Hi, Threshold! As Jesus-followers we don't believe in mere coincidence. We believe that the God of the universe has a plan. We believe that God intervenes in life's events and truly does place certain people at the right place at the right time.
This Sunday I will be preaching about the life of Queen Esther. She might have felt like she was at the wrong place at the wrong time! Yet her cousin challenged her: "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" It turns out she had a strategic opportunity to change history. And God literally used Esther to save her people from being wiped off the face of the earth!
I encourage you to read The Story, chapter 20 (or Esther 1-9) in preparation for Sunday. As you do, keep an eye on all the ways you can see what an outsider might say are "coincidences" contributing to a happy ending. Though God's name is not mentioned once in the book of Esther, his fingerprints are all over this short story! As you're able, spend a few minutes reflecting on how God has mysteriously been involved in your life story.
See you Sunday!
Jonathan
Financial Update: May Giving: $37,478 Budget: $58,261
April Giving: $56,236
Link HERE to register children ages 4 and up.
Link HERE for volunteer information and registration.
VBS is coming up on June 19-23! You may already know that this year's theme is Babylon, Finding Courage in Captivity. We plan to surprise the children by transforming our beautiful church into the bustling city of ancient Babylon--complete with Nebuchadnezzar's palace, a marketplace, food tent, and a palace playground!
If you have, or are willing to find, any of the items below it would help make this year's VBS the best! If you can help, collection bins will be out near the Welcome Desk this Sunday and next. Please label anything that you would like returned, we will get them back to you the week after VBS.
Decorations:
* Urns, pots, baskets, blankets, rugs--any decor that has a middle eastern flair.
* Plastic or fabric flowers or greenery (The Hanging Gardens!)
* 5 oz. paper cups
* Amazon boxes
* Old tablecloths, sheets, curtains in jewel tone colors
* Stuffed animal lions Snacks needed:
* Veggie Straws (plain sea salt)
* Graham crackers
* Marshmallows - all sizes
* Cookies (no peanut or peanut butter please)
* Goldfish crackers
* Small pretzels
All of the copies of "The Story" have been given out. The book can be ordered here. This site charges $5.00 plus shipping, instead of the retail price of $19.99.
The Story Devotions
Chapter 20: “The Queen of Beauty and Courage” reveals God’s faithfulness. Click here to read more about God’s provisions, positions, protection, and perfect timing to save His people.
This is our 6th segment using the work of the Threshold Vision Team. This week we will use our Threshold Church mission statement to focus our prayer time.
“Our Mission: Bearing witness to the beauty of Christ for the glory of God and the good of the world.”
If you were talking to someone in the community about Threshold Church how would explain our “Mission” to them. Please use the imbedded verses to consider and memorize our Mission Statement.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses (Acts 1:8), to the beauty of Christ (Psalm 27:4), for the glory of God (the Father) (1 Corinthians 10:31), and the good of the world (John 3:16). Notice that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all vitally represented in this mission statement.
Let us all pray that we as Threshold Church will seek to fulfill the mission that God has given us through the empowering of the Holy Spirit. Please continue to pray for Pastor Dori and Elizabeth as they transition to Michigan. Pray for Pastor Gabe and Jan as they prepare to begin their ministry at Threshold Church.
Have a blessed week!
Prayer Team Meeting
The Prayer Team meets every Sunday from 9:00-9:30 in the nursery. They welcome anyone who is interested in joining them in a time of prayer for Threshold.
