| This weeks readings and question of the week:
Take time to mediate on God’s word and prepare for worship this Sunday. And as you meditate on them, consider the Question of the week: How often do I pray to God for the grace to hear God’s call and respond to it in my own daily life? How can I depend more upon God?
Amos 7: 12-15
Psalm 85: 8-13
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:7-13
Amos7: 14-15
Then Amos answered Amaziah, “I am no prophet, nor a prophet’s son; but I am a herdsman, and a dresser of sycamore trees, and the LORD took me from following the flock, and the LORD said to me, `Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'”
We see that God used Amos as a sheepbreeder and a tender of sycamore fruit. With so many allusions and illustrations from the world of agriculture, Amos spoke as a farmer and God used it.
Charles Spurgeon said: “Every prophet has a manner and style peculiarly his own. Although God speaketh through them all, yet they lose not their individuality or originality of character. The breath which causes the music is the same, but no two of the instruments give forth precisely the same sound. It is true they all utter the words of God; but each voice has its own special cry, so that though God is pre-eminently seen, yet the man is not lost.”
So God can use each of us – with out own talents, gifts, places in life. We just have to be open to his call and heed it. I love music – but I will never be able to play an instrument or sing a solo (without a miracle)….but I use the gifts God gives me both in the church and with life. Are you open to being used by God? What can you do for his kingdom at All Souls? In your Family? In Reading? At your job? Pray to be open to his word and leading! Who knows what hidden gifts you have for God!
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PRAYER SHEETS
We are a family of faith that believes in the power of prayer. We pray for each other; concerns of our friends and families; and we lay the issues of the world at God’s Feet.
To help us do this more efficiently – the weekly prayer request list will now be an insert in the bulletin. You are always welcome to take the entire bulletin home to re-read the scriptures or reflect on other parts of the service. However, if you don’t want to take the whole bulletin home – you can now very easily remove the prayer request insert and take it with you. You can even write down any new prayer requests that are lifted up during the service. Of course if you can’t make the service or you are one of our family or supporters that have moved away, you can always click on the “Prayer Request List” in the left column of the “Good News” each week to download and print out.
Please be encouraged and know that you do have prayer warriors on your side – lifting up praises of gratitude that are shared, but also praying for the sick, the weary, and those who have died. We encourage you to seek a closer walk with God and pray daily! |
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NO SERVICE – July 19
Due to the overwhelming number of parishioners who are involved in many areas of Reading Pride next week; All Souls will not have Sunday service onSunday, July 19.
Please take the time to worship in your own way or other believers as you are able.
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Interfaith Service
July 11 – 7:00 pm
The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Berks County, 416 Franklin Street, Reading
PRIDE FESTIVAL
July 19
12 – 6 pm
All Souls will have an information booth and a children’s activity booth. If you signed up to help – THANK YOU! If you didn’t sign up yet, but can help out – even for just an hour to give others a break, please emailAllSoulsECC@gmail.com
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UPDATE YOUR INFO!
We always want to be sure your information is up to date. If you have moved, changes phone numbers, or use a new email address – let us know! We have “contact information” sheets printed out in the Heritage Room during coffee hours, just cross out any old info, and put in the new info. Or email any changes toallsoulsecc@gmail.com. We are preparing new directories for this fall, so be sure to do this as soon as possible.
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NORTH WEST MINISTERIUM
All Souls is part of the North West Ministerium; here are some local churches looking for help:
Hope Lutheran has a community meal and worship service every Tuesday from 5:30-6:30 Just show up – it is that easy.
Path of Holiness is collecting children’s clothing to send to El Salvador – there has been some devastation there recently and there is great need.
Have kids?: Hope Lutheran and Christ (Glenside) are having Vacation Bible School the first week of August – one is hosting in the morning, the other in the evening. Call them for more details.
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