 July 2021
Monument Family,
Happy 4 th of July! Summer is in full swing and this month begins with the annual celebration of our national freedom. What a blessing to live in this great country! We rejoice that we are also citizens of Jesus’ Kingdom, and each day is a new opportunity to celebrate the spiritual freedom that we have in and through Him. Consider this profound and powerful exhortation about the use of the glorious freedom we have in Jesus— “you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, but through love serve one another”(Galatians 5:13)—Jesus has set us free from the power of sin and the peril of death. May we be a church that uses the freedom we have through Jesus to serve one another in love, rather than indulging our own fleshly desires. Ask God to give you daily opportunities in the coming month to serve others by the power of His Spirit.
- Summer Sermon Series - This month we kick off a new summer sermon series in the Psalms entitled “Songs for our Sojourn.” Each week we’ll dig into a selected Psalm in order to discover more about God and deepen our worship of Him during our sojourn in this world. I’d like to thank Russ Garrett and Pastor Jake who will be a part of the preaching team during this series.
- Connection Café (This Sunday at 9:30 a.m.) – Last month we kicked off a new fellowship time called “Connection Café” and it was a huge win for our church family. I’d like to give a special shout out to the Erny & Connie Bussinger for their leadership and for everyone who is preparing food for this special time of connection. I’d also like to invite you to our second Connection Café this Sunday (July 4th).
I’m really excited about another month of gospel-centered ministry and the work that God is going to do in and through us. Please take a few minutes to read this month’s newsletter. I’m so grateful for you and your partnership in ministry as we strive to fulfill our mission of developing dedicated followers of Jesus Christ who worship, grow, love, and share all for the glory of God. I love you and I’m praying for you. Keep serving Him well!
In Christ,
Pastor Jeff |
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On the first Sunday in July, join us for CONNECTION CAFE...a casual morning of food, fellowship, and connection. Then, stay for worship at 10:45 a.m. Visitors are always welcome!!
When: SUNDAY, July 4th, 9:30 a.m.
What: Coffee Bar, Juice & Breakfast Items    
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Upcoming Baptism - Are you ready to be baptized?
Baptism is a public declaration of one’s faith in Jesus and new life in Him. Are you a believer in Jesus who desires to be baptized? This year we will again include lake baptisms as part of our "Faith and Family Day" on Sunday, August 29th. Baptism packets are available in the church office. Please return by Wednesday, August 18th. If you have any questions, please visit with Pastor Jeff. His number is 641.745.0712.
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Have you attended GriefShare in the past or are considering joining in the future? If so, you are invited to GriefShare Gathering! Every 4th Sunday this summer, we come together for a meal, as well as connection, support, enjoyment and spiritual encouragement. Feel free to bring along someone you know who has experienced loss and needs to be part of our GriefShare community. Our next GriefShare gathering is Sunday, July 25th, 1:00 p.m. at Monument Bible Church. Please bring a side dish or salad to share. Meat and drinks provided. See you there!
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Men's Golf
Sunday, July 11th, 3:00 p.m.
Gering Monument Shadows“Fore!” Men, it’s time to hit the links for another round of golf. Golfers of every experience level are invited to play as we will divide up teams based on how many guys show up. If you have any questions, call Pastor Jeff at (641)-745-0712.
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Come serve with us!
Now with the transition back to the sanctuary, we are so excited to launch our new search for anyone interested in the Music/Media ministry teams here at Monument! Training will be provided. If you are willing to serve on the praise team or media team, please contact Perry at 308.631.3838.
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Guys Backpacking Trip
Thurs-Sun, July 29-Aug 1
Medicine Bow National ForestReady for adventure? Men and boys (ages 5-17, accompanied by parent or guardian) are invited with us to the mountains for a few days of outdoor hiking and camping. Contact Kevin Kaufman (308) 631-3564 or Mike Clement (308) 631-8665 for more information, as well as gear and supply requirements.
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PAINTBALL WARS!!!
Wed., July 7th
6:30-9:00 p.m.
(Note earlier start time)
7 th-12 th Graders are invited to battle it out on Clement’s paintball course located at 1061 Rundell Rd, Gering. Bring eye protection and wear some padded clothing (or not!) Plus burgers and hot dogs on the grill. We hope to see you there!
IGNITE LIFE GROUPWed. July 14th, 21st, 28th
7:30 -9:00 p.m. in the Loft
Students entering 7th-12th
We are exploring our LIFE as followers of Jesus and our LIFE together as a youth group! Each of our nights together focuses on a different aspect of being a dedicated follower of Christ and encourages and equips students in their walk with Christ. Students, you are important! Come join us!
IGNITE SUNDAY MORNINGS!
9:30-10:30 a.m.
(except 1st Sundays)
7th-12th graders are invited to join Pastor Jake in the loft this summer on Sunday mornings! He helping equip students in areas such as bible study methods, evangelism & doctrine. Students, we hope you will consider being a part of this special and important time to grow as a follower of Jesus.
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Bible Fellowship Classes
Join anytime!
9:30-10:30 a.m.
"I AM N" (Room 106)
This compelling study from Voice of the Martyrs challenges us to examine our own lives in light of the stories of persecuted Christians. Themes of forgiveness, sacrifice, faithfulness, joy, perseverance, and courage are explored through these powerful stories and will give you hope in a God whose love shines no matter what darkness you face.
Cultivating Your Heart for Children's Ministry
(Library - Room 104)
Have you served, or are you interested in serving, in our Children's ministry? (AWANA, Children's Church, Sunday School, VBS) Get ready to be refreshed and encouraged by being part of this special group on Sunday Mornings. We know ministering to our kiddos can be so rewarding, yet challenging, as well. Our time together is designed to deepen our affection for this important ministry, and also refresh our hearts through connection with one another. Come ready for a time of devotion, learning, and sharing of experiences. Plus, we'll have food each week, too! :)
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Each month we highlight missionaries that Monument supports. Please take some time to learn more about them! An encouraging email, phone call, or letter would surely be appreciated, too!
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Caleb and Jennifer Palmer
Caleb and Jennifer Palmer and their five children made a big move this past year. In November of 2020 they made the journey from Buttermilk, Kansas, to their new Village Missions field in Igo, California. Since they moved, Baby Ketura arrived safe and sound (answered prayer) and was welcomed by Gabriel who will be a senior next year, Joseph a sophomore, Joseph in sixth grade, Abigal a third grader, and preschooler Esther.
Their first week in California they could not hold services due to COVID regulations. However, Caleb was not to be denied preaching to his new congregation. For the next three Sundays he set up drive-in services through an FM frequency. Since that time the church has held regular services.
The Palmers are grateful for new families attending church and are getting to know the area. Two special opportunities to serve the community were when Tim and Gwen Griffiths and another member of the Village Missions Stewardship Department brought food donations to add to area donations. They were able to distribute 52 large boxes of food to area families affected by the 2020 summer fires. Caleb and Jennifer were also able to help in giving out 100 handmade quilts to those in need. The community center was lost in the fires. The church fellowship hall has become the community center which gives new opportunities to serve.
Caleb says, “Monument has had a special place in our hearts since I first began attending while at Frontier School of the Bible 18 years ago. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts for all of your prayers and financial support. It has been a blessing to us.”
Pray for Caleb and Jennifer as they minister to this area which is still struggling to recover from the loss of over 60 homes many that are not able to be rebuilt yet; pray for the safety of the Palmer family and their health; pray for new families that are coming and new outreach.
A note of encouragement can be sent to them at PO Box 127, Igo, CA 96407 or they can be e-mailed at Calebjenn4@gmail.com or Calebjenn4@yahoo.com
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