July Issue
Last month we learned about God as our Jehovah Jireh. We got to spend time with two prophets and see the amazing miracles of provision that they performed to help those around them. We heard Jesus’ own message about how we can trust Him, for He cares for us. Finally, we learned that God wants to use us to be a blessing for others. God calls on us to look out for others and to help where we can. In this He is glorified, and the Kingdom is expanded.
This month we are discovering compassion. Our power verse for the month is Colossians 3:12 “As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient.” GW
What is compassion and how can we demonstrate it to others? God is always faithful and always kind. He has given us heroes of compassion to look to as role models so that we can demonstrate the kind of love toward others that honors God.
Our first heroes of compassion are Ruth and Boaz. Both of these humble, soft-hearted people showed true love and concern for the people in their care. Next, we follow Jesus to the countryside for a spectacular meal all made from five loaves of bread and two fish. We sit at His feet at He tells us the story of the Good Samaritan and we answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?” We see Jesus healing many people; people that the rest of the world had left behind. We see his ultimate act of compassion and mercy on the cross doing for us what we could never achieve on our own.
We will also meet a man named Joseph who, though he was horribly mistreated by his brothers, shows compassion and mercy when it was in his power to punish. Through all these stories in the Bible we see the Father’s heart for His people.
“As holy people whom God has chosen and loved, be sympathetic, kind, humble, gentle, and patient.” Colossians 3:12 GW
Telling Stories
TELLING STORIES
Do you have something uplifting you feel like you should share with others? Has God done something in your life, and you just have to tell someone? Your story could be featured in the next newsletter.
If God has given you something and you would like to encourage others with it, please send your submission to children@fccbristol.net. Together we can share God’s heart and build each other up as His body of believers.
God is always speaking to us. Sometimes it’s personal, but many times God wants to use us as His voice of hope for others. In Philippians 2:1-2, Paul says, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” Sometimes this can be achieved simply by sharing a testimony of God’s goodness, a reminder for others who may need it.
If God has given you something and you would like to encourage others with it, please send your submission to children@fccbristol.net. Together we can share God’s heart and build each other up as His body of believers.
Here’s What’s Happening
It’s almost here!! VBS is happening this month on July 8 from 9:30am-5:00pm. Forgot to register? You can do it now simply by CLICKING HERE!
Want to know more of what to expect? Watch our promotional video on YouTube.
Looking for something fun and FREE to do with the kids this summer! The last of the LoveFM Summer Concert Series is happening on Thursday July 27th with Unspoken. The concert will be held at Highlands Fellowship in Bristol, VA. Music starts at 6pm.
Diana Eads
Meet The Teacher
I was born in Richlands and moved around a lot as a child because my Dad was in the Navy. I got saved at a very young age, rededicated my heart a few years later, and was Baptized in Cedar Bluff, VA a few years after that. My Dad retired and we moved back to Richlands. I married my high school sweetheart, and we have a beautiful son and daughter. We moved to Bristol about 30 years ago. We now have 3 wonderful grandchildren and are loving every minute of watching them grow up. We got to see two of our grandchildren Baptized in June of this year and it was so amazing. God is so good.
I have been attending FCC for about 9 years. It’s hard to believe it has been that long. The first time I came to this church was to attend a baby shower. Someone at the shower asked if I would like to see the sanctuary. I did. I felt the Holy Spirit there and it was otherwise empty, no people or service being held. A few weeks later we came to church. It was obvious that the Holy Spirit was and is here. The people were so friendly, and we felt right at home and knew this is where the Lord wanted us. I’m so thankful for our church family and the love that is shown by everyone.
Not too long afterwards I was asked to help in the nursery and have been serving in the nursery ever since. I love kids of all ages and have for all my life. It has been very rewarding to see the children as babies and watch as they grow up and blossom in our church.
