Sharing with Steve
Summer is almost here in Michigan. It has seemed to take a long time getting here this year. We did not have as much snow as last year, but it was sure cold. And it stayed cold. It was the first of May before we saw signs of Spring being revealed in the first flowers and the blooming of the Bradford Pear trees. Finally warmer days are exceeding colder days.
It is always good to see the new life being revealed and the joy that it brings. New life has been revealed in several ways here at Meadowbrook. There is the obvious new life in nature. At the end of each week I hear the sound of lawn mowers and trimmers. Our lawn mowing teams are hard at it. Several of our ladies work on our flowers, which helps with the color. We appreciate all the work that is done to keep our grounds looking nice.
New life has also been revealed in several births. We rejoice with Jaysun and Traci Thomas in the birth of Marion. We rejoice with Jeremy and Brandy Cox in the birth of Sylis. On a personal note Meadowbrook has rejoiced with my family as Greg and Abigail Moyers just welcomed Eden Rei to their household. (That is our first grand-daughter.)
New life has also come in spiritual ways. Recently Sandra Krugh was immersed into Jesus Christ. What a day of celebration that was. We continue to have people who are interested in experiencing more of the new life that Jesus affords. They are already Christians, but want to grow to a greater maturity in Jesus Christ. It is a joy to work and serve with such people. Always remember that the new life in Christ never gets old. If it seems to, it is my fault and not the Lord’s. He makes things “new every morning.” He will not disappoint.
So, enjoy the new life, both in the beauty of a Michigan summer and in the secure knowledge that Jesus has freed us to live our lives to the fullest.
There will be a baby shower for Stephanie Ciuba on Sunday, June 14, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the home of Brenda Cox. Please RSVP by sending an e-mail to Brenda Cox (bcox66@att.net) or Tabitha Martin (fabchicatab@yahoo.com). Please see Brenda or Tabitha for more information.
JUNE LAWN MOWING
We’ve had rain. The sprinkler system is up and working. That can mean only one thing: it is lawn mowing season. Our men have been divided into teams. We appreciate our Lawn Maintenance Technicians and all the work that they do. Each week a different team mows and trims. For the week of May 31 it is the Green Team. For the week of June 7 it is the Orange Team. For the week of June 14 it is the Red Team. For the week of June 21 it is the Blue Team. For the Week of June 28 it is the Green Team. Thanks for keeping the lawn looking good.
Kids Are Looking Forward to Summer Camp
This is our second year of attending this camp outside of Angola, IN. This year we have eight of our youth attending camp. We have youth going to High School Camp, Junior High Camp, Pre-Teen Camp, and First Chance Camp. Steve will be serving at the Pre-Teen 2 Camp in July. Please be keeping our youth in your prayers as they travel and participate at the camp. For one week our youth will be immersed in an atmosphere of teaching, worship, fellowship, and fun.
Teens will be attending CIY MOVE
Steve Martin and Lynn Ross will be taking four of our teen youth to CIY Move at Cedarville University in Cedarville, OH. The dates are June 14-18. There will be over 1000 youth and sponsors attending. There is great worship, great teaching, times of devotion and reflection, youth group time, and time for recreation. Please be keeping this week in your prayers.
We would like to congratulate Nick Kapusta and Emma Cox who are both graduating from high school this year. Nick is planning on attending Grand Valley State University and Emma is planning on attending Johnson University. We have seen these young people grow up before us. Our prayers go with them as they complete this part of their life’s journey and begin the next part.
Our annual church picnic will be Sunday, June 28, following the morning service at the Auburn Hills Civic Center Park located behind the Auburn Hills city buildings on Squirrel Rd. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the foyer that lets us know how many people will attend and lets you know what you need to bring. Joe and Mimi Romaella are in charge of the planning this year so see them for more information and to find out ways that you can help. This is a fun event and we look forward to seeing everyone there.
Dan Bright – June 5
Jason & Debbie Stallings (Ann.) – June 9
Jerry & Wanda Douma (Ann.) – June 12
Ron & Ruth Lindhagen (Ann.) – June 14
Matthew Zaremba – June 18
Ron & Marian Murphy (Ann.) – June 20
Sue Rose – June 20
Dick Tenniswood – June 22
Randy & Jerri Gilbert (Ann.) – June 25
Pat Sipe – June 25
FROM THE PEW – Learning from Troubles
I know, O’ Lord, that your regulations are fair; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Psalm 119:75 NLT
We know living for God is the best way to live, but what happens when that life doesn’t appear to be the best. What happens when we face trials and troubles instead of great joy and peace? Last month, we looked at how we can grow in the Lord through our mistakes. This month let’s discuss how we can grow through difficulties in our lives. I don’t know about you, but most of my growth as a Christian has come through difficult situations such as illness, hardships, or danger. Each time I was in one of these situations I called upon the Lord for help, and each time He answered me and delivered me. Each time that He delivered me, my faith grew stronger. I believe the Lord allows us to experience difficulties so we learn to depend on Him instead of trying to do things our way. We learn to trust Him and thus grow closer to Him. In Psalms, David experienced this concept over and over. David experienced many trials in his life, some of his own making. However, each time he called on the Lord and put his faith and trust in the Lord to see him through. When the Lord saved him, David rejoiced and praised God and grew closer to God. Let us also look at the trials we face as an opportunity to grow closer to God. Turn to Him and surrender your troubles to Him. Trust in Him and allow His unfailing love to comfort you. We can then be like David and praise God for his faithfulness and grow closer to Him. – Art Drake
