Greetings Everyone
This summer our theme in worship is “Spiritual Truths in the Code of the West.” This coming Sunday’s theme I selected because it is the Sunday prior to Independence Day. The theme is “Some Things aren’t for Sale.”
One of my favorite musicals (and movie) is “Damn Yankees” based on the 1954 novel, The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant. A long suffering Washington Senator’s fan would do anything for his Senator’s to defeat the Yankees. Eventually he sold his soul to the devil so he could become a slugger for his team. Fortunately, he put in his contract an escape clause which he eventually used minutes before he would have lost his soul forever. He had to come to understand that some things aren’t for sale no matter how committed to your team you may be.
How strange this seems in our day and age. Or does it? A few months ago there were many professional golfers who had refused to join the LIV golf circuit sponsored by money from a security fund for Saudi Arabia royal family. They believed that the new league was an attempt to receive acceptability from the world instead of accountability for their atrocious human rights violations. They had lured some of the biggest names in golf to join them by giving them exorbitant amounts of money. The PGA purists saw those who joined LIV as selling their souls for profit.
A few weeks back, out of the blue, the PGA settled with LIV without an open discussion with their players. It seems that the money needed for legal fees was overwhelming. Unless our government voids the deal it would appear that professional golf is for sale. Interesting. I am reminded of the words of wisdom from the Apostle Paul to his young protégé Timothy,
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. 1 Timothy 6:10 (NRSV)
In our age of greed determines success, it is so easy to “sell out.” It is the easy way. Certainly this was what Satan was attempting to get Jesus to do during his temptation (Matthew 4 and Luke 4). ‘Just fall down and worship me and I will give you all the kingdoms of this world.’ ‘Don’t do your Father’s will. Don’t go to the cross. I have an easier way…if you will sell your soul to the devil,’ if you will sell out. Jesus responded by saying, “There are some things that aren’t for sale.”
Ultimately, the temptation to sell out is the opportunity to define that which is of greatest value in our lives. For Jesus it was doing his father’s will (remember the Garden of Gethsemane…not my will but thine be done?). God’s will is not for sale.
What in your life “is not for sale?” How do you define it, protect it, cherish it, share it, and celebrate it in your life?
Happy Trails to you,
Pastor Paul
News & Events
Monday, July 3rd
No Choir Practice
Tuesday, July 4th:
Happy 4th Of July!
No Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast
Wednesday, July 5th:
10:00 a.m. “Because You Asked…” Bible Study. Have Questions?
Bring them to Wednesday’s Bible Study to discuss with Pastor Paul.
Your questions determine the topic
Check out the Events Calendar for more upcoming events.
Church Community Garden!
Jesse Fraser and Karen Rosenburg have come up with a new, exciting idea for the corner flower bed. We’re calling it, A Church Community Garden. In other words, everyone please bring something to share and Jesse will plant it for you. We are looking for perennials or annuals, as long as they do not require full shade. They do not have to be a flower either. They can be herbs, ground cover, a strawberry plant, etc. Use your imagination! 🌸🌼🌺 If you have questions contact Jesse Fraser or me, Karen Rosenberg (406-250-0232). Before you bring it, pray over your plant that it will be protected from the deer!
Thank You,
Jesse & Karen
Church Community Garden!
Jesse Fraser and Karen Rosenburg have come up with a new, exciting idea for the corner flower bed. We’re calling it, A Church Community Garden. In other words, everyone please bring something to share and Jesse will plant it for you. We are looking for perennials or annuals, as long as they do not require full shade. They do not have to be a flower either. They can be herbs, ground cover, a strawberry plant, etc. Use your imagination! 🌸🌼🌺 If you have questions contact Jesse Fraser or me, Karen Rosenberg (406-250-0232). Before you bring it, pray over your plant that it will be protected from the deer!
Thank You,
Jesse & Karen
Nursery Attendants Needed!
We are looking for a handful of volunteers willing to be on call as a Nursery Attendant for Sunday Worship services. Please contact Nichole or Lisa, in the church office, if you would like to be put on the list.
Movie Outing!
Sunday, July 9th
A movie outing has been planned for Sunday, July 9th, 4:30 p.m. showtime. If you would like to join some folks from the congregation to watch
Sound Of Freedom
please meet at Regal Cinema at 4:15 p.m.
For more information contact Lisa Nelson
Youth Outing!
Thursday July 20th
Columbia Falls Waterpark. Paul had so much fun last summer that he wants to go back! We are planning to go Thursday, July 20th. The park opens at 11:00. We’ll meet at the park around 10:45 a.m. Please pack a picnic lunch. We will provide drinks and fruit for everyone. If you don’t want to attend and your child needs a ride, please let Lisa Nelson know and we can arrange carpooling
Food Bank Cereal Drive
We will be holding a cereal box drive for the North Valley Food bank this summer. Please bring a box of cereal to Sunday worship services or drop your donated cereal off in the church office Tues-Fri, 9-1 p.m.
Thank you for your donations!
