Weekly Update - August 18th, 2023

Hi church,

On Sunday, we begin a 3-week series “God, Sexuality, and Gender.” This subject has become perhaps the most prominent issue of our culture and a tremendous challenge to the church. The answer is not to avoid the issue or to lash out. Rather, it is vital for Christians to be biblically informed and adopt an approach that is courageous and compassionate. If parents are uncomfortable with their children listening to the sermon, we will offer childcare in the multipurpose room for children in kindergarten through 6th grade after our time of worship through song.

As a follow up to the series, we will have a workshop on Sunday, September 3rd from 6-8pm. Pastor Alex will cover the topics "Wisdom for Parents and Youth in our Culture." Gender identity and sexual identity are two forms of identity that are increasingly defining how young people view themselves and others. So how can we encourage our kids to find their identity in Christ and hold true to the gospel, while also encouraging others about the hope that is found in Christ? And furthermore, how can we as the church learn from the experiences of these younger generations to love others as Christ does?

I will cover the topic "God’s Glorious Design of Men and Women." Sadly, our culture often confuses and diminishes what it means to be a man and woman. God's design matters to our worth and identity and reveals his glory and handiwork. We will explore the unique strengths of the sexes and also how God has made us interdependent.

If you have any questions that you want answered about these challenging issues, we will try to cover them during the September 3rd workshop. You can submit the questions at the Connect Center or email myself (bryan@weemscreek.com) or Alex (alex@weemscreek.com).

MOPS

MOPS will be returning to Weems Creek this fall! The first session is Sept. 15th and will meet twice monthly on Fridays from 9:30-11:30am. In order to make this possible, we need childcare workers. If you are interested in helping with childcare or being a mentor mom, please sign up at the Connect Center. Childcare workers will be paid. For more information, contact Melissa Gardner (melissa@weemscreek.com). Registration is now open for moms who want to attend! You can register in the Church Center app or at weemscreek.com/mops.

Annual Church Picnic

Join us for our annual church picnic on Sunday, Sept. 17th at 12:30pm. Bring a blanket or chair and a dish or two to share! The church will provide all paper products and drinks. We’ll have a bounce house for the kids and outdoor games for everyone. We need volunteers to help set up, break down and man the bounce house for 30-minute time slots. If you can help, please sign up at the Connect Center.

Wellspring Walk/5K for LIFE!

Please join our church team, Weems Creek for Life, on Sat., Sept. 23! Wellspring Life Ministry is holding their annual Walk and 5K Run for Life on 9/23/23 at Mid-Atlantic Community Church (MACC) in Gambrills. Wellspring supports women and families facing crisis pregnancies by providing free medical services, counseling, and sharing the hope of the Gospel. We have organized a church team to help support this local mission. Join us to walk, run or donate! Go to www.walkandrun.org OR contact our church captain, Melissa Emert at 443-223-9245 for more details.

SonShiners Sight & Sound

The SonShiners will be going to see Moses at Sight & Sound in PA on Oct. 5. If you are interested in going, you must sign up and pay by Sept. 1. Tickets are $74. Checks can be made out to Weems Creek Church (with “Sight & Sound” written in the memo line) and placed in the offering or given to Roger or Sarina. Carpooling will be available. The signup sheet is at the Connect Center.

Prayer for Revival

All who can are invited to join us this coming Monday, 8/21 at noon as we pray for God to bring genuine revival in our church and nation. We will meet in room 112 and pray for an hour.

Looking Ahead

All Wednesday night activities will begin on Sept. 20! Awana and adult Bible studies will begin at 6:30pm. Notice the new time for Bible study. The youth will continue to meet on Wednesdays at 6pm.

See you Sunday!

Pastor Bryan