STANDING STONE BIBLE

WEEKLY

August 26, 2024
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A Point from pastor

Thank you to all who have shared condolences these past days.  I so appreciate the kind, comforting words, the encouragement, written comments, verses, and hugs.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Something that stuck with me happened at the graveside, my Uncle Verl came up after the service to hug me.  Verl is my step-dad's younger brother.  He gave me a long, strong embrace.  I can't exactly say what all came to mind but it occurred to me in that brief moment that I would not be able to hug my dad again. . . and I said to Uncle Verl something like, "you are now in charge of dad's hugs for me."   It was a good moment.  

Now a connection to us all:   Church family is not just to  be a Sunday morning, show up, sit, listen, sing, and then depart.  It is church "family" and that includes getting to know one another, sharing our lives together, giving time, money, and even a hug or two.   You may not even like to hug but, if the other person needs a hug, get over yourself!   The point is this:  For an hour and fifteen minutes each week we are in a church-service that is very much about "me and God."  The time before the service, after the service, and during the week is where we enrich our experience with the church family.  Don't neglect those times!    

Sunday school?   If you are not attending, you should.  
A life group?  Ditto the above.  
Wednesday night fellowship time?  A meal you don't have to cook and time around a table with others?   Seems like an easy win to connecting with family to me.  
Sunday nights,  men or women events, special work times, a phone call, a note in someone's box, a visit at the hospital, etc?  

Every one of these enhance our lives and benefits church family. Yes, a few of our folks are just unable to attend or make many of these work.  But if you can make any of these work, give it a shot.   You'll be rewarded . . .   and so will others benefit by your presence.  

That's it. . .   that is what that hug was about:  Presence.  My uncle was present in a very strong, meaningful way for that hug.  Did it mean much?  Nearly 70 hours later, I'm writing about it.   Do your best to be present with others.  

Church Notes...

FALL UPDATES
  • Our mid-week family ministry begins on Wednesday, September 4th.   
  • Children's Sunday school classes return to their normal format on Sunday, September 1st.  
  • School begins!  Colossae Collaborative School resumes, along with the HomeSchool Club, on Wednesday, September 4th.  

THIS WEEK

Here are the highlights of classes and events THIS week

Men's Study - You may join other guys in a study of "Act Like a Man" by Mark Driscoll - meeting two Monday evenings each month.  Meet tonight at 7pm.  Call Neil (402-699-2652) or Kyle (402-250-2533) for locations.

Youth Party - The "End of Summer Party" for grades 6-12th is Wednesday at 6:30 this week.  

Communion / Pot Trust Meal - Sunday will be our monthly time of communion and our Pot Trust meal (shared dishes).   Prepare now so you might join in this time with the Lord as we celebrate Jesus.  

Four the Master - The SSB Gospel Quartet is ministering in in various care homes in September (9/1, 9/13, and 9/23).   9/1 at 3pm is Astoria (92nd & Western).  Click Here for Full Schedule

upcoming events

Make note of the classes and events available in the near future

OA:sis Fall Launch - Consider making Wednesday nights a "family" night... (OA- one another) where you can share with one another, get inspiration in the middle of the week, and even serve or be served by others.  Wednesday, September 4th at about 6pm is the meal followed by activities for all ages.

Membership Class - This 7-week class begins on Sunday, September 8th during the Sunday school hour.  This is a follow-up to the information class and helps folks go deeper on what membership at SSB means.  It is a great way to learn much more about SSB and, for any interested, is also a necessary step to membership.  

Ladies Fall Retreat - Saturday, September 28th - there will be a Fall Retreat at Schramm Park for the gals.  

If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.

- 2 Timothy 2:13

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

- Lamentations 3:22-23

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.

- Psalm 36:5

the Lord's day

We noted the 9/11 anniversary that is upcoming and the state of our country, the importance of voting, and how (most importantly) Christ has taken our place. . .   He was on that cross in our place.  We also sang "praise forever to the King of Kings" We sang of the Rock of Ages and the "Old Rugged Cross."  And, we sang of how He loves us....   His love  overwhelms us... like a hurricane - Oh, how He loves us!  

The message was again about suffering and how we might pray through the midst of suffering.  Based on God's will, we talked about how we might rightly pray (And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us - 1 John 5:14).   We should, first of all, pray that God would deliver us for the suffering.  In addition, we FIGHT through the suffering.  We might rightly pray for F.I.G.H.T.   We pray for Faith.  We need faith in the midst of suffering and we all need to increase our faith.  We pray to be Immovable.  We need strength to stand in the suffering.  So, we pray for strength to be immovable.   We also pray for Growth.  May our eyes be open to areas of sin to put off or God's character to put on.   Hope - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Rom. 15:13).  That God would help us understand and accept he suffering and, pray for hope to patiently endure it.  Looking forward to our eternal hope.  The last FIGHT letter is Thanksgiving.  We can be thankful to God in the midst of suffering.  Thankful that it will end and we are promised an "eternal weight of glory."  Thankful that He is present with us.  Thankful for His promises.  Thankful for the strength and grace God gives us.  Thankful for how He is working in our life in the suffering.    We ended talking about the importance of contentment in life and in suffering.  
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Who is Worthy?

Zechariah was a prophet who lived around the time of the Babylonian exile.  He wrote the eleventh book of the minor prophets (Book of Zechariah).  Berekiah’s son, Zechariah, was a descendant of Levi. He began prophesying during the reign of Darius (in 520 BC).  He was born in Babylon and served as a priest as well as prophet.  Twenty years after the exiles returned from captivity, their temple still laid in ruin and many were discouraged at the thought of rebuilding.  Zechariah encouraged the Jews to rebuild through symbolic visions reminding the Israelites that God still cares, the enemies are destroyed, God will defend them, they will prosper again, God’s law will diminish wickedness, God forgives sin and removes it, and God protects and provides.  Zechariah also points to a future Messiah who will take away all iniquity and be both a Priest and a King.  He writes of the coming Day of the Lord when all will enjoy the blessings of God’s kingdom.  Our Jesus is coming soon.  He is worthy! 

“This is the central question of the book of Job:  not, Why do the righteous suffer?  but, Why do the righteous serve God? Do I love God for His gifts or for himself?  God makes it clear that Job's sufferings occur not because he is sinful but because he is righteous.”

- Gary Inrig

Prayer Prods

  1. Pete H. & Jerry M.  -  recovering from heart procedures
  2. Those plagued by long-term health struggles
  3. CCS launch / OAsis launch / fall programs at church
  4. Cancer struggles (Peggy O, Joyce N, Ron M, Patty Z)
  5. Kathie P - now recovering at home!
  6. Gerald's continued declining health
  7. Jaime's evangelism work
Weekly Prayer Prods

General Calendar