Frantic Busyness or Rest? Sherry T. Brenda S. and Wendell S. by J. Smith The summer is here. It's been busy at Olivet. The month started with Olivet's annual Homecoming celebration. The special guest speaker was our former Pastor, Wendell Stokes. He gave an encouraging message of his testimony of all the Lord has brought him through in the past year, health-wise. The music was performed by our own musicians and singers. The service was a blessing to all 128 in attendance. Since then, VBS has begun. (June 17, 24 from 5 to 7 pm). So far, Olivet has had 12 children participate in our program focusing on Galatians 5- the Fruit of the Spirit. This past Sunday, Olivet honored our fathers for Father's Day with gifts for the Dad's in our congregation and a message by Bro. Chip entitled, "Giving Your Children Wings" from Deuteronomy 32. With all these things, this month has seemed non-stop, hectic, and busy. I don't know if your June is so? In these days of smartphone news feeds, texts, phone calls, email and life - stillness seems elusive. Even when moments come to finally escape the demands and the technology, it takes effort to unwind from the frantic pace of the day. God didn't design us to be non-stop automatons (robots). He made us to serve Him joyfully and not obligatory. In working we also require resting. The Lord established a 7th day of rest when creating the 7-day work week. In Mark Jesus tells His disciples who had been busy with the crowds, "Come aside by yourselves and rest." And if we ever desire to hear our Lord's voice in reading His word, we must, like Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still and know" He is God. Jesus encouraged believers to find rest in Him in Matt 11:29 when he offers rest for our souls. In Jeremiah 31:25 the Lord says, " I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Hebrews 4:9-10 says how believers can find rest from laboring by trusting in Christ's work at the cross. We cannot earn grace, but He freely gives it for us to trust and receive. All these verses discuss rest and resting. The Lord addressed it many times through scripture must mean it is something we should take notice of. However, how many times I don't take time to slow down until I am bone-dragging weary. Then, I realize I need to stop and rest. God doesn't want His children to become burnt-out and exhausted saints, but He would have us be balanced in Him and His ways of living. There is value in our efforts, but also value in taking time to rest and pull away from the world's incessant demands. Romans 12:2 says," Do not be conformed but be ye transformed..." Don't allow the world around us to constantly dictate our time. May we as believers deliberately take time to "Be still and know" He is God (Psalm 46:10). Business Meeting @ a GlanceThe June business meeting had... Old Business: None New Business: The church council and deacons discussed the motion making it official that the former pastor's F. G and W. M. membership be terminated. The motion was discussed. The motion then to terminate membership for F. G. and W. M. passed with no opposition. Being no other business, the meeting came to an end. Announcements:July 4th - USA's 250th Birthday - Independence Day Crafting for Jesus - Ladies Craft Group meets every Tuesday at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. (except the 2nd Tues.) Ladies Morning Out - Ladies visit our Homebound Members - June 9, 10:30AM Men's Breakfast - every Tuesday at Milton's McDonald's at 8AM Church Council: July 13, 11:30 AM Deacon Meeting: July 14, 6 PM Business Meeting: July 15, 6 PM Food Pantry: July 25 Food Distribution - July 23 - Food Prep Day Prayer Needs: |
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