A FOLLOW UP OPPORTUNITY FOR ST. JOHN’S AND OUR COMMUNITY JUDITH MACNUTT, AUTHOR OF TWO BOOKS ON ANGELS WAS WITH US SAT. FEB 23, 2019: LISTEN LOVE & PRAY

Spirit Alive
Very Alive with Activities in 2019!!

Angels by Billy Graham

Hosted by
Spirit Alive

A FOLLOW UP OPPORTUNITY FOR ST. JOHN’S
AND OUR COMMUNITY
JUDITH MACNUTT, AUTHOR OF TWO BOOKS ON ANGELS
WAS WITH US SAT. FEB 23, 2019: LISTEN LOVE & PRAY

Nearly 20 gathered in our lovely book filled library to discuss Angels. It began with a U Tube video of Billy Graham speaking. The size of those attending his crusades or gatherings was definitely inspiring, moving and encouraging.

Both God’s present realm of angels and the fallen angels where discussed at length. Although Lucifer (Satan, the devil, evil spirit etc.) is ever present in our world and is at the foot of our battle, Jesus has won the war and God has disclosed his mostly unseen protection – his angels. The Bible has much for us to learn about his ministering angels in our lives today: the description of angels, the levels of angels, their purpose and responsibilities.

“Somehow it has always been easier for people to believe in demons than the brighter side of the unseen world – the world of God’s protecting angels. Yet, Angels have a much more important place in the Bible than the devil and his demons,” says Billy Graham.

Key points he makes are:

• God’s invisible hosts are better organized than any of the armies of man or Satan.
• Angels “think, feel, will, and display emotions.”
• They are “ministering servants” who can appear or remain invisible as they perform the tasks that God assigns them.
• Angels aren’t all ‘sweetness and light’ – they are also God’s agents of judgment on the disobedient.
• Angels guide, comfort and provide for the people of God in the midst of suffering and persecution.

The Bible teaches us that a host of angels are always ready at God’s call – WE ARE NOT ALONE.
A drawing was held for the book Angels by Jack Graham (no relation) which is a very worthwhile read.

Katy and Don Esterline

Our Monday morning money counters shared with us that many members and guests diligently complete the white offering envelopes in the pews each Sunday with their names and addresses. If you give regularly, we can make this much easier for you!

Simply pick up a box of offering envelopes in the Narthex, and write your name and the box number on the sign-up sheet

Use these envelopes during the course of the year, and we will mark our records to associate the envelope number with your name.

This will make identifying your pledge much easier for you, for our money counters, and for our accountant.

The use of the envelopes does not require a pledge, but please consider this opportunity to become a pledging member of the congregation.

Blessings,

Bob Matthews

Summer will soon be here. Some will head up north. Some will take a vacation or two to see new sights or connect with distant family. But many of us will spend most of the summer right here in beautiful Naples–enjoying less traffic, terrific restaurant deals, and the same great opportunities to worship, fellowship and serve at St. John’s.

We traditionally offer adult co-ed classes throughout the summer. [You’ll want to watch for announcements about this summer’s exciting offerings!]

BUT in recent years, our children’s Sunday School has taken the whole summer off. This has meant parents bring their young children to church where they can be distracted from their own reverent worship by squirming toddlers and preschoolers. It also has meant that children miss out on age-appropriate lessons and experience a lapse in their continuing Christian education.

This summer, we hope to offer uninterrupted Sunday School to our children and their parents. BUT, of course to do so, we will need a committed corps of teachers and aides. We have been blessed with several new teachers and aides in recent months. We thank God for His faithful provision and trust Him to provide in the days ahead.

Summer days can be lazy or re-invigorating. Be thinking and praying about how you can help make this summer a refreshing, enriching and stimulating time for growing our faith and that of our children.

Donna Beecher