee, Sarah Lingg, Brady Rotz, Beth Rill, Exzio Lozano, Savannah Carroll, Amanda Corbett, Jesse Stiffler
Building Transition Update
We’re making progress in our building transition! The painting throughout the building is almost complete and the new kids welcome center is getting close.
Next: we’re updating the floors. The gym floor of the Family Life Center was painted last week and now we’re replacing the carpet in the cafe, children’s wing hallway, the children’s worship center and then we’ll be replacing the carpet in the Family Life Center.
After this we’ll be updating our worship chairs, decorating the walls and updating our cafe furniture!
We’re grateful for the many hands that are making light work!
Let’s continue to pray for all those doing the work and for the future generations who will benefit from it. If you haven’t had a chance to give to the Renovation Plus Fund to help with the cost of the new chairs, you can give here or in your weekly in person giving.
Missions Prayer Emphasis for September and October-South America
Because we want to be people who pray relentlessly, we cover the earth with our prayers through the year. For September and October, we’re asking God to provide for, protect and direct the work of these missionaries and to pour out His Spirit of justice, grace and truth over these countries in the South America region of the Church of the Nazarene.
Condolences to…
Chastity Frederick & Family on the passing of her grandfather Earl Courtney.
Amy Embich on the recent passing of her Aunt Sarah.
Brad Zerfing and Family on the recent passing of Brad’s grandmother Sylvia Zerfing.
Congratulations to…
Pastor Chris and Emily Fuller who welcomed Ezekiel Isaac Fuller into their family and our world on August 25, 2022!
Lester & Holly Strait who adopted Nathanael, Abraham & Caleb on August 8, 2022!
Can we pray with you? Share your concerns with us and we’ll support you in prayer.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Josh and the Stillmeadow Team
PS…If you’re not in a small group, a place to grow in Christ and a people to share your burdens with, I highly recommend you trying one out this fall. Connect with us through www.stillnaz.com/discipleship.